How to fix “The system detected an overrun of a stack-based buffer in this application” error

What is “The system detected an overrun of a stack-based buffer in this application” error

The system detected an overrun of a stack-based buffer in this application is an error that occurs when a program writes more data to a buffer located on the stack than what is actually allocated for that buffer. This is a type of bug known as a stack-based buffer overrun or stack-based buffer overflow. This error is a general programming malfunction and can result in corruption of adjacent data on the stack. In cases where the overflow was triggered by mistake, it can often cause the program to crash or operate incorrectly.

Why This Error Appears?

There are several reasons why this error might appear:

• Programming Bug: The error is most commonly the result of a programming bug. Endless loops from applications pointed to the buffer can easily overflow from it.
• Corrupt System Files: Some of your system files might be broken, leading to this issue.
• Misconfigured Registry: Incorrect settings in your system’s registry can also cause this error.
• Virus and Malware: The activities of malware can lead to this issue. You need to perform a virus scan in safe mode to fix this.
• Buffer Overflow Attacks: A stack buffer overflow can be caused deliberately as part of an attack known as stack smashing. If the affected program is running with special privileges, or accepts data from untrusted network hosts (e.g., a webserver), then the bug is a potential security vulnerability.

Fix “The system detected an overrun of a stack-based buffer in this application” error manually

1. Scan for malware

The reason for “The system detected an overrun of a stack-based buffer in this application” error could lurk in malware. Malicious or unwanted programs are known to cause various damage or configuration clutter inside the system. This is why it is worth running a thorough scan to make sure it is not the actual case. You can use the default Windows Defender or try to install a more advanced antivirus developed by Malwarebytes – a trusted and talented group of experts constantly updating their software to fight off both local and global threats. You can download it now using the link below and get a 14-day trial of the ultimate antimalware experience completely for free. It is available for Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, and 7.

Malwarebytes main window

Malwarebytes settings

Malwarebytes scan results

2. Check integrity of system files

Damaged or missing file components can play a bad joke on the functionality of your system. It is impossible to know whether it is the case without scanning your system for such a scarcity. Thus, use these steps below to perform two different scans able to find and restore absent components, if any will be eventually found. Makes sure to use both of them in the sequence below as they might have a different impact on the solution.

SFC

1. Open Command Prompt by typing cmd into the searching box next to the Start Menu button.
2. Right-click on Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
3. Once the console is opened, type the sfc /scannow command and click Enter.
4. When the fixing process is done, restart your computer.

DISM

1. Open Command Prompt as we did in the previous step.
2. Copy and paste this command DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth.
3. Click Enter and wait until Windows ends the scanning and fixing.
4. Once done, restart your PC and install the update again.

While executing all of these commands in Command Prompt, Windows will let you know if some has been restored. If yes, then the problem may just have been solved.

3. Run a Clean Bootup

Sometimes it may be hard to identify what exact third-party software causes the issue. Those who are unsure what program could be the culprit can enter Clean Boot mode. This mode allows users to load their system only with in-built services and applications in order to prevent incompatibility issues. As a result, this will let you know whether the issue actually related to third-party software or not. If you already suspect some third-party application (other than your antivirus), maybe the one you recently installed, to be part of the issue, try to disable or remove it completely. Otherwise, follow the steps to enter Clean Boot mode:

1. Press Windows key + R combination and paste msconfig.
2. Then in the opened window, go to the Services tab located on top.
3. Check the box next to Hide All Microsoft Services and click on the Disable all button.
4. Now choose the General tab and select the Selective startup option. Make sure that Load System Services and Load startup items are two only options selected.
5. Click Apply and OK. Then reboot your PC.

Now you can try to update your system whilst being in Clean Boot mode. No matter whether you managed or failed to succeed in what you wanted, you should turn Windows back to Normal Startup settings. To do this, simply redo all the steps you implemented above by enabling the disabled services and changing your startup option from Selective to Normal.

4. Use System Restore Point

If you are sure all the solutions above were performed correctly and still did not give you any positive result, then System Restore may be a thing to help you. If the problem with “The system detected an overrun of a stack-based buffer in this application” error did not exist before, you can try to find the restore point when the error was not present. Check if such point is available roll your system back to exactly that point using these steps:

1. Open Control Panel as we did in the steps above.
2. Set View by to Large icons and choose Recovery. You can also find it using the search box.
3. Click Open System Restore and select Next.
4. Choose a restore point you want to you from the list and click Scan for affected programs to see what programs will be deleted upon restoration. If there are no Restore points visible, try to choose Show more restore points.
5. Click Next again and Finish to finalize the process and let Windows restore your system from the selected backup.
6. We hope this finally helped you forget about this annoying issue.

5. Run Startup Repair

This option is a bit easier since it does not involve entering commands as we did above. The procedure is done from the same Windows Setup window we used in the previous steps. Here is what you should do:

1. Boot to the Windows Setup window again and choose Repair your computer as we did above.
2. Then, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options and select Startup Repair.
3. Select your operating system and wait until Windows 11 finishes the diagnosis and fixing of errors respectively.

6. Restore Boot Configuration and Check disks for errors

In this case, we will need to rebuild the Boot Configuration and scan the local disk for errors. This may potentially work out if disk or Bootup settings were either corrupted or malfunctioned in some way. To do this, we will have to enter the Windows Recovery Environment. Before that, you will need to create Windows 10 Installation media or Bootable USB on other PC. You can do this by using Media Creation Tool. Once done, plug it into your PC and make a reboot. Thereafter, skip the first screen and choose Repair your computer at the bottom. Then, do the following steps:

1. On the appeared screen, go to Troubleshoot & Advanced options.
2. Then click on the Command Prompt.
3. Once the console is opened, type these commands one-by-one by pressing Enter after each.


bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /rebuildbcd
bcdboot c:\windows /s c:
chkdsk c: /f


4. Once done, close the Command Prompt and reboot your PC.

Hopefully, this will solve the “The system detected an overrun of a stack-based buffer in this application” error problem.

7. Backup and reinstall of Windows 10/11

Backing up

Before reinstalling Windows, it’s crucial to back up your data to prevent any loss. Here are the steps to back up your data:

1. Backup Personal Data: Backup personal data such as IDs, login passwords, settings, and accounting data files. This will ensure that all of the necessary information is preserved and can be easily restored after the reinstallation is complete.
2. Backup Programs, Drivers, and Files: Use a specialized backup utility like AOMEI Backupper to backup programs, drivers, and files. You can choose to backup to an external hard drive or a network location according to your situation.
3. Use Windows Backup: Windows Backup is a one-stop backup solution that comes with your Windows PC. It can help you back up many of the things that are most important to you, from your files, themes, and some settings to many of your installed apps and Wi-Fi information.

Reinstalling Windows 10

After creating the installation media, you can use it to perform a clean install of Windows 10. This process will remove all your personal files, apps, and drivers you installed, apps and customizations from your PC manufacturer, and changes you made in Settings. Here are the steps to perform a clean install using Windows Installation Media:

1. Boot from Install Media: Start your computer and boot from the installation media (DVD or USB thumb drive).
2. Start Windows 10 Setup: Open File Explorer and select the drive with the installation media. From the root directory of the drive, double-click setup.exe to start Windows 10 setup.
3. Follow the On-Screen Instructions: Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 10. This will include accepting the license terms and choosing the type of installation (Custom is recommended for a clean install).
4. Choose Where to Install Windows: When asked where you want to install Windows, you’ll see a list of any partitions that are currently on your hard drive. Choose the partition where you want to install Windows 10.
5. Complete the Installation: Follow the rest of the prompts to complete the installation. Your computer will restart several times during the installation process.

Remember to back up any important data before performing a clean install as this process will erase all data on your computer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while “The system detected an overrun of a stack-based buffer in this application” error can be a nuisance, it is not insurmountable. With patience, diligence, and the right resources, you can successfully resolve this issue and get your system running smoothly again.