One of the more frustrating computer issues is encountering a blue screen error, also known as a STOP error because it causes Windows to stop completely.  Although it is tempting to ignore the blue screen of death (BSOD) and reboot, it is important for the user to do as much as possible to resolve a blue screen error.  Fixing this error will keep the computer from developing further errors as a result of the initial error.

The Meaning Behind the Blue Screen

Experiencing a BSOD indicates that the computer has encountered an error serious enough to require Windows to stop.  All that gibberish appearing on a blue screen error is actually a report of what went wrong with the computer.  And the blue color?  MaximumPC claims this color is used to relax the user, stating that studies show blue to be a relaxing color.

The blue screen error message gives the user a few tools to help resolve the computer error.  Two things are especially worth copying down and saving from the BSOD message.  First, note the name of the error in all caps with words separated by underscores (WILL_LOOK_LIKE_THIS).  Second, the STOP code (will look something like 0x000000BF) can also help with troubleshooting.  Another way to decipher a blue screen error is to make use of the pertinent minidump file, which contains a log of what preceded the crash.

Troubleshooting a Blue Screen Error

Searching for the error name that appeared in the BSOD message will provide a variety of potential solutions.  If these do not resolve the issue or do not apply, move on to a search for the STOP code.  Many of these suggestions will boil down to figuring out what has recently changed on the computer and undoing it.

If it becomes necessary to use the minidump file to troubleshoot the BSOD error, Windows Debugger will have to be downloaded.  Once WinDbg is installed, locate the appropriate minidump file (use the file path C:Windowsminidump and find the file that contains the date of the blue screen error message).  When opened with WinDbg, this file will contain the name of the file that caused the error.  Obtaining a replacement for this file should fix the error.

Maintenance Can Prevent the Blue Screen

Many technicians attest that blue screen errors can be traced back to hardware or driver problems.  While hardware problems are hard to fix, resolving driver problems can be as simple as maintaining the Windows registry on a computer.  Learn more about how to fix a blue screen error with regular registry maintenance.

Optimize-Your-PC can provide you with advanced registry cleaning technology. It will scan, diagnose, and fix your blue screen error, leaving you with nothing but a highly-optimized PC.

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