When Windows XP crashes, by default it is set to restart the computer automatically. This is a feature implemented for productivity, so that the user doesn’t panic when seeing the dreaded BSOD, call tech support, and then find out that all they needed to do is press the reset button. In fact, they might not even realise that it’s a computer error at all!
Unfortunatley, when diagnosing problems with personal computers, it can be hard to locate a problem if there is no error code. And so this little guide shows you how to get Windows to show you a STOP error screen, so you have somewhere to start from when getting help with the problem.
1. You must disable automatic restarting when an error occours.
To do this you must :
Right click My Computer -> Properties -> Advanced tab -> Startup and recovery (Settings …) -> Make sure “Automatic restart” is turned off.
2. Read off the STOP error code
Next time the computer crashes, you should get a nice blue screen with a lot of advice on it. What we are interested in is the STOP code at the bottom. If you write this code down (which will be in the form *** STOP 0×0000000000).
3. Look up the error
If you’re feeling brave, you could always go to the Microsoft KB and look up the stop error for yourself. Somtimes, you will get the exact error straight off the bat, and there will be a simple remedy on the KB. But, 9 times out of 10 the verbose technical detail used will leaving you more confused than you were to start with. If you’re still stuck, get the link to the KB you found, if any, in and quote it when you ask for help. Some third party software errors (such as Antivirus software) are not documented in the MSKB, and can be particularly tricky to hunt down.
UPDATE: Also, Adynalyne has written a nice little guide on how to debug STOP error memory dumps. You can find it at MajorGeeks Support Forums here : HOWTO : Debug Memory Dumps