"Stop error code 0x00000023 FAT_FILE_SYSTEM" when you suddenly remove a storage device from a computer that is running Windows XP

A computer that is running Microsoft Windows XP may stop responding when you suddenly remove a storage device. For example, the computer may stop responding if you suddenly remove a Secure Digital card from a USB card reader. When this problem occurs, you receive a Stop error message that resembles the following:

This problem occurs because of an error in the FastFat.sys driver.

Hotfix information

A supported hotfix is available from Microsoft. However, this hotfix is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply this hotfix only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix might receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next software update that contains this hotfix.

If the hotfix is available for download, there is a "Hotfix download available" section at the top of this Knowledge Base article. If this section does not appear, contact Microsoft Customer Service and Support to obtain the hotfix.

Note If additional issues occur or if any troubleshooting is required, you might have to create a separate service request. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for this specific hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Customer Service and Support telephone numbers or to create a separate service request, visit the following Microsoft Web site: Note The "Hotfix download available" form displays the languages for which the hotfix is available. If you do not see your language, it is because a hotfix is not available for that language.

Prerequisites

To apply this hotfix, you must have Windows XP Service Pack 1 or Windows XP Service Pack 2 installed.

Restart requirement

You have to restart the computer after you apply this hotfix.

Hotfix replacement information

This hotfix does not replace any other hotfixes.

Registry information

You do not have to make any changes to the registry.

File information

The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time item in Control Panel.

Windows XP with SP2, 32-bit versions

Windows XP with SP1, 32-bit versions

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

If you suddenly remove a storage device, the operating system is not notified. Therefore, the operating system cannot make sure that data transactions are complete before you remove the device.

For more information about a similar problem in Microsoft Windows Server 2003, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: For more information about software update terminology, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: