Causes and Solutions for Blue Screen of Death
30 April 2024 Senior Product Manager
Summary
Master Windows blue screen of death solutions and prevent data loss with our definitive troubleshooting guide.
Contents CONTENTS
- 3. The blue screen solution when Windows can restart
- Solution One: Use System Restore to Undo Recent Changes
- Solution two: Scan for malware and viruses
- Solution three: Check your computer for hard drive and memory errors
- Solution four: Run an SFC scan
I. Reasons for computer blue screen
The Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) is a stop error display in Windows that signals system conflicts and crashes. During a BSoD, Windows may freeze or automatically restart. Modern Windows versions manage errors more effectively, significantly reducing the incidence of blue screens compared to the past.
The blue screen error, also known as the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), serves as a protective measure to prevent further damage to your computer and system. It displays an error code, relevant driver information, and troubleshooting suggestions. Note the error code to narrow down your troubleshooting efforts before restarting your computer. The appearance of the blue screen varies across Windows versions. It resembles a terminal screen with detailed information in Windows 7 and earlier, while in Windows 8 and 10, the information presented is simplified.
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Causes of blue screen errors:
A blue screen error typically displays a code indicating the cause, which can guide users to a solution. Often, Windows self-repairs and restarts. If not, the issue often stems from hardware malfunctions or driver software problems. Common causes include:
1. Software reason
● Outdated or incompatible device drivers.
● Corrupted system files.
● Virus/malware intrusion.
● Outdated BIOS.
2. Hardware reasons
● If the CPU/GPU fan is faulty, it may cause a blue screen when the computer is overheated.
● The computer does not have sufficient storage space when installing/upgrading the operating system.
● Affected by interference from external devices such as flash drives, external hard drives, etc.
● Loose hardware/cables.
● Some hardware may be damaged or expired.
II. Common blue screen codes and their corresponding solutions
A blue screen on a computer usually displays an error code along with the cause of the error. Below is a list of common blue screen error codes and their corresponding solutions.
| Common Blue Screen Codes | Reason | Quick Resolution Guidelines |
|---|---|---|
| 0xc0000001 | The 0xc0000001 error can be caused by a number of reasons, the most common being corrupted system files or corrupted memory. Apart from this, this error can also be caused by missing or corrupted SAM (Security Accounts Manager) system files | click here |
| 0xc000000d | Corruption of Windows system files can cause 0xc000000d error. System file errors can occur for a number of reasons, such as incorrect removal of applications or hardware, incomplete installations, or incomplete uninstallations. | click here |
| 0xc000000e | The 0xc000000e error can be caused by the winload.exe file being inaccessible or corrupted, or that the operating system cannot be started from. This error message doesn’t usually apply to Windows XP. | click here |
| 0xc000000f | The occurrence of 0xc000000f is directly related to your computer’s Windows Boot Manager. Occurrence of this error prevents the operating system from reading the boot configuration data, resulting in a blue screen. | click here |
| 0xc000014c | The appearance of this error indicates that the operating system cannot access critical files required for startup. | click here |
| 0xc000021a | Error 0xc000021a may occur when users upgrade their operating system to Windows 10. There are several reasons for this problem. For example, your external device is interfering with the boot process, or some important system files responsible for logging in and logging out are corrupted or missing. | click here |
| 0xc0000034 | One of the most common causes of this error is missing, corrupt, or misconfigured boot-related files (bootloader files). This can happen due to a disk write error, a power outage, or a virus infection in the boot sector, etc. | click here |
| 0xc0000098 | Probably the most common reasons for this error are that the BCD (Boot Configuration Database) does not have an entry for the operating system or that an incompatible hard drive is installed. | click here |
| 0xc0000225 | The generation of this error is related to corrupted system files. It can also happen if your PC is interrupted during a system update due to malware attacking system files or due to faulty hardware. | click here |
When other blue screen error codes appear on your computer, you can try the following general solutions.
Note: Before starting the following method, you need to check whether the hardware of the computer is connected normally. You can unplug them one by one and re-plug them to see if the blue screen is resolved. If not, there are several solutions you can try below.
III. Solution to the blue screen when Windows can be restarted
Solution 1. Use System Restore to Undo Recent Changes
Windows System Restore is an invaluable troubleshooting tool that reverts your computer to a previous state when it was functioning correctly. This utility automatically generates restore points prior to critical actions such as new application installations, driver updates, or significant system changes. Additionally, you have the option to create restore points manually. It’s worth noting that using System Restore will not affect personal files such as emails, documents, or photos. However, it will remove any apps, drivers, and updates that were installed after the chosen restore point.
The specific operation steps are as follows:
① Click the “Start” button in the lower left corner of the screen or search in Cortana. In the search box, enter “system restore“. Then click “Create Restore Point” on the search results page.
② In the opened window, select the drive you want to restore, and then click “System Restore“.
③ Select any existing restore point and click “Next”.
④ After confirming all the information, click “Finish” > “OK”. If you don’t get a blue screen after this, your problem may be software related.
Solution two: Scan for malware and viruses
Malware causing damage to Windows system files frequently leads to a blue screen. Viruses that attack the master boot record (MBR) or boot sector are known to cause blue screens of death (BSOD). To mitigate this risk, it is crucial to regularly use a robust antivirus software to scan your system for potential threats. Always make sure your antivirus is updated to the latest version before initiating the scan process.
Solution three: Check your computer for hard drive and memory errors
Encountering a blue screen error can often be attributed to problems with your computer’s hard disk or RAM. Windows is equipped with a built-in hardware detection and repair tool, which can be utilized for preliminary self-diagnosis. To run this tool, execute the
chkdsk command for hard disk issues, or mdsched.exe for memory problems. Should the issue persist after your initial efforts, it is advisable to contact the hardware manufacturer for further assistance. 1. Check for Hard Drive Errors
Windows 10′s built-in disk check tool can fix logical errors, but it cannot repair physical bad sectors on a hard disk.
The specific operation steps are as follows:
① Double-click “Computer/This PC”, right-click the target hard drive, and select “Properties”. Choose the “Tools” tab and click “Check”. If prompted, input the administrator password and confirm.
③ Click “Scan and repair drive” and wait for the scan to complete. If you have a Windows 7 computer, select “Automatically fix file system errors” or “Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors“.
2. Check the memory problem of the computer
The specific operation steps are as follows:
① Right click the “Start” button and click “Control Panel“
② In the search box, enter “memory” and click “Diagnose your computer memory problems“.
③ In the pop-up window, select the timing for the memory check. Opt for “Restart now and check for problems (recommended)” to run the tool on the next restart. Ensure you save all files and close any open programs before restarting, as the memory diagnostic tool will commence automatically when Windows reboots.
Solution four: Run an SFC scan
If the blue screen error is caused by damaged Windows system files, you can try the SFC (System File Checker) command line tool that comes with the system to check and repair it. Click here to view more descriptions of SFC commands.
The specific operation steps are as follows:
① Click the “Start” button or use Cortana to search for
"cmd". Right-click “Command Prompt” and choose “Run as Administrator”.
② In the command prompt window, enter “
sfc /scannow“, then press Enter, and wait for the scan and repair process to complete.
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Free TrialFree TrialNow 2000 people have downloaded!IV. Solution to the blue screen when Windows cannot be restarted
If your computer fails to restart following a blue screen error, consider these steps: boot into Safe Mode to troubleshoot and resolve software issues, use system restore points to revert to earlier settings, or perform a repair installation of Windows to fix corrupted system files without affecting personal data. If these methods don’t work, you may need to reset or reinstall Windows as a last resort.
Solution 1: Try to start Windows in Safe Mode
If your computer won’t start normally, booting in Safe Mode can help troubleshoot issues. Safe Mode starts Windows with minimal files and drivers, preventing third-party software interference. This allows you to detect and fix system errors, uninstall problematic programs, and isolate the cause of software-related blue screens of death. If Safe Mode boots successfully, it suggests that default settings and basic drivers aren’t the issue, narrowing down the potential problem sources.
The steps for Windows to enter safe mode are as follows:
● Windows 10/8/8.1 operating system
① To enter safe mode, access the Windows Recovery Environment (winRE) by pressing the power button to turn your computer on and off before the boot logo shows. Do this three times. Then, on the “Choose an option” screen, go to “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced Options” > “Startup Settings” and select “Restart“.
③ After the device restarts, you will see the option to launch settings. You can press the number keys to choose which safe mode to enter Windows, for example, press “4″
●Windows7 system
① Restart the computer, you need to keep pressing the F8 key until the Windows logo appears.
② When the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, use the arrow keys to highlight the desired “Safe Mode with Command Prompt” option, and press the “Enter” key.
③ Finally, ensure you’re signed in with an administrator account. When you enter Safe Mode, you’ll notice the words “Safe Mode” displayed at the corners of your screen. To return to normal operation, simply restart your computer.
Solution Two: Use System Restore to Undo Recent Changes
If Windows fails to boot, access System Recovery Options and select System Restore to revert your system to a previous state from an existing restore point, enabling normal startup. This function is unavailable if it was previously disabled on your computer.
● Windows 10/8/8.1 operating system:
The specific operation steps are as follows:
① When booting up and entering the system, press and hold the power button to force shutdown, repeat more than 3 times, and let the computer enter the Windows recovery environment.② When the screen displays to select an option, please click “Troubleshooting” > “Advanced Options” > “System Restore”.
③ Then, select any existing restore point to restore, and click “Next”.
● Windows7 system:
The specific operation steps are as follows:
① Press the F8 key continuously when starting the computer, and in the listed “Advanced Startup Options” list, use the keyboard direction keys to select “Repair Computer” and press the Enter key.
② Then select “System Restore” and click “Next”. At this point, all restore points will be displayed, select one of the restore points, and click “Next” to enter the system restore process.
Solution 3: Reinstall the Windows system
If none of the above methods can fix the blue screen error, then you can only try to reinstall the Windows system. Reinstalling Windows will remove all programs and data you have installed, and return your computer to its factory default state. Therefore, before starting to reinstall the system, you need to use Renee Passnow to transfer important data in the computer,click hereCheck.
The following takes Windows 10 as an example to introduce the method of system reinstallation
1. To reinstall the Windows system, you need to make an installation medium first
The specific operation steps are as follows:
① First, you need to download the production file from Microsoft’s official website – Windows 10 Media Creation Tool. Download address: https://www.microsoft.com/zh-cn/software-download/windows10. After opening the web page, click “Download Tool Now”.
② After the download is complete, open the tool and select “Yes” when asked if you want to use the app to make changes to your device. Then, when the Windows 10 setup guide appears, click “Accept” the license terms and agreement
③ To create an installation disk, please select “Create installation media (U disk, DVD, or ISO file) for another computer” and click “Next”
④ Then set the language, version and architecture (64-bit or 32-bit) of the Windows 10 system, and click “Next”. By default, check “Use recommended options for this computer” to select automatically.
⑤ Select the medium to be used. To create a U disk installation disk here, please select “U disk” and click “Next”. Follow the prompts to complete the creation of the installation media.
2. Use the installation medium to reinstall the system
The specific operation steps are as follows:
① Insert the created installation medium into the computer where the system is reinstalled. It is recommended to insert it in the shutdown state.
Note: The desktop or all-in-one computer should be plugged into the rear USB interface, and the notebook computer is recommended to be plugged into the USB 2.0 interface.
② Restart the computer, if your computer does not automatically boot to USB, you may need to change the boot order in the computer BIOS or UFFI settings. To open the boot menu or change the boot order, you usually need to press a key immediately after turning on the computer (depending on the motherboard of the computer, the key to start may be different, such as F2, F12, Delete, or FSC)
③ On the Windows installation page, select your language, time and keyboard preferences, then click “Next” > “Install Now”, and finally, please wait patiently for the system installation to complete. During the system reinstallation process, your computer will restart several times.
tipsThere are many ways to reinstall the Windows 10 system, you canclick herelearn more.
V. Transfer/rescue important files in Windows
When Windows fails to start or before reinstalling the system, you can use Renee Passnow The Data Transfera function of the software will transfer important files in the computer. After transferring files, the risk of data loss can be avoided.
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Transfer the files Transfer the important files of the computer without system.
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① Download and install the software on another computer, insert the USB/CD, and open the software.
② Select “Create a rescue USB/CD” and wait for the creation to complete. Then connect the USB/CD to the computer where the data is to be transferred.
③ Restart the computer, and then change the boot sequence of the target computer in BIOS/UEFI to make the target computer boot from CD or USB. (see How to Boot Your Computer From a USB or Disk to learn how to change the boot order in the BIOS). After changing the boot sequence, press F10 to save the changes and restart the computer.
④ After booting from the rescue USB/CD, select the Data Transfer function on the software interface.
⑤ In the pop-up interface, select the hard disk to transfer data and the target hard disk, and then directly drag and drop important files to the target hard disk.
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