A bug check is when an operating system encounters a serious software or hardware problem, causing it to stop all processes and either restart or display a bug check screen. This is done to protect the system from hardware failure or data corruption. The screen provides information on how to fix the problem and often includes a code that can be used as a reference. If the cause of the problem cannot be located, it is advisable to contact a computer professional. Other operating systems perform similar actions, such as UNIX’s kernel panic.
A bug check, or bugcheck, is a computer term used to describe an action taken by an operating system (OS), usually a Microsoft Windows operating system, when it encounters a very serious software or hardware problem. The operating system stops all running processes and either restarts the computer or displays a bug check screen with technical information about what caused the problem. Problems causing this action are often severe enough to cause hardware failure or extensive data corruption, and bug checking is done to protect the computer system. Common problems that cause this computer action are incompatible or faulty hardware, such as a damaged RAM drive or motherboard, improperly connected hardware inside the computer, or installing the wrong drivers. Other commonly used terms for this computer action are fatal system error, system crash, kernel error, and blue screen of death, so called because of the color of the screen it displays.
The screen that sometimes appears in connection with a bug check can provide information on how to fix the problem. It also often provides a code. This code can be used as a reference by the computer user when trying to locate the source of the problem and fix it. Lists of such codes and explanations of associated errors are available online and in computer documentation, such as a computer manual.
Sometimes the operating system also provides detailed technical information about what causes a specific bug check in a so-called crash dump file, and the user can access it to identify the problem and fix it. A computer user can also attempt to remedy the cause of a bug check by verifying that all hardware is compatible with the operating system, that the latest drivers for that hardware are installed, and that the BIOS, network adapters, and SCSI controllers are up to date. Using a so-called debugger or registry cleaner can also help.
In cases where the bug check returns and the cause of the problem cannot be located, it is advisable to contact a computer professional or repair center. Continued use of the affected computer may cause hardware damage and data loss. The term bugcheck is most commonly used for the Windows operating system, but similar actions are also performed by other operating systems, including UNIX and Mac OS X. Kernel panic is the term used for this action when performed by a UNIX or UNIX-like operating system.
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