Sep 20, 2023 If you use a desktop computer or laptop frequently, then possibly you’ve encountered some error messages. All PC users come across various error messages but most users are unaware of the meaning of these common error codes. And unless you know what the code means, there’s nothing you can do to fix the problem. Error messages are quite common that suggest something is going wrong with your computer. You may receive a text across a dark screen known as an error message due to a faulty driver, malfunctioning device, update error, or a recently installed app not aligning with the system. There are different types of error messages and each error has a specific reason for popping up on your screen. These error codes typically appear in software programs and several other areas within the Windows operating system.
When an error message pop-up on the screen, most users simply shut down the device and start it again to fix the issue. Restarting the computer often fixes the issue temporarily but it doesn’t completely resolve the error. Even if the message has disappeared, it doesn’t mean that the error has gone. Ignoring these errors for too long can have severe consequences and in worst cases may lead to sudden data loss. Some errors can be fixed easily while serious ones need technical assistance. Unless you’re an expert in Windows OS, it’s best to understand what these common error messages are and how to deal with them. So, let’s get started.
Blue screen of death (BSoD)
No matter which Windows operating system you’re using, most probably you’ve come across Blue screen errors, known as the Blue Screen of Death (BSoD). When this infamous error screen appears on your Windows computer screen. It means that the operating system has suffered a “stop error” due to faulty hardware. Unlike other errors, BSOD/Frown Face/Stop Errors can’t be avoided by pressing Esc or Ctrl + Alt + Del.
You can also encounter this error due to a recent change in hardware or software change. To enable people to understand this error, Microsoft has replaced technical codes with a blue screen and a frowning face for Windows 8 and above versions. So, instead of complicated codes, you will receive a simple message. Your PC ran into a problem and an error code with a frowning face. Some common blue screen codes include: NTFS_FILE_SYSTEM – (hard drive issue), DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL – (bad driver), PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA — (a new hardware attached to your system).
Solution: Typically, the Windows OS will shut down itself and restart automatically to avoid further complications. But if that doesn’t happen, then you may restart the system and unplug any new device that you had attached to your computer. You should boot the computer in Safe Mode, uninstall the recently installed software, update the drivers, and perform a virus scan. A BSOD error can cause data loss and if that happens, you will need to find a data recovery service.
Boot device not found
This is another common Windows error message that happens all of a sudden, without giving you a chance to act. As you know, to start a computer, a boot device is needed and when your system fails to recognize a boot device. This message appears on the screen. The cause of boot device not finding 3F0 error can be a faulty hard drive, malware, corrupt boot sector of the hard drive, or incorrect BIOS configuration change. During the booting process, the BIOS needs to access certain files from the bootable device. When there is an issue with this boot device. That is, the hard drive then this error message pops on the computer screen. In simple words, this error occurs when the hard disk does not support the system boot process.
Solution: A user can fix the boot device not found 3F0 error by using some remedial measures. First, you need to check the BIOS settings to make sure that the boot order is correct. If you find any issue, restore BIOS default settings. But if the boot configuration is right. You may either need to perform a hard reset or reset the hard drive. Sometimes, installing a new version of your Windows operating system can also help. However, remember that you may encounter data loss while using these measures.
Windows update errors
Many errors in Windows are simply the result of this single error. It can be difficult to decipher codes because a recurring error may generate a different code each time. However, all Windows users are familiar with one code: 0x80070057. Whether it’s Windows XP, Windows 10, Windows 11 this error is a common occurrence when there is a problem with Windows Update. Microsoft states that users may encounter this type of error when Windows initiates an automatic update and a program requires user interaction. The primary cause of this error is when Windows installation fails, or Windows Update refuses to install updates. Restarting your computer or disabling your security software may help in temporarily fixing the issue. However, if the problem persists, then it means that there’s something is wrong with your software distribution folder.
Solution: Click the Windows Start Menu > Click on the Settings> click on Update & Security> Go to Troubleshoot from the left side menu> click on Windows Update> Click on the Run troubleshooter button.
DLL errors
A Dynamic Link Library (DLL) is a shared file built into Windows which is used by many programs to operate. DLL error is another type of error that may appear in form of the following messages: “The .dll file is missing”, “.dll file not found”, or “This application failed to start, an important component .dll is missing. Reinstalling the application may fix the error.” Typically, this error occurs due to deletion of DLL files, overwriting the DLL file, corrupted or crashed DLL file, malware infection, and some other reasons.
Solution: If the user knows which DLL file is deleted, it can get easier to restore the missing DLL file by downloading it and reinstalling the program to replace any missing or damaged files. However, DLL errors aren’t always fixed by replacing one file. Sometimes, malware can also delete these files, so scan for malware.