Windows Blue Screen (BSOD): Here's The Cure

 

Undoubtedly, the “blue screen of death” (BSOD) is one of the most annoying Windows issues that users have ever encountered. The moment this issue plagues the system, everything comes to a halt. Blue screen of death” (BSOD) aka “STOP error” or “Bug Check” is a warning message that reflects the issues with the hardware or software of the system. The blue screen is an indication that something is wrong with the system. The system reacts to this error by shutting down as a preventive measure leaving users in confusion or annoyance. It's worth noting that the blue screen is not the same for all versions of Windows. 

Usually, the system will boot up normally following a blue screen. Then you can strive to identify what caused the issue. If the blue screen prompts up again after the PC starts, this could be an implication of compromised hardware that seeks a prompt remedy. Oftentimes, a system component like a hard drive or RAM stick seeks a replacement. In other cases, the operating system gets compromised and seeks reinstallation. In this write-up, you will come to know about some effective measures that you can try out soon after the arrival of a Windows blue screen.

Recommended Steps after a Blue Screen

• Try to recall your last performed action on the PC before you encountered the blue screen. Were you fiddling around with some program or preparing a ppt for an upcoming project? Were you enjoying a movie or were you in the middle of a Skype call? The answer can help you pinpoint the root cause of the problem. The best guess in this regard can serve you well.
• Check whether your PC is operating in the optimal temperature range or not. If it is super hot, it might not be dissipating the heat properly. This might happen due to a poor ventilation system or compromised air circulation caused by the inadequate space within the cabinet. 

• Get rid of any irrelevant hardware like headphones, USB drives, or Webcam. Sometimes, such an issue becomes prevalent due to faulty devices or device operators. 

• If your system doesn't restart automatically, relax for a few minutes before you boot it up manually. 

Steps to be taken once the system boots up again 

If your system is running again, there is something you can try out to pinpoint the root cause of the BSOD. 

• Note down the detail that was prompted on the blue screen. With Windows, you can deactivate the option of automatic restart so that you ample time to note down the error prompted on the Windows blue screen. Follow the given sequence to do the same. 
• Select Computer>Properties>Advanced system settings>deselect “Perform automatic restart” option. 
• Once you encounter the blue screen again, note down the message displayed on the screen. On Windows 10, the message is usually displayed at the bottom section. In the previous versions, the message lies in the third line from the top. Characteristically, the error message uses all caps instead of small letters. Example “KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED” or “DATA_BUS_ERROR”. This indicates an error in the form of “0x00000” & sometimes a responsible system file (e.g. usbuhci.sys or kbdhid.sys). A blue screen comprises 2 or 3 important pieces of information. 
• If you do not confront the blue screen for a moment, it is still recommended to check its cause for the prevention of further crashes. Fortunately, during error confrontation, Windows creates minidump files, which is readable by certain programs. 
• This information can let you check the cause via web search. We have curated a list of widely known error codes in the following table. 

Widely known Error Messages 

Common Windows Errors

Solution with in-built Windows Functions 

Boot System in Safe Mode

If multiple blue screens preventing you to configure settings or proceed with solutions, it is advisable to opt for the safe mode first. For this, press the F8 key while booting up Windows and then switch to safe mode before the arrival of the Windows logo on the screen. Safe mode allows Windows to only load processes & drivers that are imperative to run the system. Among other things, this helps in fixing existing issues without encountering a blue screen. 

Another way to activate the safe mode is directly in Windows operating system. Type“msconfig” in the search bar of the Start menu, and right-click to select "run as an administrator".

Start the system configuration program by searching in the Start menu

In the new window of “System configuration”, activate the “Safe Mode Start” function located under the “Start” option. Confirm with "OK" & boot up the system again. This will enable your system to start in safe mode. 

Check & repair system files

Windows's in-built programs are also capable to overcome many internal issues. Type “Command Prompt” in the search bar of the Start menu and, right-click to select "run as an administrator".

 Run the command prompt as an administrator

In the new window, type “sfc /?” and then hit the enter key. You will then provided with some alternatives to check the system files. To begin with, run “sfc /scannow” to initiate a thorough scan process that can last up to 25-35 minutes. Ideally, this will cure all the issues including the blue screen problem. With “sfc /scanfile=FILEPATH” you can check & fix just one specific file. This comes in handy especially when the blue screen error message reflects that there is a faulty system file. In this case, the repair will be done in no time. Apparently, this will only work if the exact file path is known to the system. 

Start Windows with preceding configuration

Windows can recall when it last ran error-free & reactivate this version, if necessary. For this, you need to shut down the system & press the F8 Key while restarting it. Among the options, locate “Last Known Good Configuration”. Now, start the system with this version. If you do not encounter a blue screen error, it's could be an indication that your system or drive update was the issue. 

System restore

If the error stays, a reinstallation perhaps can do the trick for you. For this, press the F8 key while the system is booting up and select “Repair Computer”. Here, you will come across an alternative to restore your system. 

If you possess a Windows installation disc, you can restart when booting up and so boot up the PC. 

If you have a Windows installation disc, you can boot it when powering up and so restart the system.

Tips to Stay Away From BSOD

There is no way to entirely safeguard yourself from the Windows blue screen because internal errors can come up anytime without intimating the users. It can come up due to a faulty driver or any hardware issue. There are certain solutions that you can use, though, to secure the important data & reduce the chances to confront the blue screen issue. 

Store your Data Elsewhere as a Backup

Since blue screens are often caused by hardware issues, including the hard drive, you should externally backup all the data that's presented there. Saving data elsewhere is the best option to reduce the degree of damage caused by such an error. The swiftest way to do this is with the Windows backup tool: Reach out System settings” under “System and Maintenance” and opt for “Create computer backup” (Windows 10: “Backup and Restore”). Next, you can create a customized backup of your data on an external disc. 

Keep your Drivers Updated to the Latest Version

Generally, keeping your system drivers updated is the best way to prevent potential system failures or compatibility problems.

Use Legitimate Antivirus 

Some blue screen errors are triggered by certain malware or virus. A good antivirus installed can get rid of these issues in no time. There are instances in which a malicious program has simulated a blue screen to trick the user and lure them into a fraudulent scheme.