Common Windows Errors and How to Fix Them – All Os Guru
Windows

Common Windows Errors and How to Fix Them

Windows operating systems are used by millions of people around the world, and despite their widespread popularity, users often encounter various errors. These errors can range from minor annoyances to critical issues that can cause data loss or system crashes. Fortunately, most of these errors are fixable with a bit of knowledge and troubleshooting. In this post, we’ll discuss some of the most common Windows errors and how to fix them.

1. Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)

The “Blue Screen of Death” (BSOD) is one of the most notorious errors in Windows. This error typically occurs when the operating system encounters a critical problem that it cannot recover from, such as a hardware failure, faulty drivers, or system corruption.

How to Fix BSOD:

  • Restart your computer: Sometimes, a BSOD is a one-time occurrence. Restarting your system may resolve the issue temporarily.
  • Update drivers: Outdated or incompatible drivers are often the culprit. Update your graphics, sound, and other device drivers from the Device Manager.
  • Check for hardware issues: Test your RAM, hard drive, and other hardware components to ensure they are working properly. You can use Windows built-in tools like Windows Memory Diagnostic and CHKDSK.
  • Use System Restore: If the error began after a recent update or software installation, using System Restore to revert to a previous system state may help.
  • Reinstall Windows: If all else fails, reinstalling Windows might be necessary to fix the issue.

2. Application Crashes

Applications freezing or crashing unexpectedly is a frustrating issue that many Windows users face. This can occur due to software bugs, corrupt system files, or conflicting applications.

How to Fix Application Crashes:

  • Update the application: Check for any updates for the app that might address bugs or compatibility issues.
  • Run the app in compatibility mode: Right-click the app’s shortcut, select “Properties,” go to the “Compatibility” tab, and check “Run this program in compatibility mode.”
  • Check for system updates: Sometimes, Windows updates include fixes for application compatibility problems.
  • Run the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter: Windows has a built-in troubleshooter for this purpose. It can automatically find and fix problems related to software compatibility.
  • Reinstall the application: If the problem persists, uninstalling and reinstalling the app may resolve the issue.

3. Slow Performance

A slow-performing system can be caused by a variety of factors, including too many startup programs, insufficient system resources, or fragmented files.

How to Fix Slow Performance:

  • Disable startup programs: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, then go to the “Startup” tab and disable unnecessary programs that launch on startup.
  • Run Disk Cleanup: Type “Disk Cleanup” in the Start menu search bar and run it to clear out temporary files, system files, and cached data that may be slowing your system down.
  • Check for malware: Malware or viruses can significantly slow down your system. Run a full system scan using Windows Defender or a third-party antivirus program.
  • Upgrade hardware: If your system is still slow, it might be time to upgrade hardware components, like adding more RAM or switching to a Solid-State Drive (SSD) for faster performance.
  • Defragment your hard drive: If you’re using an HDD, defragmenting the drive can improve performance. Type “Defragment and Optimize Drives” in the search bar and follow the prompts.

4. Windows Update Errors

Windows updates are essential for maintaining system security and stability, but sometimes updates fail to install. Common error codes include 0x80070002, 0x80070020, and 0x80073712.

How to Fix Windows Update Errors:

  • Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter: Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix problems with Windows Update. To run it, go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Windows Update.
  • Check your internet connection: A poor or interrupted internet connection may prevent updates from downloading properly.
  • Free up disk space: Ensure that there is enough space on your system drive for updates to be installed. You can use Disk Cleanup to free up space.
  • Reset Windows Update components: Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the following commands to reset the Windows Update components: net stop wuauserv net stop bits ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old net start wuauserv net start bits
  • Manually download updates: If all else fails, you can manually download the updates from the Microsoft Update Catalog and install them.

5. Network Connectivity Issues

Issues with network connectivity are common and can stem from problems with your network adapter, incorrect configuration, or issues with your internet service provider (ISP).

How to Fix Network Connectivity Issues:

  • Check your cables: Ensure that your Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi connection is working properly.
  • Restart your router and modem: Sometimes, simply restarting your router or modem can fix connectivity issues.
  • Run the Network Troubleshooter: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network Troubleshooter. This tool can automatically detect and resolve common network issues.
  • Update network drivers: Outdated or faulty network drivers can prevent you from connecting to the internet. Go to Device Manager, right-click your network adapter, and select “Update driver.”
  • Check IP configuration: Open Command Prompt and type ipconfig /release followed by ipconfig /renew to refresh your IP address.

6. File Explorer Not Responding

Windows File Explorer can sometimes freeze or become unresponsive, preventing you from accessing files or navigating folders.

How to Fix File Explorer Not Responding:

  • Restart File Explorer: Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), find “Windows Explorer” under Processes, right-click it, and select “Restart.”
  • Clear File Explorer history: Go to File Explorer > View > Options > Change folder and search options > Privacy, and click “Clear” to remove history that might be causing the issue.
  • Check for system updates: Sometimes, a File Explorer bug may be fixed in a Windows update, so ensure your system is up-to-date.
  • Disable third-party extensions: Some third-party software may add extensions to File Explorer that cause it to freeze. You can use tools like ShellExView to disable these extensions temporarily.
  • Run a System File Check (SFC): Corrupt system files can cause File Explorer to stop working. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the following command: sfc /scannow

7. Missing DLL Files

Missing DLL (Dynamic Link Library) files are a common error on Windows, often resulting in a “This application failed to start because xxx.dll was not found” message.

How to Fix Missing DLL Files:

  • Reinstall the application: Most DLL errors are related to a specific program. Reinstalling the application that’s causing the error may restore the missing file.
  • Download the missing DLL file: If the DLL is still missing after reinstalling, you can search for the DLL file on a trusted website and place it in the directory specified by the error message.
  • Use System File Checker (SFC): Run the sfc /scannow command to check and repair any missing or corrupted system files that could be causing the error.
  • Update Windows: A missing DLL might also indicate outdated system files. Make sure your system is up-to-date with the latest patches from Windows Update.

Conclusion

While Windows errors can be frustrating, most are solvable with a little time and effort. Whether you’re dealing with the Blue Screen of Death, slow performance, or application crashes, there are solutions available to get your system back to running smoothly. Always remember to back up important files and consider creating a system restore point before making significant changes to your system. By following the steps outlined in this post, you can troubleshoot and fix most common Windows errors.