How to determine which device is causing BSOD?

[doodler85]

Hi guys,

I hope this isn't too annoying and typical of a question... but what's the best way of determining what device is causing you a BSOD? Does Windows 7 have any sort of error logger that tells you this kind of thing? I've always done this based on hunches and there has to be a better way.

Thanks!

 

[corkyg]

Hardware or software? Any clues in Device Manager? When does the BSOD occur? The basic diagnostic tool for me is MSCONFIG. Usually a BSOD has a text message displayed. That is important.

 

[Fardringle]

The actual error message on the blue screen is a good place to start. It isn't always helpful, but it can be useful at times.

 

[rudder]

look at the memory.dmp file. Will point straight to the culprit.

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=35246

 

[RebateMonger]

Windows has multiple Event Logs, but they are seldom helpful with blue screens. As noted, the memory dump file can help if you are willing to do the work to get the dump analyzed or at least search the Internet for folks with similar STOP messages and parameters.

Another effective way to determine if a device is the problem is to remove the device or exchange it for a different (but same-purpose) device and see if the blue screens stop.