About Error Codes

There are many error codes that tell you why your computer system crashed. If you have gotten the Blue Screen of Death, then you should write down the error code that it presents to help you determine how you can fix your PC. Some of the most common error codes are simple to address. Others, however, will require the help of a professional technician who knows a lot about computer systems.

Finding Information about Common Error Codes

Common error codes are fairly easy to learn about on the internet because so many people experience them. About.com, for instance, has an exhaustive list of common error codes that will help you understand why your operating system does not want to boot properly. You can read their list at http://pcsupport.about.com/b/2008/12/20/fix-nearly-any-blue-screen-error.htm.

Less common error codes are more difficult to learn about, but you should be able to use a search engine to find the information that you need.

Learning about Common Error Codes

Of course, the difficult with learning about error codes from websites is that you need a computer with internet access. If you only have one computer in your home, then that might not be an option. In this case, you can perform a few steps that address the problems behind most common error codes.

First, try to start Windows in safe mode with network connections. If your computer can access the internet from safe mode, then you can search for the common error codes that have stopped your computer from booting properly.

Restarting your computer in safe mode is a good idea even if you cannot gain internet access through a network. Sometimes the computer malfunction will prevent you from getting online. In this case, you can use some techniques that take care of many common error codes.

Correcting Common Error Codes

Think about what you have done recently with your computer. Chances are that the problem has developed since you last booted the system successfully. If you have downloaded or installed any programs during your previous session, then look for these programs and uninstall them. They could be preventing your PC’s operating system from booting properly.

You should also use antivirus software to hunt for malicious software that could be interfering with your OS. Choose antivirus software that has gotten good reviews from several reliable websites. You want to make sure that you choose an up-to-date version that will locate the most recent viruses.

Common error codes can also occur because you don’t have enough free memory on your computer. Low amounts of memory encourage data corruption, which will often prevent your PC from booting properly. According to Microsoft, PCs running Windows should have at least 5 percent of a drive’s space available at all times. If you discover that the common error codes occurred because of limited memory, then delete some unessential programs and files, or add more memory to your computer. Using an external hard drive is an easy, inexpensive way to remove programs from your computer without actually deleting them for good.