What You Need to Know About Computer Crashes and Its Causes

What causes a computer to crash? Computer crashes can happen for a variety of reasons. While random computer crashes can happen at any time and can be difficult for an average user to diagnose, underneath the surface of a computer crash are these five common culprits.

Full or Corrupted System Registry Files

Every Windows-based PC has a Windows registry. This registry contains random files that are integral to the performance and operation of your computer. Over time, some of those files can become corrupted, misplaced, or gets lost altogether. When that happens, the system registry becomes compromised, and the computer can crash at any time. The best way to arrest this problem is by running a Windows registry cleaning program. Such programs scan your Windows registry for problems then automatically make repairs. If you run a registry cleaner and the crashes persist, they are probably being caused by a different issue.

Disorganized Files

Windows operating systems handle file organization in a way that can be complicated. Basically, they break files up and fit them into gaps in the computer’s memory. As time goes by, these disorganized files can prompt a crash. An optimization solution is built-in right into Windows-based PC’s called “disk defragmentation.” You can easily locate it inside the System and Security section of the Control Panel. By running a defrag once every 2 months you can keep any computer crash at bay.

Malicious Software

This can take many different forms, but if it’s a virus that is accidentally unleashed after opening a strange email or an adware that tags along with other information that is automatically downloaded from a website, you need an antivirus or anti-malware program. There’s no question that any malicious software can wreak havoc on a computer, and even make it crash. There are many topnotch programs out there that can regularly scan your computer for the presence of such problems.

Too Little Available Memory

As never-ending as the available memory on your PC may initially seem to have, the fact is that it can be depleted with incredible speed. You can find out for sure by checking the information within “My Computer.” If it appears that your available memory is low, you can use a PC cleanup program to remove unnecessary files; such programs remove things like temporary Internet files and other file debris that can suck away much-needed memory.

Dust and Heat are Enemies

If you’ve run through all of the preceding possibilities and continue experiencing frequent crashes, a hardware issue could be the problem. An easy one to rule out is overheating because of so much accumulated dust inside the CPU. The central processing unit includes a fan that is designed to keep it running cool. Sometimes, the fan may not work as efficiently because it’s filled with dust or simply just broken. If it’s truly broken, try buying a bigger and better fan that isn’t very expensive. If it puts an end to your PC crashing problem, it will have been more than worth it.