Decoding the Blue Screen of Death: The 5 Most Common Error Codes and What They Mean

Posted on: Jun 20, 2023

The infamous Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) is a sight no computer user wants to see. This full-screen error, displayed against a blue background, can be as mystifying as it is terrifying, but understanding its common error codes can provide insight into what's gone wrong with your system. Here, we delve into the five most common BSOD error codes, what they mean, and how to address them.

1. MEMORY_MANAGEMENT (0x0000001A)

The MEMORY_MANAGEMENT error, also known as a 0x0000001A error, signifies a severe memory management issue. It usually appears when your system has trouble processing or reading data stored in memory, often resulting from outdated or faulty drivers, corrupted system files, or hardware running past its limits.

2. IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL (0x0000000A)

This error code usually points to a driver compatibility issue. It indicates that a process or driver attempted to access a particular memory space without having the necessary permissions. Often, updating your system drivers or running a Windows update can resolve this issue.

3. CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED (0x000000EF)

The CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED error suggests a critical system process stopped functioning. It's one of the most serious BSOD errors because it points to an issue with the operating system itself, such as a critical file being modified or removed. In some cases, a system restore or repair might be necessary.

4. SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION (0x0000003B)

This error code means a system service (a process that runs in the background) or an exception in a device driver has resulted in an error. Causes may include faulty system files, graphics card driver issues, or problems with certain software.

5. BAD_SYSTEM_CONFIG_INFO (0x00000074)

The BAD_SYSTEM_CONFIG_INFO error often occurs due to incorrect or damaged system configuration settings or faulty hardware, like a problematic hard disk or memory (RAM). Repairing your system's configuration or replacing hardware can often resolve this error.

These are just some of the most common BSOD error codes, and the list is by no means exhaustive. However, understanding these errors can help diagnose what's going wrong with your system.

If you're frequently encountering BSOD or other system errors and you're unsure how to resolve them, our team at It's Fix'd is ready to assist. Just give us a call at 401-753-4263 or send us a message to schedule a diagnosis and repair. We'll get your computer back up and running in no time.