Applies to:

Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows 7

Details

Product:	Windows Operating System
Event ID:	18
Source:	Microsoft-Windows-WHEA-Logger
Version:	6.1
Symbolic Name:	Boot Performance Monitoring
Message:	A fatal hardware error has occurred. Reported by component: Processor Core Error Source: Machine Check Exception Error Type: Unknown Error Processor ID: 1 The details view of this entry contains further information.

 

Explanation

This error indicates that there is a hardware problem.   A machine check exception indicates a  computer hardware error that occurs when a computer's central processing unit detects a hardware problem.    

Note:  WHEA stands for Windows Hardware Error Architecture.  

Some of the main hardware problems which cause machine check exceptions  include:

• System bus errors (error communicating between the processor and the motherboard) 
• Memory errors that may include parity and error correction code (ECC) problems.   Error checking ensures that data is stored correctly in the RAM; if information is corrupted, then random errors occur.
• Cache errors in the processor; the cache stores important data and code. If this is corrupted, errors often occur.
• Poor voltage regulation (i.e. power supply problem, voltage regulator malfunction, capacitor degradation)
• Damage due to power spikes
• Static damage to the motherboard 
• Incorrect processor voltage setting in the BIOS (too low or too high)
• Overclocking
• Permanent motherboard or power supply damage caused by prior overclocking
• Excessive temperature caused by insufficient airflow (possibly caused by fan failure or blockage of air inlet/outlet)
• Improper BIOS initialization (the BIOS configuring the motherboard or CPU incorrectly)
• Installation of a processor that is too much for your motherboard to handle (excessive power requirement, incompatibility)
• Defective hardware that may be drawing excessive power or otherwise disrupting proper voltage regulation

User Action

• Update the BIOS and the drivers for the motherboard chipset.   
• Update all the hardware drivers, if updates are available from your manufacturer. 
• Check the temperature inside the computer to make sure your processor and related peripherals are not overheating.
• Check the fan on your CPU to make sure it is properly attached to the CPU.
• If you have overclocked your CPU,  reset your settings to the default settings. 
• Make sure you power supply fan is working correctly

Related Information

WHEA Design Guide
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff559288(v=vs.85).aspx

WHEA -  Windows Hardware Error Architecture Overview
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/hardware/gg463286