Few things are more frustrating than watching your Windows computer suddenly stop working and display the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). These errors often come with codes and messages that make little sense to the average user. Instead of guessing, you can use a tool called WhoCrashed. This program translates technical crash dumps into plain English, helping you pinpoint what went wrong. Whether it’s a driver, a piece of hardware, or a corrupted system file, WhoCrashed gives you a clear starting point for fixing the issue.
Also Read: What Is WhoCrashed? A Beginner’s Guide to Crash Dump Analysis
Step 1: Download and Install WhoCrashed
The first step in solving BSOD errors is installing WhoCrashed correctly. While this might sound simple, it’s important to understand why downloading from the official Resplendence Software website matters. Many websites host fake or modified versions of WhoCrashed, and installing those can introduce malware or spyware into your system. Always verify the source before downloading.
Why Official Sources Matter
Crash dump analyzers like WhoCrashed need deep system access. If you unknowingly install a compromised version, it could spy on your files or cause further instability. Trusted software should always come directly from the developer’s site.
Installation Process
- Visit the official Software website.
- Download the WhoCrashed installer (choose Free or Pro depending on your needs).
- Double-click the installer file.
- Accept the license agreement and select an installation path.
- Click Install and wait for the setup to complete.
- Once finished, you can choose to launch WhoCrashed immediately or create a shortcut on your desktop.
Free vs. Pro Version
- Free Version: Ideal for home users, provides local crash dump analysis and easy-to-understand reports.
- Pro Version: Offers advanced features like remote crash dump analysis, extended driver details, and deeper system integration. IT professionals often use this for enterprise-level troubleshooting.
In most cases, the free version is more than enough to identify BSOD causes on personal computers. The Pro edition only becomes necessary if you are managing multiple systems or need advanced diagnostic tools.
Step 2: Run WhoCrashed
After installation, the next step is to run WhoCrashed. This process might seem straightforward, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure accurate results.
Administrator Privileges
WhoCrashed requires Administrator access because crash dumps are stored in protected system folders like:
- %SystemRoot%\Minidump
- %SystemRoot%\MEMORY.DMP
Without elevated privileges, the program may not be able to read these files. To launch correctly:
- Right-click the WhoCrashed shortcut.
- Select Run as Administrator.
First-Time Setup
On the first launch, WhoCrashed may prompt you to install additional debugging tools. These tools allow it to interpret the dump files correctly. Accept these prompts and let the setup finish. This is a one-time process.
Interface Overview
The WhoCrashed interface is designed for clarity:
- Home tab: Provides quick access to analysis.
- Reports tab: Displays results of past scans.
- About tab: Shows version and license details.
For beginners, the most important button is Analyze, which runs a scan and generates the report.
Step 3: Analyze Crash Dumps
Now comes the heart of the process: analyzing your crash dumps. Whenever Windows crashes, it saves diagnostic information in a dump file. These files vary depending on your system configuration.
Types of Dump Files
- Small Memory Dump (Minidump) – About 256 KB, contains basic info about the crash.
- Kernel Memory Dump – Larger file that includes memory used by the Windows kernel.
- Complete Memory Dump – The largest type, includes all physical memory.
By default, most Windows systems are set to create minidumps, which are usually enough for troubleshooting.
Running the Analysis
- Launch WhoCrashed with admin rights.
- Click Analyze on the main screen.
- Wait for the program to scan available dump files.
Review the generated report.
The scan usually takes less than a minute unless your system has a long history of crashes.
If No Dumps Are Found
- Sometimes, WhoCrashed may report that no dumps are available. This could mean:
Dump file creation is disabled.
- Windows is set to overwrite old dumps.
You don’t have permission to access the folder.
To enable dump files:
- Go to Control Panel → System → Advanced System Settings.
Under Startup and Recovery, click Settings.
Make sure “Write debugging information” is enabled.
Step 4: Interpret WhoCrashed Reports
After running an analysis, WhoCrashed generates a detailed report. Learning how to interpret these results is key to solving BSOD problems.
Report Sections
A typical report contains:
- Crash Summary – How many crashes were detected.
- Crash Details – Date, time, and potential cause.
- Driver/Module Name – The file linked to the crash.
- Bug Check Code – Technical error code (e.g., 0x0000007E).
- Analysis Suggestion – Plain-language description of the issue.
Common Driver Issues
Many BSODs are caused by driver failures. Some examples:
- nvlddmkm.sys – NVIDIA graphics driver.
- dxgmms2.sys – DirectX graphics subsystem.
- atikmdag.sys – AMD graphics driver.
- ntoskrnl.exe – Windows kernel (may suggest deeper issues).
- usbport.sys – USB controller driver.
Understanding Error Codes
Error codes often seem cryptic but can be broken down:
- 0x0000007E (SYSTEM_THREAD_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED) – Usually caused by driver conflicts.
- 0x00000050 (PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA) – May point to faulty RAM or drivers.
- 0x0000009F (DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE) – Related to power management or device drivers.
The real strength of WhoCrashed is how it explains these codes in plain English, giving you actionable advice instead of raw technical jargon.
Step 5: Apply Fixes Based on Results
Once you’ve identified the likely cause, it’s time to apply fixes. WhoCrashed won’t fix issues automatically, but its reports point you in the right direction.
Updating Faulty Drivers
If a report identifies a driver file, the solution is usually updating that driver:
- Open Device Manager (press Win + X → Device Manager).
- Locate the hardware category (e.g., Display adapters).
- Right-click the device → Update Driver.
- Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
For best results, visit the manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers manually.
Rolling Back Drivers
If crashes started after an update:
Open Device Manager.
- Right-click the device → Properties.
- Go to the Driver tab → Roll Back Driver.
This reverts the driver to its previous version, often solving new instability problems.
Uninstalling Problematic Software
Third-party antivirus programs, overclocking tools, or recently installed apps can cause conflicts. Temporarily uninstall these programs to test stability.
System Updates
Ensure your system is fully updated via Windows Update. Security patches and bug fixes often resolve BSOD issues.
Hardware Diagnostics
If no driver is identified, hardware may be at fault:
- RAM: Run Windows Memory Diagnostic.
- Hard Drive/SSD: Use chkdsk /f or CrystalDiskInfo.
- Overheating: Monitor temperatures with HWMonitor.
Safe Mode Troubleshooting
If your PC won’t boot normally:
- Restart your computer.
- Press F8 (or Shift + F8 on newer systems).
- Select Safe Mode.
- From here, you can uninstall drivers, run scans, or restore your system.
Last Resort: System Restore or Reset
If crashes continue:
- Use System Restore to roll back your system to a stable point.
- Use Reset this PC to reinstall Windows while keeping personal files.
Additional Tips
- Regular Backups: Frequent crashes may indicate failing hardware. Back up important files to external drives or cloud storage.
- Keep Drivers Updated: Outdated drivers are the number one cause of BSODs. Check for updates regularly.
- Use Monitoring Tools: Programs like HWMonitor and CrystalDiskInfo help keep track of system health.
- Avoid Pirated Software: Cracked programs often install drivers or files that destabilize Windows.
- When to Seek Professional Help: If reports constantly blame system files like ntoskrnl.exe or hal.dll, or if crashes occur even after fixes, a technician may be needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is WhoCrashed used for?
It analyzes crash dumps to identify the cause of BSODs.
2. Is WhoCrashed free?
Yes, there’s a free version. A Pro version exists for advanced features.
3. Does WhoCrashed fix BSOD automatically?
No, it only diagnoses issues. You must apply the fixes.
4. Can WhoCrashed detect hardware problems?
Indirectly—it highlights issues that might suggest hardware failure.
5. Is WhoCrashed safe to use?
Yes, if downloaded from the official Resplendence website.
6. Do I need technical knowledge?
No, reports are written in plain language.
7. Does WhoCrashed support Windows 11?
Yes, it works on Windows 11, Windows 10, and older versions.
8. Can I uninstall WhoCrashed after fixing my PC?
Yes, it’s only needed for troubleshooting.
9. Why does it need Administrator rights?
To access crash dump files stored in protected folders.
10. What if no dumps are found?
Enable dump file creation in system settings.
Conclusion
BSOD errors can feel overwhelming, but tools like WhoCrashed simplify the process. Instead of deciphering cryptic codes, you get clear explanations and practical advice. While it won’t fix problems automatically, it gives you the insight needed to apply the right solutions—whether updating drivers, rolling back updates, or diagnosing hardware. By combining WhoCrashed with smart maintenance habits, you can significantly reduce the risk of recurring blue screen errors and keep your Windows system stable.