Troubleshooting blue screen crashes (for non-geeks)

Here is a scenario I have seen many times: You have a computer that keeps giving you blue screens of death (i.e. error messages that show up as a blue screen).

You follow standard advice:
1) You have scanned for viruses and spyware
2) You have disconnected your computer from the Internet
3) You have reinstalled Windows

But the computer crashes keep coming. At this point, many computer technicians will say, "This computer cannot be repaired. Junk your old computer and just buy a new one from me. They are quite cheap anyway."

But for those of us who can't afford or prefer to keep our old system, there are actually simple ways to find out what it wrong and fix them.


--- Poor Ventilation (overheating internal components) ---
After many years of use, computers tend to get clogged up with dust and grime.

1) Use a very strong vacuum cleaner to all the openings and areas that you can reach around the computer. Use a cotton wool stick to help dislodge the dust further inside.

2) Place the computer in a cool place (like near the window).

3) There are some holes around and under the computer. When you switch it on, you can use your palm to feel for wind currents from the computer. After you have located them, make sure that there are no obstacles around these holes.

4) If the computer warranty is void and you don't mind opening it up, you can give its insides a through cleaning with alcohol or an electronics-friendly cleaning fluid. The areas with a fan and protruding metal fins (i.e. heat sinks) should get most of the attention as they are most in need of cooling.

5) If you are using a desktop computer, you can open and expose one side of the computer to a fan as a last resort.


--- Bad Memory ---
1) Download Memtest and run a test until it has at least 100% coverage. The program is foolproof - you only need to press a button and wait for an hour or so.

2) If there is a problem, you can change the bad RAM chip. Bring your computer down to a place that sells computer spare parts and ask them to replace the chip for you.

3) Tip: Some brands of RAM have lifetime warranties (e.g. Corsair, Kingston). Depending on the terms of your warranty, you may be able to change it at their service centers for free.


--- Bad Hard Disk ---
1) If the hard disk makes a clicking sound or revs up and down, and the computer crashes shortly afterwards, that means that you must change the hard disk.

2) You can run Windows Check Disk to ensure that it is working. (Scroll down for the web page for the Graphical Version.)

3) After that, go to the website again and follow the Command Line version. Run the "chkdsk c:" instruction.

4) When it is finished, see if it says "0 KB in bad sectors". If there is a non-zero number in the "x KB in bad sector", it means that it is best to change the hard disk.