A blue screen of death (BSOD) is a serious problem with Windows computers that can be difficult to troubleshoot. It usually appears as a blue screen with an error message on it, and can be caused by a variety of factors, including hardware problems, corrupt drivers, incompatible software, and more. This guide will walk through some common steps you can take to troubleshoot a blue screen of death.
1. Review the error message: One of the first things you should do when you encounter a blue screen of death is to read the error message that appears on the screen. The message can provide vital clues as to what might be causing the issue, so try to make a note of it before restarting the computer.
2. Restart your computer: After reviewing the error message, you should restart your computer as this may resolve the issue. If it does not, you can move on to the next step in the troubleshooting process.
3. Disable automatic restarts: It’s possible for your computer to automatically restart after a BSOD, which can prevent you from seeing the error message again. To prevent this from happening, you can disable the automatic restart feature in Windows. To do this, open the Start menu and type ‘Enable automatic restart’ in the search box. Select ‘Change settings’ and uncheck the box for ‘Automatic restart’.
4. Check your hardware: Hardware problems can be a common cause of BSODs, so it’s a good idea to check all of your hardware components to make sure they are functioning correctly. This includes checking cables and connectors, ensuring that your RAM and hard drives have no errors, and replacing any failing or damaged components.
5. Update your device drivers: Outdated device drivers can also cause blue screens, so it’s important to ensure that all of the drivers on your computer are up-to-date. You can do this manually by going to the website of each component manufacturer and downloading the latest driver version. Alternatively, you can use a tool like Driver Booster to update them automatically.
6. Perform a clean boot: If you suspect that a particular program is causing the BSOD, you can use a clean boot to identify it. This involves only running the essential processes and services in Windows, which can help you pinpoint any conflict between applications.
7. Uninstall recently installed programs: If you recently installed a new program or update, this could be the cause of the blue screen. To check this, you can uninstall the program to see if this resolves the issue.
8. Run SFC and DISM: The System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing & Management (DISM) utilities can be used to repair corrupt system files which can sometimes cause BSODs. To run them, open an elevated command prompt (type cmd in the Start menu, then right-click on it and select ‘Run as administrator’). Type sfc /scannow in the command prompt and press Enter to launch the utility. Then, type dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth and press Enter to launch the DISM tool.
9. Scan for malware: Malware and viruses can also cause a BSOD, so it’s a good idea to run a scan with your antivirus or anti-malware software to make sure your computer is free from any malicious files.
10. Test your RAM: Bad RAM can be one of the most common causes of blue screens, so it’s important to do a test to make sure your RAM is functioning correctly. You can use a tool such as Memtest86+ to do this.
If these steps don’t resolve the issue, it may be necessary to reinstall Windows or even replace the hardware that is causing the problem. If you’re still unable to identify the cause, it’s recommended that you contact a qualified IT provider for assistance.