Windows Error Diagnostic Checklist

Critical First Steps

Backup Important Data ImmediatelyIf possible, boot into Safe Mode or use a recovery drive to back up all critical files to an external disk before proceeding. Identify the Error Code and MessageWrite down the exact BSOD stop code (e.g., 0x0000007B) or error message. Note what you were doing when the error occurred.

Fixing Startup Problems

Check BIOS/UEFI Boot OrderRestart the PC, enter BIOS/UEFI setup, and ensure "Windows Boot Manager" or your system drive is the first boot priority. Run Startup RepairBoot from Windows installation media, select "Repair your computer" > "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Startup Repair". Rebuild Boot Configuration Data (BCD)From the recovery Command Prompt, run bootrec /rebuildbcd. Also consider bootrec /fixmbr and bootrec /fixboot.

Repairing Corrupted Files

Run Check Disk (CHKDSK)From an admin Command Prompt, run CHKDSK C: /f /r to find and fix file system errors and bad sectors. This may take a long time. Run System File Checker (SFC)In an admin Command Prompt, run sfc /scannow to scan for and repair protected system files. Run DISMAfter SFC, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth to repair the core Windows component store. Check Event Viewer LogsGo to "Windows Logs" > "System" and look for red errors related to "Disk", "NTFS", or "volsnap".

Testing Physical Components

Test System Memory (RAM)Run the "Windows Memory Diagnostic" tool or a bootable utility like MemTest86 to check for faulty RAM modules. Check Disk S.M.A.R.T. StatusUse a tool like CrystalDiskInfo or run wmic diskdrive get status in Command Prompt to check drive health. "Caution" or "Bad" indicates failure. Inspect Physical ConnectionsPower down the PC, open the case, and ensure all SATA data and power cables for storage drives are firmly connected. Remove Non-Essential PeripheralsUnplug all USB devices except the mouse and keyboard to rule out conflicts.

Resolving Blue Screen and Driver Conflicts

Undo Recent ChangesUninstall recently installed software or drivers. If you recently updated a driver, roll it back via Device Manager. Update Essential DriversUpdate your graphics, chipset, and storage controller drivers from the manufacturer's official website. Analyze Memory Dump FilesUse the BlueScreenView utility to analyze the minidump files located in C:\Windows\Minidump to identify the faulting driver. Run Driver VerifierFor advanced users. Run verifier to stress-test drivers and find faulty ones (Warning: can cause frequent crashes).

Final Software and Hardware Steps

Use System RestoreRevert your PC to a previously created restore point before the errors started. Reset This PCUse the "Reset This PC" feature in Windows settings, choosing "Keep my files" first. If that fails, a full reset may be needed.

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Escalate to Hardware ReplacementIf CHKDSK finds unrecoverable sectors, S.M.A.R.T. status is "Bad", or RAM tests fail, the faulty component must be replaced.