What is a BSOD and How to Deal with It

What is a BSOD and How to Deal with It - Printable Version

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What is a BSOD and How to Deal with It - Sneakyone - 01-30-2025

What is a BSOD and How to Deal with It

What is a BSOD (Blue Screen of Death)?
The **Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)** is a **critical system error screen** displayed when Windows encounters a fatal error. It is officially called a **STOP error** and indicates a system crash caused by:

Hardware failures
Driver conflicts
Corrupt system files
Overheating or power issues
Malware infections

When a BSOD occurs, Windows **automatically generates a crash dump file** that helps identify the cause.

Common BSOD Error Codes and Their Meaning
Each BSOD includes a **STOP code** that helps diagnose the issue.

Here are some common BSOD error codes:

**CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED** – A critical system process failed.
**KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED** – Kernel-mode process encountered an invalid instruction.
**IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL** – Faulty drivers or RAM corruption.
**PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA** – Windows tried to access invalid memory.
**SYSTEM_THREAD_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED** – Unhandled system thread error (often driver-related).
**VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE** – Graphics driver crash (related to NVIDIA or AMD).
**MEMORY_MANAGEMENT** – RAM-related issues.
**DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL** – Driver conflict or bad system memory.
**WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR** – Hardware failure (CPU, RAM, or PSU).
**DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION** – Storage device or driver issue.

How to Troubleshoot and Fix a BSOD

Step 1: Note the STOP Code

When a BSOD occurs, take note of the **STOP error code** and any **driver file names** mentioned.
Example:

Code:
IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL (STOP: 0x0000000A)

Step 2: Boot Into Safe Mode
If Windows keeps crashing:

Restart your computer and press **F8** repeatedly before Windows loads.
Select **Safe Mode with Networking**.
If Safe Mode works, the issue is likely **driver or software-related**.

Step 3: Check for Windows Updates

Go to **Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update**.
Install any **pending updates**.
Restart and check if the issue is resolved.

Step 4: Update Drivers
Outdated or corrupted drivers often cause BSODs.

Open **Device Manager** (`Win + X > Device Manager`).
Look for any devices with a **yellow exclamation mark (!)**.
Right-click the device and select **Update driver**.
Check for updates on the manufacturer’s website for GPU, chipset, and network drivers.

Step 5: Run Windows Memory Diagnostics
If you suspect **RAM issues**, test your memory:

Press **Win + R**, type:

Code:
mdsched.exe
Select **Restart now and check for problems**.
Windows will scan RAM for errors.

Step 6: Check Disk for Errors
A failing hard drive or SSD can cause BSODs.

Open **Command Prompt as Administrator**.
Run the following command:

Code:
chkdsk C: /f /r /x
Restart your PC to allow Windows to fix drive errors.

Step 7: Scan for Malware
Malware infections can corrupt system files, causing BSODs.

Use **Windows Defender** or a third-party tool like:
- **Malwarebytes**
- **ESET Online Scanner**
- **HitmanPro**
Perform a **full system scan**.

Step 8: Check System Logs for More Information
Windows logs crash information in **Event Viewer**.

Press **Win + X**, select **Event Viewer**.
Navigate to **Windows Logs > System**.
Look for critical events with **"Kernel-Power" or "BugCheck"**.

Step 9: Use System Restore
If BSODs started recently, roll back to an earlier state.

Press **Win + R**, type:

Code:
rstrui
Select a restore point before the BSOD started.
Follow the instructions to restore Windows.

Step 10: Reinstall Windows (Last Resort)
If none of the above steps work:

Backup your important files.
Go to **Settings > Update & Security > Recovery**.
Click **Reset this PC** and follow the prompts.

Preventing Future BSODs

Keep **Windows and drivers updated**.
Avoid **overclocking** components excessively.
Use **reliable power sources** to prevent sudden shutdowns.
Run **regular system maintenance** (`sfc /scannow`, `chkdsk`).
Monitor **CPU and GPU temperatures** to avoid overheating.
Ensure **your RAM and hardware are compatible** with your motherboard.

Useful BSOD Analysis Tools
To analyze **BSOD dump files**, use:

**BlueScreenView** – Reads minidump files.
**WhoCrashed** – Identifies faulty drivers causing BSODs.
**Windows Debugging Tools (WinDbg)** – Advanced BSOD analysis.
**LatencyMon** – Detects driver and hardware-related latency issues.

Conclusion

**BSODs occur due to system crashes**, often caused by hardware failures, driver issues, or corrupt files.
**Understanding STOP codes** can help diagnose and fix the problem.
**Following a step-by-step troubleshooting guide** can resolve most BSOD errors.
**Regular maintenance and updates** help prevent future BSOD occurrences.

By using the right tools and troubleshooting steps, you can quickly diagnose and fix BSOD errors to keep your system stable!

Code:
https://pastebin.com/nMVGsmyA