1. Boot into Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)
- Restart the PC and interrupt the startup 3 times.
- Enter Troubleshoot → Advanced options for recovery tools.
2. Perform Automatic Repair
- In WinRE, go to Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Repair.
- Allow Windows to detect and fix boot configuration issues.
3. Check and Repair Boot Files
- Open Command Prompt in WinRE.
- Run:
bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd
- Restart and check if the system boots correctly.
4. Reset BIOS/UEFI Settings
- Enter BIOS during startup (Del, F2, or Esc).
- Restore Default Settings.
- Ensure correct ACPI mode and boot order.
5. Update or Reinstall Drivers
- Boot into Safe Mode with Networking if accessible.
- Go to Device Manager → Update chipset and storage drivers.
- Roll back any recently updated drivers if the error started after updates.
6. Run SFC and DISM Repairs
- In WinRE Command Prompt, run:
sfc /scannow /offbootdir=C:\ /offwindir=C:\Windows
DISM /Image:C:\ /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- Repairs system files and synchronises kernel components.
7. Undo Recent Hardware Changes
- If new hardware was installed (CPU, motherboard), reinstall the original hardware temporarily.
- Perform a clean Windows installation with the correct HAL for new hardware.
8. Perform System Restore
- Go to WinRE → System Restore.
- Select a restore point before the error started.
9. Clean Install Windows (Last Resort)
- If the HAL mismatch persists, back up data and perform a clean installation.
- This ensures HAL, kernel, and drivers align correctly with hardware.
The 0x00000079 (MISMATCHED_HAL) BSOD is a critical error caused by mismatches between the Windows kernel and the hardware abstraction layer, often triggered by hardware changes, boot corruption, or driver conflicts.
To fix the issue:
- Repair boot files and reset BIOS
- Update or reinstall chipset and storage drivers
- Run SFC/DISM for system repair
- Roll back hardware or perform a clean install if required
If unresolved:
- Replace failing hardware or ensure compatibility
- Use the correct Windows version and installation method
- Perform a fresh installation for long-term stability
Quick troubleshooting and proper hardware alignment are essential to restore a stable, bootable system.