Troubleshoot Bluescreen Errors

The Blue Screen of Death: Now What?

So your computer is getting the agonizing BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) and you’re unsure of what to do or what may have caused it. Depending on the scenario Windows may encounter errors causing your computer to blue screen. The Blue screen message will contain certain details of what error it’s encountering. Below are details on what to look at in the Blue screen error message are some tips/steps that you can go through to help troubleshoot these issues.

What Causes Blue screens?

These are some common occurrences that can cause blue screens

  • Memory Failure- Bad memory could be a cause of blue screens. If there are corrupted errors in your memory you may face blue screen issues.
  • A Computer with an infected Virus- Viruses, and other malware programs could have infected your system causing it to encounter this issue.  One suggestion is to run scheduled scans for viruses and make sure you keep your Anti-spy ware programs up to date.
  • Systems Bios– misconfigured settings in the bios.
  • Device Drivers- in Windows are incorrect or corrupt.
  • Missing updates-  missing or corrupt updates in windows or misconfigured programs could cause blue screen issues.
  • Failing hardware- (Video card, Hard drive, Soundcard).
  • Overheating Processor (CPU) – If your Computer is overclocked, or is not getting enough vitalization this could cause your computer to run into blue screen issues. This goes for Laptops as well for example: Placing it on carpet, Bed, in a carrying case while on. Make sure your computer is will ventilated.

 

What to look for in Blue screen errors:

If your experiencing the BSOD Blue Screen of Death there are two things you want to look at in the error message which is the Details and the Stop Error code. With these two pieces of information it will enable you to help pinpoint what could possibly be causing the issues. Below is a Picture of a Blue Screen error with the two pieces of information you want to look at highlighted in green

 

 

Once you write down the details and error code your getting, you will need to type it into a search engine like Google to find out whats causing your issue.


Questions to ask to help troubleshoot your issue

  • When the last time you remember your system was acting fine?
  • What was the last thing you did on your computer?

 

What can I do to get my system back and running?

 

Step: 1. Loading Last Known Good Configuration.

Last know Good Configuration enables your Operating System to load the most recent computer settings that worked.  The reasons for using  this method would be if a driver or setting was recently installed failed or became corrupted.

1. To get to this option turn on or restart, your computer. 2. While you computer is booting you want to hit the F8 key on your keyboard about 4 times till you get to the Advanced Boot Options Screen. As shown in the Diagram.  3. Once in this menu you want to choose Last Known Good Configuration.

** If this step does not solve your issue try step 2

Step 2: Boot to Safe Mode

Safe Mode: allows you to make changes to your system like  removing or changing drivers, load basic services, and change windows startup, scan for viruses/malware or use System Restore.

To Get into Safe Mode Do the Same procedures as Step 1 but this time choose the Option to boot into safe mode.

**If you prefer to use the System Restore Method in safe mode rather than going through troubleshooting techniques then do the following below:

After booting into safe mode a windows dialog box should appearing asking what you want to do before proceeding to your desktop screen

If your able to boot into safe mode you will see a screen telling you that your currently in safemode to proceed in safe Mode hit yes or to run system restore instead click on no.  as shown here: When choosing no a new window will pop up asking you to choose from a particular date/time what you want to restore your computer to. Proceeding through these steps will attempt to restore your compute the way it was at that date/time.

More information about system restore can be found here: More

Conclusion

Hopefully this guide ultimately helps solve or pinpoint your blue screen issues. Remember to ask yourself the questions When was the last time the computer worked, what was the last thing that was done on it. Knowing this is a good way of pinpointing the issue.