How to Fix the Most Common Windows Errors and Blue Screens of Death (BSOD) in Minutes

Nothing ruins your productivity like a surprise Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) on your Windows computer. These critical system errors can appear out of nowhere and leave your device unusable—unless you know how to fix them fast.

This guide breaks down the most common Windows errors and BSODs, why they happen, and how to resolve them in minutes.

What Is a BSOD (Blue Screen of Death)?

A BSOD, or stop error, occurs when Windows encounters a critical problem it cannot recover from. It’s often caused by:

Faulty drivers
Failing hardware
Corrupt system files
Conflicting software
Overheating or power issues

When a BSOD appears, Windows halts to prevent further damage and displays a blue screen with an error code.

Common BSOD Error Codes and How to Fix Them

1. CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED

What it means: A system process essential to Windows operation has unexpectedly stopped.

Quick fix:

Boot into Safe Mode.
Run System File Checker:
Open Command Prompt as Administrator and type:
```
sfc /scannow
```
Update drivers via Device Manager.
Check for Windows updates.

2. IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL

What it means: A driver or service accessed protected memory improperly.

Quick fix:

Roll back or uninstall recent drivers.
Run Windows Memory Diagnostic (search “Windows Memory Diagnostic” in the Start menu).
Check for overheating issues or faulty RAM.

3. SYSTEM_THREAD_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED

What it means: A driver threw an unhandled error.

Quick fix:

Use WhoCrashed or BlueScreenView to identify the faulty driver.
Boot into Safe Mode and uninstall or update the problematic driver.
If recently installed software caused the issue, uninstall it.

4. PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA

What it means: Windows tried to access memory that shouldn’t be paged.

Quick fix:

Test RAM using MemTest86 or Windows Memory Diagnostic.
Check disk integrity:
Run in Command Prompt:
```
chkdsk /f /r
```
Disable antivirus software temporarily to test for conflicts.

5. KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED

What it means: A kernel-mode program caused an error that Windows couldn’t handle.

Quick fix:

Update all device drivers.
Perform a clean boot to isolate third-party services.
Reset BIOS to default settings.

Other Common Windows Errors (Non-BSOD)

1. “DLL Not Found” Errors

Fix:

Reinstall the program associated with the error.
Use sfc /scannow to fix system files.

2. Windows Update Fails

Fix:

Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter.
Manually reset the Windows Update components.

3. Windows Won’t Boot

Fix:

Boot into Recovery Mode.
Use Startup Repair.
Restore from a System Restore Point.

Pro Tips to Prevent BSODs in the Future

Keep your system updated.
Regularly scan for malware.
Back up your system before installing new drivers or software.
Clean your hardware—dust buildup causes overheating.
Use reliable power sources and surge protectors.

When to Seek Professional Help

If BSODs keep coming back or you're dealing with hardware failure (bad RAM, HDD, motherboard issues), it’s time to consult a technician. Frequent errors can indicate a deeper issue not fixable with software tweaks.

Final Thoughts

BSODs are frustrating but fixable. With the right tools and steps, you can resolve most common Windows errors in minutes and keep your system running smoothly. Bookmark this guide so you're ready the next time Windows throws you a curveball.

````Retro-futurism````

Friday, May 30, 2025