The DATA_COHERENCY_EXCEPTION BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) error may appear during the initialization process for Windows Vista, Windows 2008, and Windows 7 and 8. This error appears when the CPU is not functioning properly and when the operating system detects a bug in a device driver. It results to the abrupt shutdown of the computer to prevent damage and avoid possible loss of data from unsaved work.

The BSOD error arises due to the presence of corrupted, outdated, or damaged device driver, or the installation of an incompatible driver. It may also arise when a newly installed device is incompatible with the operating system.

This BSOD error is also known as DATA_COHERENCY_EXCEPTION and “STOP 0x00000055“. Some users of Windows have reported this error, which normally appears on the screen during the initialization of the system.

If the DATA_COHERENCY_EXCEPTION BSOD error is suspected to be due to a faulty CPU, you have to test the processor and replace it if found defective. Installing the latest version of hardware drivers will also help in resolving this error. 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. Alternatively you can use Driver Reviver to update your drivers quickly an easily.

To resolve incompatibility issues, you can use the Microsoft Hardware Compatibility List to verify that recently installed drivers and hardware are compatible with the version of the operating system that you are using. You have to remove incompatible hardware and uninstall or replace an incompatible driver with its appropriate version.

Installing the latest Windows software updates will 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.