Why Does My Computer Keep on Crashing?

Computer crashes can manifest in several ways:

• Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) – Windows system crashes
• Kernel Panic – macOS equivalent of BSOD
• Complete Freezes – System becomes unresponsive
• Sudden Restarts – Computer reboots without warning
• Application Crashes – Individual programs failing

Chapter 1: Hardware-Related Causes

1.1 Overheating Issues

Symptoms:

• Fans running at maximum speed
• Hot air from vents
• Performance throttling before crash

Diagnosis Tools:

• Core Temp (Windows)
• Intel Power Gadget (macOS)
• lm-sensors (Linux)

Common Fixes:

• Clean dust from heatsinks/fans
• Reapply thermal paste
• Improve case airflow
• Replace faulty cooling systems

1.2 Faulty RAM

Diagnosis:

1. Windows Memory Diagnostic (built-in)
2. MemTest86 (Advanced testing)
3. Remove sticks one-by-one to isolate

Solutions:

• Reseat RAM modules
• Replace defective memory
• Adjust BIOS timings

1.3 Power Supply Problems

Warning Signs:

• Random shutdowns under load
• Burning smell from PSU
• Voltage fluctuations (use HWMonitor)

Action Steps:

• Test with known-good PSU
• Check power cable connections
• Replace if voltages exceed ±5% tolerance

Chapter 2: Software-Related Causes

2.1 Driver Conflicts

Problematic Drivers:

• GPU drivers (especially after updates)
• Chipset drivers
• Peripheral drivers (printers/scanners)

Resolution:

1. Check Event Viewer for crash logs
2. Roll back recent driver updates
3. Use DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) for GPU issues
4. Install manufacturer drivers (not Windows Update)

2.2 Operating System Corruption

Diagnosis Commands:

sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
chkdsk /f /r

Advanced Repair:

• Windows: In-place upgrade
• macOS: Reinstall via Recovery
• Linux: fsck and package verification

2.3 Malware Infections

Scanning Tools:

• Malwarebytes (Best for detection)
• Windows Defender Offline (Persistent malware)
• rkhunter (Linux rootkits)

Prevention:

• Regular scans
• Firewall configuration
• User account control

Chapter 3: Hardware-Specific Troubleshooting

3.1 Graphics Card Failures

Symptoms:

• Artifacts on screen
• Driver timeout messages
• Crashes during GPU load

Diagnosis:

• Stress test with FurMark
• Check temperatures
• Test in another system

3.2 Hard Drive/SSD Issues

Warning Signs:

• Clicking/grinding sounds
• Slow file access
• SMART errors (use CrystalDiskInfo)

Solutions:

• Backup immediately
• Replace failing drive
• Check SATA/NVMe connections

3.3 Motherboard Problems

Indicators:

• POST failures
• USB/ethernet ports not working
• BIOS corruption

Troubleshooting:

• Reset CMOS
• Update BIOS
• Inspect for bulging capacitors

Chapter 4: Advanced Diagnostic Techniques

4.1 Analyzing Crash Dumps

Windows BSOD Analysis:

1. Download WinDbg from Microsoft Store
2. Open C:\Windows\Minidump files
3. Look for:
   • DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL
   • MEMORY_MANAGEMENT
   • SYSTEM_THREAD_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED

macOS Crash Reports:

• Located in /Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports
• Look for kernel extension issues

4.2 Stress Testing Components

Recommended Tools:

• Prime95 (CPU/RAM)
• FurMark (GPU)
• CrystalDiskMark (Storage)
• AIDA64 (System stability)

Safe Testing Protocol:

1. Monitor temperatures
2. Test one component at a time
3. Limit sessions to 30 minutes initially

Chapter 5: Prevention and Maintenance

5.1 System Monitoring Setup

Essential Monitoring:

• CPU/GPU temperatures
• RAM usage
• Disk health (SMART)
• Event log alerts

Recommended Software:

• HWInfo
• Open Hardware Monitor
• iStat Menus (macOS)

5.2 Maintenance Schedule

Chapter 6: When to Seek Professional Help

6.1 Signs You Need Expert Assistance

• Persistent BSODs after all troubleshooting
• Burning smells or visible damage
• Water damage incidents
• Complex RAID/data recovery needs

6.2 Choosing a Repair Service

Evaluation Criteria:

• Certified technicians (CompTIA A+)
• Data privacy policies
• Diagnostic fees structure
• Warranty on repairs

Conclusion: Systematic Crash Resolution

To effectively resolve computer crashes:

1. Document crash patterns (when/how it occurs)
2. Isolate variables (hardware vs software)
3. Test systematically (one change at a time)
4. Implement preventive measures (monitoring/cleaning)

For persistent issues, consult our hardware troubleshooting guides or manufacturer support portals. Most crashes are resolvable with methodical diagnosis and targeted solutions.