The CRITICAL_INITIALIZATION_FAILURE BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) error may appear during the initialization process for Windows Vista and XP, and Windows 7 and 8. This error usually appears when a problem has been encountered by the operating system in the initialization of critical files, which forces the system into a reboot state. This error results in the automatic shutdown of the computer to prevent damage and possible loss of unsaved data.

This BSOD error usually occurs due to an unstable registry system or corrupted files, such as damaged system files that result in startup errors. Damage to system files are usually incurred from the incomplete uninstall of programs, incomplete software installations, recovery of the system from malware and spyware attack, and the use of improper methods in deleting applications and devices.

This BSOD error is also known as CRITICAL_INITIALIZATION_FAILURE and “STOP 0x0000013D“. Some users of Windows have reported this error, which normally appears on the screen during the initialization of the system.

You can resolve the CRITICAL_INITIALIZATION_FAILURE BSOD error by installing the latest device drivers. You can verify the availability of driver updates from the official download site of the manufacturer. For video and chipset drivers, you can download appropriate and updated versions from the download sites for AMD, ATI, Intel, and Nvidia.Installing the latest drivers could aid in correcting the error. Alternatively you can use Driver Reviver to update your drivers quickly an easily.

Installing software updates from Microsoft may also help in resolving this error. To install updates manually, open the Internet Explorer (IE), click on Safety and Windows Update, and then follow the prompts and instructions that appear on the screen. When using IE 7 or its older versions, open the browser, click Tools, and then Windows Update. You should install both critical and non-critical software updates.