How To Troubleshoot Blue Screen Errors On Windows

The dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) is a nightmare for any IT professional. It’s a sign that something has gone seriously wrong with your Windows system.

But what does it mean, and how can you fix it?

This article will guide you through the process of troubleshooting blue screen errors, ensuring that your company’s systems are up and running again in no time.

Preliminary Steps for Troubleshooting

Before diving into more complex solutions, it’s essential to start with some basic troubleshooting steps. These preliminary actions can often resolve blue screen errors, also known as Windows Blue Screen or BSoD Errors, or at least narrow down the problem.

• Shut down your computer to prevent further Windows crashes.
• Disconnect all devices, including any incompatible software or hardware that might cause system crashes.
• Restart your computer in Safe Mode to troubleshoot and diagnose BSoD.
• Uninstall recently installed programs that might lead to application errors.

Related: Ransomware: The Ultimate Guide

Removing Newly Added Hardware

If you’ve recently added new hardware to your PC, it could be the culprit behind the Blue Screen error.

• Shut down your PC, remove the hardware, and try restarting. This step is crucial, as incompatible or faulty hardware can often cause blue screen errors.

Starting PC in Safe Mode

Safe Mode is a valuable tool for diagnosing and troubleshooting blue screen errors.

• Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode in Windows that starts your computer with only essential drivers and services.
• To start your PC in Safe Mode, shut down your computer, then turn it on and immediately press the F8 key repeatedly until the Advanced Boot Options menu appears.
• Use the arrow keys to select “Safe Mode” and press Enter. In Safe Mode, you can further troubleshoot and diagnose the cause of the blue screen error.

Updating Windows

Keeping your Windows operating system up to date is not only essential for stability and security but can also resolve known issues that might lead to blue screen errors.

• To update Windows, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click on “Check for updates”.
• Installing the latest updates can fix known problems and improve overall system stability.

Understanding Error Codes

Blue screen error codes, often referred to as the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), play a vital role in diagnosing and troubleshooting issues on Windows systems. These critical error screens signal a serious problem that demands immediate attention.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. What is BSOD?: The Blue Screen of Death is a critical error screen indicating a fatal system error on a Windows computer. It’s a sign of a significant issue that needs to be addressed.
2. Error Code Format: These error codes are usually displayed in a hexadecimal format, consisting of a combination of numbers and letters, such as “0x0000001A”.
3. Interpreting Error Codes: Each code corresponds to a unique issue or problem. Understanding these codes can offer insights into the error’s cause and aid in troubleshooting. Specific error codes can be searched online for more detailed information and solutions.
4. Common Blue Screen Error Codes: Various error codes indicate different problems. Some prevalent codes include:
   • SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION
   • DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE
   • DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION
   • VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE
   • PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA
   • DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL
   • SYSTEM_THREAD_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED
   • IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL
   • VIDEO_DXGKRNL_FATAL_ERROR
   • KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED
5. Troubleshooting Blue Screen Errors: When faced with a blue screen error, noting the error code is crucial. Searching for this specific code online can lead to troubleshooting steps and potential solutions. Common strategies include updating drivers, inspecting hardware, running system diagnostics, and clean boot troubleshooting.

Blue screen errors can stem from various sources, such as hardware failures, driver conflicts, software incompatibilities, or general system errors.

If interpreting or resolving a particular error code seems challenging, seeking professional assistance or consulting with a technician is advisable.

Related: How To Fix Hardware Issues That Cause Blue Screen Errors

Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques

If the preliminary steps don’t resolve the blue screen error, it’s time to delve into more advanced troubleshooting techniques. These methods can help you identify the underlying cause of the problem and fix it.

Utilising the Blue Screen Troubleshooter

If the Event Viewer doesn’t lead to a solution, the Blue Screen Troubleshooter might.

• In Windows, open Get Help. In the Get Help app, type Troubleshoot BSOD error. Follow the guided walkthrough in the Get Help app.
• Alternatively, run the blue screen troubleshooter using SupportAssist. Click Start and type SupportAssist. Click the SupportAssist app in the search results. This can provide additional insights into the issue.

Running Disk Error Checks (chkdsk /f /r)

Disk errors can also cause blue screen errors.

Here’s how to check and repair them:

• Run chkdsk /f /r to detect and repair disk errors. This is one of the essential diagnostics tools to fix errors and maintain computer health.
• For Windows 7 users, click Start, go to Computer, right-click on the main drive where Windows 7 is installed, and click Properties. Click on the Tools tab, and under Error-checking, click Check now. Select both options, and click Start. If errors are found, click Repair to fix them. This process helps in troubleshooting corrupted system files.

Reinstalling Windows

If all else fails, reinstalling Windows might be the only solution.

• Reinstalling Windows onto a formatted hard drive will resolve the cause of any blue screen of death, unless your hardware is defective. Beware that unless you have a backup, reinstalling Windows will result in the loss of all your data.
• To reinstall Windows 10, go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery. Under Reset this PC, click Get started. Choose whether to keep your files or remove everything, then follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall Windows. This step helps in resolving Windows errors and Windows stop code issues.

Analysing the Root Cause with Event Viewer

Understanding the root cause of a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error is crucial for effective troubleshooting. The Event Viewer is a built-in Windows tool that allows you to delve into the details of system and application events, including BSOD errors.

The Event Viewer is not only a tool for viewing system events but also a powerful diagnostics tool for identifying and fixing errors related to BSoD Errors.

Here’s how to use it:

• Diagnose BSoD by looking for Windows stop code information within the logs. This can help you troubleshoot specific blue screen errors and understand the underlying causes, such as hardware failure or incompatible software.
• Utilise the Event Viewer to identify issues with system files, including corrupted files that might lead to Windows crashes.
• If you find evidence of hardware malfunction or software issues leading to system crashes, consider using additional computer diagnostics tools or seeking professional assistance to resolve the problem.

Introduction to Event Viewer

The Event Viewer is not just a tool for IT professionals; it’s accessible to anyone looking to understand what’s happening within their Windows system.

• To access the Event Viewer, simply type “Event Viewer” into the Start menu search bar and click on the app that appears.
• Once inside, you’ll find a wealth of information about system events, including BSOD errors.
• It’s important to note that interpreting the information in the Event Viewer logs requires some technical knowledge. If you’re not familiar with the Event Viewer or unsure about the information displayed, it’s recommended to seek further assistance or consult with a professional technician.

Steps to Access and Filter Logs

Navigating the Event Viewer might seem daunting, but it’s relatively straightforward once you know where to look.

• Navigate to “Windows Logs” on the left-hand side and select “System.” This will display a list of system events, including BSOD errors.
• You can filter the logs to view only the events related to the BSOD error. Right-click on the “System” category and choose the “Filter Current Log” option. Use the filter options to specify the time range when the BSOD occurred.
• The Event Viewer provides detailed information about the error, including the error code and the source of the problem. This information can help you identify the root cause of the BSOD error.
• You can also use the Event Viewer to view other types of events and errors on your system, which can be helpful for troubleshooting various issues.

Additional Considerations and Best Practices

Beyond troubleshooting specific blue screen errors, there are broader practices that can help maintain system stability and prevent future problems.

These include regular monitoring, maintenance, and backups, as well as keeping your system and software up to date.

Regular Monitoring and Maintenance

Regularly monitoring your system and performing maintenance tasks can go a long way in preventing BSoD Errors and other issues.

Here’s what you should focus on:

• Cleaning out dust from your computer to prevent hardware failure and system crashes.
• Updating drivers and software to ensure hardware compatibility and fix software bugs. Driver updates are crucial for system stability.
• Running virus scans with tools like AVG TuneUp for computer cleanup and optimisation.

Importance of Regular Backups

Data loss can be a devastating consequence of blue screen errors or other system failures.

Regular backups are crucial to protect against such loss:

• Use built-in Windows backup tools or third-party backup software: These tools can create backups of your files and system settings, ensuring that you can quickly recover if something goes wrong.

In addition to these practices, it’s vital to:

• Keep your system and software up to date with the latest security patches and updates: Staying current with updates helps prevent vulnerabilities that can lead to blue screen errors and other issues.

Summary of Troubleshooting Methods

Method	Description	When to Use	Complexity	Considerations
Removing Newly Added Hardware	Shut down the PC, remove the hardware, and restart.	After adding new hardware.	Low	Ensure compatibility with existing hardware.
Starting PC in Safe Mode	Start the PC in Safe Mode to troubleshoot and diagnose the blue screen error.	When normal restart fails.	Medium	May require technical knowledge to diagnose the issue.

Contacting Professional Support

If the blue screen errors persist despite following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, it may be time to contact professional support.

Whether it’s Microsoft’s support team or a trusted IT service provider, professional assistance can provide more in-depth analysis and solution.

Don’t hesitate to seek expert help if you’re stuck, as unresolved blue screen errors can lead to more significant system issues down the line.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting blue screen errors doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following these steps, you can identify and resolve the issue, keeping your company’s systems safe and operational.

Remember, prevention is always better than cure, so keep your systems updated and monitored to avoid future problems.

FAQs

What tools other than the Event Viewer can be used to diagnose blue screen errors on Windows?

In addition to the Event Viewer, Windows provides other diagnostic tools like Reliability Monitor and Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool. Third-party software is also available that can help diagnose and fix blue screen errors. Always ensure that any third-party tools are from reputable sources to avoid potential security risks.

How can I prevent blue screen errors from occurring in the first place?

Preventing blue screen errors may involve careful management of your drivers. Using the latest drivers usually enhances the speed and security of your device, but sometimes bugs or glitches in updates can cause blue screen errors. If an error code points to a specific driver as the issue, simply disabling it or rolling back a recent update should fix the problem. Regular monitoring and cautious updating can help in avoiding these errors.

Are blue screen errors always a sign of a serious problem with my computer?

Blue screen errors are typically caused by problems with your computer’s hardware, issues with hardware driver software, or sometimes low-level software running in the Windows kernel. While they may indicate a serious driver error, regular apps usually won’t cause blue screens. While alarming, not all blue screen errors signify a major problem, but they do warrant investigation to determine the underlying cause.

Can blue screen errors cause permanent damage to my computer or data?

Blue screen errors themselves typically don’t cause permanent damage to your computer or data. However, they can be a symptom of underlying issues like hardware failure or severe system corruption that might lead to more significant problems if left unaddressed. Regular backups and prompt troubleshooting can mitigate the risk and protect your data.