A user reports that their computer crashed and displayed a blue screen with white text before restarting. After rebooting, the user experiences the same crash each time they launch a specific application. As a technician, what should be your first step in troubleshooting this recurring BSOD?
Perform a system restore to a point before the problem started happening.
Run a disk cleanup to free up space on the user's hard drive.
Because the blue screen appears only when a particular application is opened, a likely cause is that the application is interacting with an outdated or corrupted driver (for example, a video or sound driver). The recommended initial step is to open Device Manager and check for any devices with issues, then download and install the most recent drivers from the hardware-vendor or Windows Update. If the crash were due to failing hardware or file-system corruption, it would probably occur under other conditions as well. Replacing RAM, performing a system restore, or running disk cleanup are valid later steps but should follow after ruling out driver conflicts.
Ask Bash
Bash is our AI bot, trained to help you pass your exam. AI Generated Content may display inaccurate information, always double-check anything important.
Why are outdated or corrupted drivers likely to cause a BSOD?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
How do you use Device Manager to identify driver issues?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What is the difference between updating drivers through Windows Update and manually from the manufacturer's website?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
CompTIA A+ 220-1102 (V14)
Software Troubleshooting
Your Score:
Report Issue
Bash, the Crucial Exams Chat Bot
AI Bot
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Pass with Confidence.
IT & Cybersecurity Package
You have hit the limits of our free tier, become a Premium Member today for unlimited access.
Military, Healthcare worker, Gov. employee or Teacher? See if you qualify for a Community Discount.
Monthly
$19.99
$19.99/mo
Billed monthly, Cancel any time.
3 Month Pass
$44.99
$14.99/mo
One time purchase of $44.99, Does not auto-renew.
MOST POPULAR
Annual Pass
$119.99
$9.99/mo
One time purchase of $119.99, Does not auto-renew.
BEST DEAL
Lifetime Pass
$189.99
One time purchase, Good for life.
What You Get
All IT & Cybersecurity Package plans include the following perks and exams .