Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) is one of the most common errors that occur in Microsoft Windows operating systems (OS). Simply, it is the STOP error screen with a blue background displaying error code details (the error screen may also be entirely blue). The error occurs when Windows discovers that there is a severe problem it cant recover from. Eventually, the Windows shuts down to prevent itself from further damage causing lose of data (if not already saved) or partial/full system crash among other critical problems. The error can interrupt you anytime while you might be in the middle of finishing an important office work, playing video games, watching movie, or downloading an important update to your OS.
Operating Systems Affected: Windows 7/Vista/XP etc.
Important: In Windows 7/Vista, you may also see Black Screen of Death error
Below are the common reasons of BSOD Error:
Device Driver If some driver has gone faulty suddenly (because of poor quality) or is missing, or you installed a new incompatible driver for your hardware (printer, router, or mouse, etc.), the Windows will encounter BSOD error.
Hardware Issues If a hardware unit is malfunctioning (due to device driver or some other problem) or you removed/ejected a device while the computer was still operational, the BSOD error will occur.
Windows Registry Errors If some registry entries have gone corrupt or damaged, or if you uninstalled a program but not its registry entries from the registry editor, it will result into BSOD error. Windows Registry, a database, stores configuration information related to Windows OS including software and hardware.
Memory Issues RAM (random access memory) is one among the major causes of BSOD error. If your computer has low RAM with more than the required applications running on it, this would result in to BSOD error. Also, if the RAM or hard drive (external memory) has gone faulty, the BSOD error will occur.
Installation Programs During installation of Windows OS on your computer, the chances of occurring BSOD error are high as the installation process is highly sensitive. The wrong or improper setup and/or configured of OS would result into the BSOD error. The same goes for the installation of software or hardware devices.
Software Problems Wrongly installed/faulty/or damaged software can result into BSOD error.
Incompatible DLL Files Dynamic Link Library (DLL) files are the necessary files required to execute or process certain programs in Windows. If a certain program does not have compatible (or may be damaged) DLL file, it will result into BSOD error. DLLs are installed into a computer again and again, whenever a program/application requires them.
Virus Infection It is the major reason of BSOD error if your computer has none of the problems discussed here. A virus or other malicious program forces the Windows to keep running so that it can install itself fully and corrupt the machine. However, Windows in its self defense shuts down forcibly in order to prevent any further damage to the OS.
Windows Updates Windows needs to be updated regularly in order to maintain compatibility between the OS and hardware & software applications. Though, Windows updates itself automatically with Windows Update, however, it can be done manually also. An un-updated Windows can result into BSOD error.
Miscellaneous Problems Overheating and old or failing hard drives are among other several reasons that result into BSOD error. How to Fix BSOD Error?
Though it is little difficult to fix the BSOD problem, however, it is not entirely impossible unless there is hardware failure. Below are the easy to use steps you can perform and fix BSOD error:
For Driver Issues Always install latest compatible drivers, update them regularly, and remove any faulty/damaged driver. Always install good quality drivers from legitimate, good companies. You can find a list of compatible drivers on different websites from which you can download drivers following the necessary instructions.
For Hardware Always ensure that the hardware is compatible with the OS and software. Repair the malfunctioning hardware, upgrade it, and if both the things are not possible, then remove it and setup a new one. Further, install latest, compatible drivers for smooth functioning of hardware and attached software/OS.
For Software You need to ensure that the installed software is/are compatible with the OS and hardware. There should be no conflicts between software and hardware. Also ensure that you install latest, compatible drivers for smooth functioning of the machine.
For Registry Errors It may not be possible for you to search for the defective registry entries in your computer. Run a registry cleaner to clean the corrupted/damaged registry entries. You can download free tool from /, save it, and run it to clean your Windows Registry Editor. You can also try another tool from /Free-Window-Registry-Repair/3000-2086_4-10606555.html to fix the registry errors. This tool will do a custom or full scan, whichever you may choose to run, and show a list of registry entries that need to be fixed. You can click to deselect entries you might not want to delete and press yes/ok whatever you find there and the tool will automatically fix the errors. An important thing to remember, before you clean or fix registry errors, always take a backup of or restore your settings or data so that you dont lose anything and have a backup.
Very important to know, if you uninstall a program from your computer, dont forget to remove its registry entries from the Windows registry editor as they create problems in functioning if not removed.
For Windows Updates Ensure that the Windows Updates is always on. Though it downloads updates automatically, however, you can manually update Windows. This is necessary to ensure compatibility between Windows and hardware/software and smooth functioning of the machine.
For Memory Issues Check your PCs RAM by running a diagnostic test from /en/windiag.asp link. If the RAM is corrupted then replace it. Check your hard drive also and repair it (use Google resources).
Incompatible DLL Files Before you fix DLL file errors, ensure that you have installed latest drivers for software and hardware, Windows is updated, there is no registry error, and there is no virus in your computer. Thereafter, remove corrupted DLL files and download latest compatible files from trustworthy, legitimate websites in order to avoid interaction with virus/spyware or any hidden malicious programs. You can download DLL files from your publisher or vendors website.
For Virus Infection Upgrade/update your antivirus/firewall for latest virus definitions. Run a full antivirus scan on your PC, this may take some time so be patient. When the scan is completed, check the list if there is any virus, allow the antivirus to remove it. Restart the PC to let the changes take place.
Reboot Computer This is the easiest way to get rid of BSOD if your PC doesnt have any critical problem mentioned here. Sometimes, if the PC was not booted properly, it can result into BSOD error, so better restart it properly.
For Miscellaneous Problems Sometimes, the BSOD error occurs due to overheating problem of CPU. Ensure, you keep the CPU/PC in a cool place or use a fan to avoid the overheating. Often, running too many applications simultaneously consume too much electricity causing overheating in the computer.
The article is focused on highlighting the frequently occurred BSOD problem in Microsoft Windows OS, its possible causes, and remedies. We certainly hope that you have got the basic understanding of BSOD error, and will be able to work out the problem if it occurs. However, it is not always easy to deal with such problems on your own when you are not a tech-savvy person. In that case, we recommend that before you perform any of the steps, take help of a technical person or check reliable resources.
The article is associated with Reasons Why the Blue Screen of Death Occurs on VTechsquad website. VTechsquad, Inc. is the leading third-party service provider of certified online technical support services. Our Microsoft-certified technicians not only resolve spyware removal issues but also educate you how to avoid your PC from future interaction with any type of worm, virus, or Trojan etc. Our other top-class services include Microsoft product support, antivirus issues, malware issues, spyware issues, wireless router issues, printer issues, and non-computer devices etc.
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