What is a BSOD and How to Deal with It

[Sneakyone]

What is a BSOD and How to Deal with It

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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.

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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.
  

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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Outdated or corrupted drivers often cause BSODs.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.
  

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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.
  

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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.
  

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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