Troubleshooting a Blue Screen on a Gateway Laptop
By Darla Ferrara
A blue screen error on any computer, including a Gateway, is Windows' way of saying there is a problem with the system. Although many people refer to these events as death screens, the truth is they often indicate a fixable problem. Gateway laptops work much the same as any other system when loaded with a Windows operating platform. Troubleshooting a blue screen error begins with a few steps to fix some common errors.
Run Windows Updates
Step 1
Open Internet Explorer on your computer. Double-click on the desktop icon or locate the program in the "Start" menu. Click on the "Start" button at the bottom of your desktop to open the "Start" menu.
Step 2
Move to "Tools" at the top of the Internet Explorer screen. Select "Windows Update" from the Tools menu. Let the system run a complete update and download any new security packs for the computer.
Step 3
Reboot the computer once the update process is complete. This may take care of the error and eliminate the blue screen. If not, continue to Section 2.
Repair Boot Sectors -- Windows XP, Vista or 7
Step 1
Insert the Windows installation disk into the CD drive. Reboot the computer.
Step 2
Press any key to boot the computer from the CD or DVD.
Step 3
Move the pointer to "Repair your Computer" and click to select the option from the installation menu on the screen.
Step 4
Highlight the operating system producing the blue screen and press the "Enter" key.
Step 5
Select "Command Prompt" from the System Recovery Options.
Step 6
Type "Bootrec /fixmbr" at the C: prompt on the screen. Press enter to start the process.
Step 7
Restart the computer once the repair completes.
Last Known Good Configuration (Windows XP only)
Step 1
Restart the computer.
Step 2
Press the "F8" key on the keyboard as the computer begins. You must press the button before the "Windows" screen appears.
Step 3
Use the arrow key on the keyboard to highlight "Last Known Good Configuration." Press the "Enter" key to select this option. Let the process run and reboot the computer.
References
Tips
- If these troubleshooting steps do not work, write down the error code from the blue screen. Search the Windows Knowledge Database to see if Microsoft has a fix for that error.
Warnings
- A blue screen can indicate a serious hardware problem.
Writer Bio
Writing since 1999, Darla Ferrara is an award-winning author who specializes in health, diet, fitness and computer technology. She has been published in "Mezzo Magazine" and Diet Spotlight, as well as various online magazines. Ferrara studied biology and emergency medical technology at the University of Nebraska and Southeast Community College.