Encountering the dreaded “0xC0000005” error in “ntdll.dll” can be a game-breaking experience, especially when you’re trying to immerse yourself in the Mojave Wasteland and the challenges of DLCs like Dead Money in Fallout: New Vegas. This error, often cryptic and frustrating, doesn’t always pinpoint the exact cause, making it difficult to troubleshoot. If you’ve been facing this issue, especially after recent system updates or while exploring the Sierra Madre Casino in “Dead Money,” this guide is for you. We’ll walk through potential causes and proven solutions to get you back to your game and prevent your progress from becoming “dead money.”
The “Windows Exception code: 0xc0000005” error message often points to a problem that isn’t directly caused by the application you’re running, such as Fallout: New Vegas. Instead, it often signals interference from another program or underlying system issue. Think of your game as being caught in the crossfire. Recent changes to your system are prime suspects. Have you updated Windows recently? System updates, while important, can sometimes introduce conflicts with older applications like New Vegas. Similarly, even if you have antivirus software running, a virus or malware infection could be the culprit. It’s a good practice to run scans with multiple antivirus programs from different sources to ensure your system is clean. Many free online scanners are available, though remember they often offer their paid services after the initial scan.
One common solution involves adjusting your system’s Data Execution Prevention (DEP) and Windows Defender Exploit Guard (WDEG) settings. These are security features designed to protect your computer, but they can sometimes mistakenly flag legitimate game processes. To explore this possibility, refer to the “Solutions to Starting the game problems” section in the comprehensive “Fallout NV Mod Conflict Troubleshooting” guide on the Nexus Mods wiki. This external resource provides detailed steps on how to exclude Fallout: New Vegas (FNV) from DEP and configure WDEG, which can resolve startup issues and prevent the 0xc0000005 error.
Another area to investigate is background processes running on your computer. Programs like antivirus or anti-malware software, especially if running real-time scans, can sometimes interfere with game performance and stability. If you’re playing offline after ensuring your system is clean, temporarily disabling these programs might help. Similarly, multiplayer overlays, such as OverWolf, or even the Steam overlay itself, can occasionally cause conflicts, even though Fallout: New Vegas is primarily a single-player experience. Try turning off any unnecessary background applications temporarily to see if they are contributing to the “0xC0000005” error. Tools known as “Game Boosters” can also assist in identifying and temporarily disabling non-essential Windows services when you’re gaming offline, potentially freeing up system resources and resolving conflicts.
Recent modifications to your game, particularly changes to mods or your load order, could also be the source of the problem. Updating mods or adding/removing them can sometimes corrupt your save game files and lead to instability. If the error started after modding, try reverting to a save game from before the issue began. A useful diagnostic step is to start a new game with a vanilla (unmodded) character. If the error disappears in a clean game, it strongly suggests a mod conflict or load order issue is at play. This can help you isolate whether the problem lies within your mod setup rather than the core game files.
Finally, the location where Fallout: New Vegas is installed can be a significant factor. If you installed the game in the default Steam location within “C:Program Files (x86)SteamsteamappscommonFallout New Vegas”, you might be encountering issues related to Windows’ User Account Control (UAC) and file permissions. As explained in the “Installing Games on Windows Vista+” article on the Nexus wiki, installing games within the “Program Files” or “Program Files(x86)” directory tree can lead to problems, and simply “disabling UAC and running as Administrator” is not a sufficient solution. The article provides detailed instructions on how to move your game installation to a more suitable location outside of these protected system folders. Relocating your game installation is a crucial step to prevent future issues, especially after system updates. For further guidance on ensuring a clean game environment, consult the ‘Restoring to “Vanilla”‘ section of the “FNV General Mod Use Advice” wiki article. Addressing the installation location is a proactive measure that can save you from recurring headaches and ensure smoother gameplay, especially when venturing into high-stakes scenarios like those in “Dead Money.”
By systematically addressing these potential causes, from system updates and security software to mod conflicts and installation location, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve the “0xC0000005” error in Fallout: New Vegas. Don’t let this technical hurdle turn your hard-earned progress into “dead money” – take action and get back to exploring the rich and challenging world of New Vegas.
