What are pool.pat Error Messages?

General pool.pat Runtime Errors

pool.pat file errors often occur during the startup phase of GIMP, but can also occur while the program is running. These types PAT errors are also known as “runtime errors” because they occur while GIMP is running. Here are some of the most common pool.pat runtime errors:

• pool.pat could not be found.
• pool.pat error.
• pool.pat failed to load.
• Error loading pool.pat.
• Failed to register pool.pat / Cannot register pool.pat.
• Runtime Error - pool.pat.
• The file pool.pat is missing or corrupt.

Most PAT errors are due to missing or corrupt files. Your pool.pat file could be missing due to accidental deletion, uninstalled as a shared file of another program (shared with GIMP), or deleted by a malware infection. Furthermore, pool.pat file corruption could be caused from a power outage when loading GIMP, system crash while loading or saving pool.pat, bad sectors on your storage media (usually your primary hard drive), or malware infection. Thus, it’s critical to make sure your anti-virus is kept up-to-date and scanning regularly.

How to Fix pool.pat Errors in 3 Steps (Time to complete: ~5-15 minutes)

If you're encountering one of the error messages above, follow these troubleshooting steps to resolve your pool.pat issue. These troubleshooting steps are listed in the recommended order of execution.

To begin System Restore (Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10):

1. Hit the Windows Start button
2. When you see the search box, type "System Restore" and press "ENTER".
3. In the search results, find and click System Restore.
4. Please enter the administrator password (if applicable / prompted).
5. Follow the steps in the System Restore Wizard to choose a relevant restore point.
6. Restore your computer to that backup image.

If the Step 1 fails to resolve the pool.pat error, please proceed to the Step 2 below.

You can uninstall GIMP software by following these instructions (Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10):

1. Hit the Windows Start button
2. In the search box, type "Uninstall" and press "ENTER".
3. In the search results, find and click "Add or Remove Programs"
4. Find the entry for GIMP 2.10.12 and click "Uninstall"
5. Follow the prompts for uninstallation.

After the software has been fully uninstalled, restart your PC and reinstall GIMP software.

If this Step 2 fails as well, please proceed to the Step 3 below.

GIMP 2.10.12

The GIMP Development Team

When the first two steps haven't solved your issue, it might be a good idea to run Windows Update. Many pool.pat error messages that are encountered can be contributed to an outdated Windows Operating System. To run Windows Update, please follow these easy steps:

1. Hit the Windows Start button
2. In the search box, type "Update" and press "ENTER".
3. In the Windows Update dialog box, click "Check for Updates" (or similar button depending on your Windows version)
4. If updates are available for download, click "Install Updates".
5. After the update is completed, restart your PC.

If Windows Update failed to resolve the pool.pat error message, please proceed to next step. Please note that this final step is recommended for advanced PC users only.

If Those Steps Fail: Download and Replace Your pool.pat File (Caution: Advanced)

If none of the previous three troubleshooting steps have resolved your issue, you can try a more aggressive approach (Note: Not recommended for amateur PC users) by downloading and replacing your appropriate pool.pat file version. We maintain a comprehensive database of 100% malware-free pool.pat files for every applicable version of GIMP. Please follow the steps below to download and properly replace you file:

1. Locate your Windows operating system version in the list of below "Download pool.pat Files".
2. Click the appropriate "Download Now" button and download your Windows file version.
3. Copy this file to the appropriate GIMP folder location:
   
   Windows 10: C:\Program Files\GIMP 2\share\gimp\2.0\patterns\Water\
   
4. Restart your computer.

If this final step has failed and you're still encountering the error, you're only remaining option is to do a clean installation of Windows 10.

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