Experiencing a blue screen while gaming or searching? Don't panic; there are nine solutions in total to fix the Blue Screen of Death error on your PC. However, it's crucial to perform data recovery first for data security.

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Workable Solutions Step-by-step Troubleshooting
Perform blue screen recovery first Use Data Recovery Wizard to recover data after a BSOD error. You have two options to recover...Full steps
Fix 1. Use system restore You can use System Restore to revert the system software to a previous state...Full steps
Fix 2. Ensure sufficient space Clean up hard disk space and ensure it has at least 15% free capacity at all times...Full steps
Fix 3. Use Partition Master tool It has a Boot Repair feature that can fix startup issues with one click. Download it and follow the detailed guide...Full steps
Fix 4. Utilize Windows repair services Free up hard disk space and ensure it's at least 15% of the drive's capacity...Full steps
Fix 5. Scan for viruses Viruses and malware may infect the master boot record and Windows kernel at a low level...Full steps
Fix 6. Install the latest drivers Download and install the latest drivers to address BSOD issues caused by driver problems...Full steps
More effective solutions Apply available Windows service packs and updates to fix the BSOD issue...Full steps

What are the main causes of the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)?

The Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), also referred to as a BSOD Error, Blue Screen Error, or STOP Error, is an error screen that appears on a Windows-based computer system following a critical system failure. When this error occurs, the system may become unresponsive and fail to boot, rendering all data stored on the computer inaccessible. The BSOD typically arises due to a system crash, issues with device drivers, or hardware malfunction. Other possible causes include: 1. Corrupted system files 2. Overheating of hardware components 3. Incompatible software or updates 4. Memory (RAM) problems 5. Faulty or outdated BIOS 6. Malware or virus infections 7. Incorrectly configured system settings 8. Hardware conflicts between devices 9. Excessive disk fragmentation 10. Power supply issues Addressing these issues often involves troubleshooting steps such as updating drivers, scanning for malware, checking hardware connections, or performing a system restore.

    • Software incompatibilities
    • Incompatible versions of DLLs, low-level software running in the Windows kernel
    • Virus attack or malware infection leading to damaged MBR or system files
    • Boot BCD error
    • Lack of disk space in the C drive
    • Power supply issues
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Why Does My Computer Keep Showing a Blue Screen?

This article provides a comprehensive guide on what a blue screen signifies, the reasons behind its occurrence, how to troubleshoot it, and some practical tips to prevent the infamous 'blue screen of death' on your computer. Keep reading to discover your solution.

why does my computer keep blue screening

When your Windows encounters a crash and displays a blue screen, you might wonder if the blue screen damages the computer. The answer is NO. The blue screen of death occurs due to an issue with the computer. The computer problem is the cause, and the blue screen is the resulting symptom.

blue screen of death

Does the Blue Screen of Death Delete Files

This is another major concern for many users. Though the blue screen error itself doesn't delete files, when the issue occurs, you can't access the data on your computer. And if the BSOD error is related to system issues or hardware problems, you might be at risk of data loss. Hence, before addressing the blue screen issue, you should first find a way to back up your computer data.

Can You Recover Files from the Blue Screen of Death

Yes, you can retrieve data from the Blue Screen of Death using professional data recovery software. The Data Recovery Wizard is an excellent file recovery tool that allows you to restore files from HDD, SSD, USB flash drives, external hard drives, SD cards, and other devices in complex situations. This includes system crashes, virus attacks, corrupted/damaged hard drives, formatted hard drives, lost partitions, RAW partitions, and more.

How to Recover Files After a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)

Now, let's explore two methods to recover data following a BSOD error using this proficient data recovery tool.

Method 1: Perform Blue Screen Recovery using Data Recovery Wizard Tool

Before performing PC data recovery, you need to first remove the hard drive from the computer with the Blue Screen of Death and connect it to a new, functioning computer as a secondary hard drive. Next, download and install the tool, Data Recovery Wizard, on the new computer to recover data from the affected hard drive.

Step 1. Select the drive where you lost your data and click "Scan".

select and scan the hard drive
Translation:
select and scan the hard drive

Step 2. After the scan is complete, use "Filter" or "Search" to locate the missing files.

Preview lost hard drive data

Step 3. Choose all the files you wish to recover and click "Recover". Next, navigate to a different secure location to save them.

recover data from hard drive
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Method 2: BSOD Recovery using Tools - Data Recovery Wizard with Bootable Media

If you don't want to or don't know how to remove the hard drive, you can still directly recover data from your problematic computer by using Data Recovery Wizard with bootable media.

NOTE: If the BSOD is due to hardware damage, you won't be able to recover data using bootable media, as it won't start your computer in this scenario. To retrieve your data, you'll need to detach the hard drive and employ Method 1 for troubleshooting.

Step 1. Create a bootable disk

Launch the Data Recovery Wizard, choose "Crashed PC Recovery" and click "Go to Recover".

choose crashed pc recovery
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Choose an empty USB to create the bootable drive and click "Create".

Warning: Creating a bootable disk will erase all data saved on the USB drive. Back up important data beforehand.

create bootable USB

Step 2. Boot your computer from the bootable USB Insert the bootable USB drive into your computer's USB port. Then, restart your computer. While it's starting up, press the designated key to enter the Boot Menu or BIOS setup. This key is usually displayed on the screen during the initial boot process (common keys are F2, F10, F12, or Del). In the Boot Menu, look for an option to select the USB drive as the primary boot device. Use the arrow keys to navigate and select the USB drive, then press Enter. Your computer will now boot from the USB drive. If your computer doesn't automatically boot from the USB, you may need to change the boot order in the BIOS settings. Find the option to set the boot order, move the USB drive to the top of the list, and save the changes before exiting. Once your computer boots from the USB, the installation process for your desired operating system should begin. Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed.

Connect the bootable disk to the non-booting PC and alter your computer's boot sequence in BIOS. For most users, this typically involves restarting their computer and pressing F2 simultaneously to enter BIOS.

Set the PC to boot from "Removable Devices" (bootable USB drive) instead of the hard drive. Press "F10" to save the changes and exit.

restart from bootable USB

Step 3. Recover Data from a Crashed System/PC

After booting from the Tools Data Recovery Wizard bootable disk, select the drive you wish to scan to locate all your lost files. Preview and recover the necessary files to a secure location.

recover lost files

Conclusion: When faced with a blue screen issue that prevents you from accessing your files, stay calm. You can utilize tools like Data Recovery Wizard or its bootable disk to recover your data with a high success rate. Apart from its robust recovery function, Data Recovery Wizard also serves as a JPEG repair tool, offering free repair for corrupted JPEG/JPG files.

How do you fix a Blue Screen of Death error?

Upon recovering data from the blue screen, it's time to address the underlying error. Restarting your computer is a logical first step. If that doesn't work, follow the instructions in the video tutorial to resolve the BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) caused by MBR (Master Boot Record)/system file errors, BCD (Boot Configuration Data) issues, or hardware driver problems.

If the issue persists after trying all three methods, proceed with the following solutions to rectify the BSOD error.

1. Use System Restore to undo changes

The BSOD error might occur after you install a new program/hardware, update a driver, or install a Windows update. If that's the case, you can resolve the issue by reversing the change you made. You can utilize System Restore to revert the system software to a previous state. Alternatively, you can roll back the device driver to a version prior to your driver update.

2. Ensure sufficient space on the C drive

Confirm there is sufficient free space available. The Blue Screen of Death and other data corruption issues can occur if there isn't enough free space on the drive where Windows is installed. Therefore, clean up hard disk space and ensure it remains at least 15% free of the drive's total capacity at all times.

3. Using Tools Partition Master

When encountering such errors like BSOD, you can seek assistance from the tool Partition Master. It features a Boot Repair tool that can rectify startup issues with a single click. Download it and follow the detailed instructions below to resolve blue screen-related problems.

Step 1. Connect the USB drive/external drive to a functional computer, launch MiniTool Partition Wizard (PE), and click "Create Bootable Media."

Step 2. Choose the Boot Toolkit and any other components you require. Then, click "Next."

create-tools-partition-master-re-bootable-disk-2

Step 3. Choose your removable device and click "Go" to create an image on your USB drive/external drive.

create-tools-partition-master-re-bootable-disk-3

Step 4. Acknowledge the warning message and wait for the creation process to finish.

Step 5. Connect the created bootable drive to the problematic computer and restart it while holding down "F2" or "Del" to enter the BIOS. Next, set the WinPE bootable drive as the primary boot device and press "F10" to exit and initiate the boot process.

boot-re-bootable-disk-in-bios

Step 6. Next, your computer will enter the WinPE desktop. Open BootRepair and you can view the BSOD logs and details in the Blue Screen tab.

bsod-records

Step 7. Navigate to the Boot Repair tab, select the system you wish to repair, and click on "Repair."

select-the-os-to-be-repaired

Step 8. Wait for a moment, and the system will be successfully repaired. Click "OK" to finish the boot repair process.

os-repaired

4. Utilize Windows 10 Repair Tools

A safe method to repair Windows 10 without data loss is by utilizing professional data recovery services, such as those provided by the Data Recovery Wizard Pro. Their experienced technical team can assist you in resolving various system startup issues, including system failures, blue screens, black screens, and more.

Consult with our data recovery specialists for personalized manual recovery assistance. After a FREE diagnosis, we can provide the following services:

  • Resolve Windows boot issues, including Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)
  • Correct Windows errors and configure the Windows environment
  • Recover the system in case of failed boots
  • Optimize your Windows computer for improved performance

5. Scan for viruses or malware

As mentioned earlier, viruses and malware might infect the master boot record and Windows kernel at a low level, leading to system instability. In this case, you can start your PC in Safe Mode and run the antivirus software for a thorough system scan.

6. Install the latest drivers for hardware

An incorrectly installed or outdated driver can result in a system crash. Download a reliable tool to manage outdated and missing drivers: DriverHandy Tool. It also has the capability to backup and reinstall drivers automatically. This might resolve BSOD issues related to driver problems.

It's a user-friendly tool. Simply download it, run a scan on your computer, and then update your drivers to the latest version.

update outdated drivers

7. Install available Windows service packs and updates

Microsoft regularly releases patches and service packs for their operating systems that may contain fixes for BSOD errors.

8. Check the system and application logs

You can examine the System and Application logs in the Event Viewer for any errors or warnings that might offer useful clues regarding the cause of the BSOD, allowing you to address the issue more precisely.

9. Reset BIOS to default settings

An overclocked or misconfigured BIOS can cause all sorts of random issues, including BSODs.

  • Navigate to C: > Windows > Software Distribution > Download and delete all the files within this folder. Additionally, remove the $Windows.~BT folder situated in the root directory of "C:".
  • Once you've deleted these files, restart your computer. Enter the BIOS by pressing F12 or Delete during startup and enable UEFI Boot.
  • If you have overclocked your processor beyond its default settings, disable all overclocking options.

10. Reinstall Windows

If none of the above methods help you fix the Stop Error, you can try resetting Windows or performing a clean install. Make sure to back up all important data to an external hard drive before reinstalling Windows.