Troubleshooting Steps for the Blue Screen of Death

The blue screen of death is a source of concern for all computer users. BSOD may occur when the computer shuts down for no apparent reason and on switching it back on gives a blue screen with an error message. This may be a grave cause for concern as it indicates that Windows has encountered a serious problem and important data may be lost. Here are a few pointers to prevent computer crashes and to retrieve data stored on the hard drive, should such an issue happen.

Causes of Blue Screen

When new hardware, software or drivers have been installed incorrectly, or Windows faces a problem in recognizing them, it shuts down “to prevent damage”. On restart it gives an error code known as the STOP code. BSOD or the Windows Stop Error codes are of different types depending on the root cause for the abrupt shut down.

It is best to note down the error code for future reference in case this issue does not get resolved at home and a technician has to be called in for repairs. However, a technician is not always needed to resolve a problem of this kind. It is perhaps a good idea to shut down the computer and take it off of the power supply before attempting to remove any recent hardware changes made to the computer. The hardware could vary from a printer, hard drive, memory cards or even graphics cards.

If no known additions has been made to the computer, its best to shut it down and restart. If it reboots normally into the operating system or the Windows interface, one must back up any data that they wish to store. It also indicates that the operating system files are not causing the BSOD. After the data has been backed up, the system needs to be scanned for damaged hardware or corrupted files.

Diagnostic Mode in Laptop Computers

There are in-built tests to check the proper functioning of hardware components. For example, Dell computers have the option to start up in the diagnostic mode by pressing the Function or Fn key while powering up. The diagnostic mode for a desktop can be accessed by pressing F8 during start up. Similar tests are available for all other computers.

In case, the laptop or personal computer does not reboot in the normal mode and gives the same error, shut it down again and remove all peripherals like printers or scanners. After restarting, one needs to immediately tap F8 a few times to reach Advanced Boot Options. Pressing the down arrow key brings up the safe mode option.

System Restore as a Crash Fix

 If it boots in safe mode, the issue is with the software and can probably be reversed by selecting the system restore option from accessibility in Windows Xp or just typing the words “system restore” for Windows Vista or Win 7. It is best to back up all important data and then proceed with the troubleshooting. System restore allows the computer to reconfigure itself to a time before this error occurred and reverse all changes that could have caused the BSOD.

After reaching the Windows desktop, one must proceed to test hardware and software components for correct diagnosis of the problem. It is recommended that a technician with relevant experience of troubleshooting such issues be called to service the computer for faults. This way important data will be saved and the problem resolved sooner.

Data Backup and Antivirus Protection

If none of the above mentioned trouble shooting steps work, a technician needs to be consulted, right away. There is no need for anxiety if the data is backed up periodically as that will cause minimal damage. Anti-virus programs must be updated regularly. Any hardware or software changes made to the computer need to be monitored during installation.

These are precautionary measures to reduce damage in case BSOD does occur and are applicable for most blue screen issues. However, BSODs may be caused by viruses and these steps may not be sufficient to resolve the issue.  System restore is a good way to undo changes made to software and drivers and will save time and anxiety till the technician arrives.