Windows has been getting better since its introduction. Windows 95/98 were probably the most error prone out there (though Windows ME was certainly up there), with Windows XP and Windows Vista both being a little bit more stable.

Six Common Causes of Windows Errors

But, and you probably already knew this, Windows comes relatively stable out of the box. The user helps make it unstable, and the user does so by:

1. Downloading a bunch of garbage programs that clog up your hard drive

Yes, you can download as many applications as you want (such is the freedom of owning your own computer, right?), but that doesn’t excuse the fact that downloading garbage or poorly written applications is only going to cause you problems.

2. Improper maintenance of your computer

We aren’t talking about the hard drive, or keeping your folders properly segregated. We’re talking physically. If your computer is constantly struggling, it may be a result of a physical affliction. Perhaps one of your hard drives is dying, a case fan has gone out, or the case itself is loaded with dust and debris.

When was the last time that you popped open the case, grabbed a can of compressed air, and got rid of all the dust inside of it? That’s what we thought.

3. Downloading movies and music from untrustworthy sources

BearShare and LimeWire are not trustworthy sources, so don’t download from them. Torrents are also a great way to clog up your computer, and potentially catch the latest and greatest virus to come out of a programmer’s basement. If you’re going to download music, use a service like iTunes or Napster- both are inexpensive, and the music is high quality and virus free.

4. Letting other people use your computer

No matter how much our friends complain (and believe us, they do) we never let them touch our computer. They are password protected and locked down whenever we aren’t around to use them. Why? Because people love to break stuff that isn’t theirs.

5. Trying to fix their mistakes without educating yourself first

If your computer pops up saying you’re missing a system file the last thing you should do is attempt to solve that problem on your own. Do some research, read a bit, and consult a tech person. What usually happens is you thrash it more than it was when you began, and that’s no good for anyone involved.

6. Leaving it on all the time

Do yourself a favor and turn your computer off every now and again. There’s no reason for the hard drive and fans to be spinning if you’re asleep. The wear and tear on those items adds up to performance decreases, and in the case of your hard drive, instability and other issues that pop up over time.

Want to avoid turning your computer into an expensive piece of useless silicon? See our article (aptly titled “5 Ways to Keep Your Computer Happy”).

Finding Software Errors

Your computer has a “registry”. This registry is essentially a giant list of all the applications on your computer, how the computer sees/runs them, special instructions given to the computer by various registry components/add-ons, and information on how the computer can access these programs at any given time. Generally speaking, it’s a bad idea to mess with the registry.

However, the registry is also the most common area that significant errors occur. This is due to improper installation/uninstallation of programs, viruses, malware, spyware, and adware. Since the registry is designed to operate in the background it can be a huge ordeal to find the source of the errors in question and solve them. This is where computer error software comes into the mix.

Like an interpreter, the computer error software will decipher the information contained within the registry and display it to you in a way that you will understand. From there you can decide your course of action, be it to repair the error or leave it alone.

Aside from registry-related errors, computer error software will also search for errors caused by other factors. Things like viruses, spyware, malware, ActiveX errors, .dll errors, runtime errors, and pop-ups fall into this category. These errors are usually much more numerous than registry errors, though less damaging overall.

Fixing Software Errors

Once the computer error software has found errors most will give you a few options. If you have paid for a license for the computer error software, as opposed to simply using the free system scan that many programs offer, you will likely be given an option to back up the files in question and/or registry and repair the error. Often, this is a simple operation as most errors are known and fixable.

A missing .dll error, for example, is as simple as having the computer error software replace the missing .dll file. Replace the file, remove the error. Other errors can be fixed just as easily.

Download a Free Software Repair Scan Now!

Windows is the most widely used operating system in the world, and it has been the de-facto standard operating system for nearly 20 years. Windows 95 further broadened the gap between PC and MAC, with Windows XP creating a massive divide between the two types of computers.

What Every Version of Windows Has in Common

Aside from being developed by Microsoft, what does each version of Windows released so far have in common with each other? Having trouble figuring that one out? Here’s a hint: the blue screen of death (BSOD). The BSOD, aside from being the most common computer error and the most widely known, is also the most infuriating. Thanks to the way it is executed, all of your unsaved data is lost in the event of a BSOD.

The BSOD typically displays a STOP CODE (a STOP CODE looks very similar to 0×00000024). Unless you’re a computer technician the STOP CODE is going to be worthless to you, but make a note of the STOP CODE so you can Google a solution for it later.

Windows 98, during a press demo run by Mr. Bill Gates himself, experienced a BSOD when attempting to run a printer via plug & play. Even for the owner of the company that makes Windows, the elusive BSOD can come and go as it pleases.

What to Learn from a BSOD

It’s important to remember that a BSOD happens for a reason. Just like how the check engine light of your car comes on when something is wrong with your car, a BSOD/STOP CODE are only displayed when things aren’t working as planned.

Even though the BSOD is the most common computer error most people don’t know what to take away from it. A STOP CODE won’t be displayed for no reason, and during a BSOD a stop code is ALWAYS displayed. A little research about your error will almost always lead you to a resolution for the issue at hand.

However, there is nothing more aggravating than experiencing computer boot errors. Computer boot errors, like a house guest that just won’t leave, literally prevent you from doing anything with your computer. After all, you aren’t able to get the computer to boot, let alone to do anything productive.

Identifying Most Computer Boot Errors

A boot error is easy to identify: instead of powering on normally, the computer will either freeze up, display an error-related menu, or throw a blue screen of death (BSOD). The latter two symptoms of a computer boot error aren’t terrible- at least they are providing some amount of useful information.

If your computer just freezes up you’re only real option is to check your hardware. If it’s freezing before Windows has even loaded you may have a dead motherboard or hard drive. Either option isn’t too expensive to replace, though you may lose all the date on your hard drive if it is the culprit.

• Freezes before Windows loads – Check to ensure that your motherboard and hard drive(s) are functioning properly.
• Freezes during the Windows load screen – Windows may be corrupt and in need of a repair/reinstall. Hold F8 (it may be different on your PC) as soon as you hit the power button to load up the boot menu. Select “safe mode” and repair the Windows installation.
• Will not load Windows normally – If you are only able to boot into Windows in Safe Mode you almost certainly have an error with the Windows installation. Repair/reinstall Windows to solve this problem. If reinstalling/repairing the Windows installation doesn’t help you may have a startup application or a virus that is preventing from Windows loading normally.
• Displays a BSOD – Write down the STOP code (it will look like 0×00000024 or similar) and gather more information about that particular STOP online. The STOP CODE is very accurate in determining the root cause of a problem, and if the boot error is the result of a software cause you may be able to fix it quite inexpensively.

It is highly recommended that you monitor your computer frequently and work to prevent these errors before they occur. After all, wouldn’t you rather proactively stop errors than have to react to them after they occur? It sure sounds like an intelligent solution, and there are programs out there that can effectively monitor your computer usage and your hardware/software to prevent these errors from ever occuring.