Member Avatar for sunim110

I have unplugged everything from my computer except for my monitor, mouse, and keyboard. I still get the blue screen saying bad pool caller. I tried to reinstall windows xp, but when I get to the screen asking me to install or recover windows xp my keyboard stops working (I am using a PS2 keyboard). So, I cannot recover windows from the screen. How can I fix this so I can recover windows?

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This thread touches two separate, common failure modes: a STOP code like BAD_POOL_CALLER and devices becoming unresponsive before Windows finishes loading. As pointed out, swapping a keyboard is a cheap, fast early test; below is a practical checklist and next steps that add depth beyond the replies.

For the BAD_POOL_CALLER stop: collect and inspect the minidump with a tool such as BlueScreenView or WinDbg to see if a driver name appears. Run memory diagnostics (Memtest86) for several passes, and test with one RAM stick at a time. Use Driver Verifier to stress third-party drivers, boot with minimal drivers (Safe Mode or Clean Boot), and run chkdsk /r from recovery media to rule out disk corruption. If a specific driver is implicated, uninstall or roll it back and get the updated vendor driver.

If input devices are unresponsive before the OS is fully up, check firmware (BIOS/UEFI) USB/legacy input settings and try different physical ports (rear vs front). Disable advanced USB controller modes temporarily or enable legacy/compatibility support. For installer problems on older OSes, ensure the installer has the proper storage controller drivers (slipstream or provide them via F6) so the setup isn't hanging while waiting for hardware. Updating firmware (chipset/BIOS) can also remove odd compatibility bugs.

Final notes and precautions: back up user data before reimaging or major changes. Document each change so you can reverse it. If the problem persists after hardware checks and driver removal, capture and share the minidump, hardware list (motherboard, RAM, disk, USB controller) and any driver names found—those details are what point diagnostics to a root cause.

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Member Avatar for Member #758415

Have you tried another keyboard?

Member Avatar for sunim110

Yes I have. I have used a PS2 and USB. Anyway I finally gave up and reimaged my computer. Thanks so much.

Member Avatar for Member #758415

OK, that's good to know. Make sure you mark the thread as solved, then. :D

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