Seeing “Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart. We’re just collecting some error info, and then we’ll restart for you”? This blue screen error has several causes and solutions.
Understanding the Error
This is Windows 11/10’s version of the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). The screen shows:
- Stop code (error type)
- QR code linking to help
- Percentage of error collection
Note the Stop Code
Common stop codes with this error:
- CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED
- SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION
- KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED
- PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA
- DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL
- MEMORY_MANAGEMENT
- UNEXPECTED_STORE_EXCEPTION
Boot to Safe Mode
If Windows Won’t Start
- Turn off computer (hold power button)
- Turn on, wait for logo
- Hold power button to force off
- Repeat 3 times
- Windows enters recovery mode
- Troubleshoot > Advanced options
- Startup Settings > Restart
- Press 4 for Safe Mode
If You Can Access Windows
- Settings > System > Recovery
- Advanced startup > Restart now
- Troubleshoot > Advanced options
- Startup Settings > Restart
- Press 4 for Safe Mode
Recent Changes
Uninstall Recent Software
In Safe Mode:
- Settings > Apps > Installed apps
- Sort by Install date
- Uninstall recently installed programs
- Restart normally
Uninstall Recent Updates
- Settings > Windows Update
- Update history
- Uninstall updates
- Remove recent updates
- Restart
Roll Back Drivers
- Device Manager
- Expand device category
- Right-click device > Properties
- Driver tab > Roll Back Driver
Driver Fixes
Update All Drivers
- Device Manager
- Look for devices with yellow warning
- Right-click > Update driver
- Search automatically
Common Problematic Drivers
- Graphics drivers (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel)
- Network adapters
- Audio drivers
- Storage controllers (SATA, NVMe)
Clean Install Graphics Driver
- Download DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller)
- Boot to Safe Mode
- Run DDU > Clean and restart
- Install latest driver from manufacturer
System File Repairs
Run SFC
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator
- Type:
sfc /scannow - Wait for completion
- Restart
Run DISM
If SFC finds unrepairable errors:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthWait for completion, then run SFC again.
Check Disk
- Command Prompt as Admin
- Type:
chkdsk C: /f /r - Type Y to schedule
- Restart to run check
Memory Problems
Windows Memory Diagnostic
- Search “Windows Memory Diagnostic”
- Click “Restart now and check for problems”
- Computer restarts and tests RAM
- Check results after reboot
Physical RAM Check
- Try one RAM stick at a time
- Try different RAM slots
- Test with known good RAM
Disable Fast Startup
Fast Startup can cause this error:
- Control Panel > Power Options
- Choose what the power buttons do
- Change settings that are currently unavailable
- Uncheck “Turn on fast startup”
- Save changes
System Restore
Restore to Earlier Point
- Search “Create a restore point”
- Click System Restore
- Choose restore point before issue
- Follow prompts
- Restart
From Recovery
If can’t boot:
- Boot to recovery mode
- Troubleshoot > Advanced options
- System Restore
- Select restore point
Reset This PC
Keep Files
- Settings > System > Recovery
- Reset this PC > Reset PC
- Choose “Keep my files”
- Follow prompts
From Recovery Mode
- Troubleshoot > Reset this PC
- Keep my files
- Windows reinstalls keeping data
Specific Stop Codes
CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED
- Update all drivers
- Run SFC and DISM
- Check for malware
- Test memory
SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION
- Update graphics driver
- Update antivirus
- Uninstall recent software
- Check for corrupted system files
DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL
- Identify driver in error
- Update or roll back that driver
- Check for driver conflicts
- Uninstall overclocking software
MEMORY_MANAGEMENT
- Test RAM
- Update BIOS
- Check for driver issues
- Run memory diagnostic
UNEXPECTED_STORE_EXCEPTION
- Check hard drive health
- Disable Fast Startup
- Update storage drivers
- Run chkdsk
Check Event Viewer
Find Crash Details
- Search “Event Viewer”
- Windows Logs > System
- Look for Critical or Error events
- Note the source and Event ID
- Search for specific fix
Hardware Checks
Temperature Issues
- Check CPU/GPU temperatures
- Clean dust from fans
- Ensure proper ventilation
- Reapply thermal paste if needed
Hard Drive Health
- Download CrystalDiskInfo
- Check drive status
- Look for reallocated sectors
- Replace if “Caution” or “Bad”
Power Supply
Unstable power causes crashes:
- Try different outlet
- Test with different PSU
- Check power cable connections
BIOS Updates
Update BIOS
- Check current BIOS version (System Information)
- Visit motherboard/PC manufacturer site
- Download latest BIOS
- Follow manufacturer’s update instructions
- Restart
PC Keeps Crashing? Our Dallas technicians diagnose and fix blue screen errors. We identify the exact cause and repair hardware or software issues. Same-day service throughout DFW.
Prevention
- Keep Windows updated
- Update drivers regularly
- Don’t ignore warning signs
- Maintain proper cooling
- Use reliable power source
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