Error message when you bring the computer out of the "Hibernate system" power state in Windows Vista: "Stop 0x000000FE"

Consider the following scenario:

• You are running a Windows Vista-based portable computer that has multiple USB devices or that has a docking station that has multiple USB devices.
• You put the computer into the "Hibernate system" (S4) power state.
• You bring the computer out of the S4 power state.

In this scenario, you may receive the following stop error message on a blue screen: Notes

• The four parameters in this error message vary depending on the computer's configuration.
• Not all "Stop 0x000000FE" errors are caused by this problem.
• Depending on the computer settings, the Windows Vista-based portable computer may restart automatically after you receive the stop error message that is mentioned in this section.

This problem occurs because of a race condition in the USB 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

There are no prerequisites for installing this hotfix.

Restart requirement

You must restart the computer after you apply this hotfix.

Hotfix replacement information

This hotfix does not replace a previously released hotfix.

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 Vista, 32-bit versions

Windows Vista, 64-bit versions

Windows Vista, Itanium-based versions

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

For more information about software update terminology, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: