The Blue Screen of Death

Everyone has come across this problem at some point.  The windows blue screen or more commonly the blue screen of death (BSofD) can be caused by either a software or hardware glitch and it can be hard to pinpoint the exact cause.  This tutorial will outline the steps you should take to discover the cause.

1. Write down the error code.  If the blue screen happens a second time and the code is the same then you have a memory issue.  Go to www.memtest86.org and download the iso, burn this to disk and run it the next time you reboot.  Memtest will check your memory and should be run overnight.  If you receive any errors it is time to change your memory.

2. Did you change any software configuration or update drivers prior to the system crashing?  If so go back and undo any changes you might have made.

3. Next thing to check is the event log.  If your system crashes it will leave an entry in the log. For example it might say that a certain file is corrupt or that a driver failed.  The event log will usually point you in the right direction.

4. If there is no clear cause detailed in the event log then it is time to run a full virus scan.  Virus’ have been known to infect files and cause the blue screen.

5. Finally run chkdsk on your hard drive.  Your system might be crashing because your hard drive is failing.  Chances are though that the problem lies in one of the steps outlined above.  The blue screen is ‘usually’ caused by either buggy drivers or bad memory.

About the Author

Hi I am Chris Wakefield the owner of ComTech IT Support. I provide Windows and Linux based IT Support, laptop repairs and computer repairs to both business and personal clients in and around Stirling.

For a list of what I can offer you why not visit my website www.comtech247.net where you will find a list of my services, testimonials, blog and much more.