BSOD & System Crashes Troubleshooting

Step-by-step guide to analyze stop codes, read minidump files, and resolve critical hardware or driver crashes.

1. Check System Files Integrity

Corrupted system files are a primary trigger for Blue Screens of Death (BSOD). Run the Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool followed by the System File Checker in an elevated prompt:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

sfc /scannow

2. Analyze Minidump Logs

Windows saves crash reports inside the `C:\Windows\Minidump` folder. You can download tools like BlueScreenView or WinDbg to inspect which specific driver or memory module caused the stop code error.

3. Common Stop Code References

CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED: A core system component crashed unexpectedly. Usually fixed via `sfc /scannow` or rolling back recent updates.
MEMORY_MANAGEMENT: Faulty RAM stick or unstable XMP profile. Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool (`mdsched.exe`).
DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL: Outdated or corrupted device driver. Update network or graphics card drivers via Device Manager.