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Identify the cause
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Check the memory
3
Check the disk
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Check the drivers
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Check the hardware
6
Prevent future BSODs
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Here’s what else to consider
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The blue screen of death (BSOD) is a dreaded error message that indicates a serious problem with your computer's hardware or software. It usually means that your system has crashed and needs to restart, but sometimes it can also prevent you from booting up or accessing your files. If you encounter a BSOD, don't panic. There are some steps you can take to test and replace faulty hardware that triggers it and restore your computer to normal.
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- Adam Wear Information Technology Specialist with experience in product development, field service (computers), and help desk
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1 Identify the cause
The first thing you need to do is to identify what is causing the BSOD. Sometimes, the error message itself will give you a clue, such as a driver name, a stop code, or a memory address. You can also use a tool like BlueScreenView to analyze the dump files that are created when your system crashes. These files contain information about the crash, such as the modules involved, the parameters, and the stack trace. You can use this information to narrow down the possible causes and troubleshoot them accordingly.
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- Adam Wear Information Technology Specialist with experience in product development, field service (computers), and help desk
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Additionally, running the vendor's UEFI storage diagnostics can also diagnose and help troubleshoot BSOD issues. Refer to the vendor's website or hardware maintenance manuals to access UEFI diagnostics.
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2 Check the memory
One of the most common causes of BSOD is faulty or incompatible memory modules. To test your memory, you can use a tool like Windows Memory Diagnostic or MemTest86. These tools will scan your memory for errors and report any issues. If you find any errors, you may need to replace your memory modules or adjust their settings in the BIOS. You can also try reseating your memory modules or swapping them around to see if the problem persists.
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- Adam Wear Information Technology Specialist with experience in product development, field service (computers), and help desk
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If the machine is a laptop with integrated memory, check your warranty and use it if you have it! Otherwise you end up with an expensive paper weight.
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3 Check the disk
Another common cause of BSOD is a failing or corrupted hard disk. To check your disk, you can use a tool like Windows Check Disk or CrystalDiskInfo. These tools will check your disk for bad sectors, errors, and health status. If you find any problems, you may need to backup your data and replace your disk or repair it with a tool like Windows Repair Disk. You can also try defragmenting your disk or running a virus scan to see if that helps.
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4 Check the drivers
Sometimes, BSOD can be caused by outdated, corrupted, or incompatible drivers. Drivers are software that allow your hardware to communicate with your system and other devices. To check your drivers, you can use a tool like Windows Device Manager or Driver Easy. These tools will show you the status of your drivers and let you update, rollback, or uninstall them. You can also try booting into safe mode or using system restore to see if that solves the problem.
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5 Check the hardware
If none of the above steps work, you may have a hardware problem that is causing the BSOD. This could be anything from your motherboard, CPU, GPU, power supply, or cooling system. To check your hardware, you can use a tool like Windows Performance Monitor or HWMonitor. These tools will show you the performance and temperature of your hardware components and alert you of any issues. You can also try opening your computer case and inspecting your hardware for any physical damage, loose connections, or dust buildup. If you find any faulty hardware, you may need to replace it or contact a professional for help.
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- Adam Wear Information Technology Specialist with experience in product development, field service (computers), and help desk
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If your computer is out of warranty, investigate whether it is more cost effective to reinstate your warranty so you can initiate a repair action or if taking it to an independent licensed service partner is a better option.
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6 Prevent future BSODs
Once you have fixed the faulty hardware that triggers the BSOD, you can take some steps to prevent future BSODs. These include keeping your system and drivers updated, running regular scans and backups, avoiding overclocking or overheating, and using reliable hardware and software. By following these tips, you can avoid the frustration and hassle of dealing with BSODs and enjoy a smooth and stable computer experience.
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7 Here’s what else to consider
This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?
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