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Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) is one of the most common errors that occur in Microsoft Windows operating systems (OS). It is simply the ‘STOP’ error screen with a blue background showing the details of the error code (the error screen can also be completely blue). The error occurs when Windows discovers that there is a serious problem from which it cannot recover. Eventually Windows shuts down to prevent further damage causing data loss (if not saved yet) or partial / total system crash, among other critical issues. The error can interrupt you at any time while you are finishing important office work, playing video games, watching a movie, or downloading an important update for your operating system.

Affected operating systems: Windows 7 / Vista / XP, etc.

Important:In Windows 7 / Vista, you may also see Black Screen of Death error

Below are the common reasons for the BSOD error:

Device driver– If any driver has suddenly failed (due to poor quality) or is missing, or if you installed a new incompatible driver for your hardware (printer, router, or mouse, etc.), Windows will encounter a BSOD error.

Hardware problems– If a hardware drive is malfunctioning (due to device driver or some other problem) or if you removed / ejected a device while the computer was still operational, the BSOD error will occur.

Windows registry errors– If some registry entries have become corrupted or damaged, or if you uninstalled a program but not its registry entries from the registry editor, you will get a BSOD error. The Windows Registry, a database, stores configuration information related to the Windows operating system, including software and hardware.

Memory problems– RAM (Random Access Memory) is one of the main causes of BSOD error. If your computer is low on RAM with more than the required applications running, this would result in a BSOD error. Also, if the RAM or hard drive (external memory) fails, the BSOD error will occur.

Installation programs– During the installation of the Windows operating system on your computer, the chances of a BSOD error occurring are high as the installation process is very sensitive. Incorrect or improper installation and / or configuration of the operating system would lead to the BSOD error. The same goes for the installation of software or hardware devices.

Software problems– Incorrectly installed / faulty / or corrupted software can result in a BSOD error.

Incompatible DLL files– Dynamic Link Library (DLL) files are the files required to run or process certain programs in Windows. If a given program does not have a compatible DLL file (or it may be corrupted), a BSOD error will occur. DLL files are installed on a computer over and over again, whenever a program / application requires them.

Virus contagion– It is the main reason for the BSOD error if your computer does not have any of the problems discussed here. A virus or other malicious program forces Windows to keep running so that it can fully install itself and damage the machine. However, Windows, in its own defense, is forcibly shutting down to prevent further damage to the operating system.

Windows updates– Windows must be updated periodically to maintain compatibility between the operating system and hardware and software applications. However, Windows is automatically updated with Windows Update, however it can also be done manually. An out-of-date Windows can result in a BSOD error.

Various problems– Overheating and old or faulty hard drives are among other reasons that result in BSOD error.

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