How to Fix the Most Common Computer Errors

Computer errors can take many forms, from a blank screen to error messages. Hardware or software issues can cause these errors, and they each have their own solutions. 

It is important to identify which type of computer error you are experiencing in order to fix it properly and quickly.

Top 7 common computer errors & how to fix them

There are many errors you can see on your Windows computer. Some of them have error codes or error messages, and you can check how to fix them by following these codes’ specific solutions.

Here are 7 common computer errors, their cause, and how to fix them.

Error 1. Blue Screen of Death

This is one of the most common computer errors, and it appears as a blue screen with white text where you can see the error message or code. 

The blue screen of death (BSOD) is a stop error that indicates that Windows detected an error, and must be shut down to protect your computer from further damage. This usually occurs because of hardware or software conflicts, possibly caused by a recent change in settings or the installation of new software.

How to fix Blue Screen of Death errors

To fix a BSOD error, you’ll have to check the error message that is on your screen.

Check the solutions for Blue Screen 0x000000d1, Inaccessible Boot Device, and Critical Process Died.

Most BSDO outcome solutions can be scanning the computer for viruses and malware or using SFC/Scannow tool.

To Use System File Checker to fix a blue screen of death:

1. Type cmd in the search bar to find Command Prompt. Right-click it to select Run as Administrator.
2. Type the sfc /scannow command and hit Enter. Wait for the process to end.

Error 2. Black Screen Error

The black screen error is not as common on late versions of Windows, such as Windows 10 and Windows 11. This computer error was replaced by the BSOD. However, you can still face it.

The black screen error usually happens when there’s a missing file or the operating system (OS) is compressed.

How to fix Black Screen error

The easiest way to fix the black screen computer error is by reinstalling Windows.

You can boot your computer in safe mode to do so.

However, if the error is because the OS is compressed, you can’t boot in safe mode. In this, you’ll need an external drive with the installation file.

To start your computer from safe mode, hold down the Shift key + F8 before Windows starts loading. Go to Advanced Boot Options and select the boot mode as Safe Mode.

Error 3. Boot Device Not Found

The disk error No Bootable Device means that the computer cannot find the hardware with the required files for a computer start, aka bootable device.

How to fix the no boot device found computer error

One solution is to check the BIOS settings.

1. Restart the computer and press the key needed to enter the BIOS setup utility (this key is usually F2, F10, or Del). 
2. Once in the BIOS setup utility, look for a setting called “Boot Order” or “Boot Device Priority”. Select the hard drive as the first boot device. 
3. If the hard drive is not set as the boot device, move it to the top of the list and save the changes. Exit the BIOS setup utility and restart the computer.

You can find more solutions in our in-depth article How To Fix “No Bootable Device” Error.

Error 4. Hardware Issues

Faulty hardware components can cause hardware problems, overheating issues, bad connections, and more. If you’re experiencing issues with your computer’s hardware, you should contact a technician to diagnose the problem and come up with a solution. 

You can also check the most common hardware failures and hard drive failures.

Error 5. Hard Disk Errors

Your computer’s hard drive can become corrupted or damaged due to physical damage, power outages, or viruses. 

If you are getting hard disk problems and errors, the first thing you should do is back up your data. Once you have backed up your data, you can start troubleshooting the errors on your hard drive.

A hard disk error is only a death sentence when you ignore it. Avoid data loss and contact a specialist that can help you identify the problem.

How to fix hard disk errors

Use the built-in Windows error-checking tool to fix hard disk errors.

To use this tool, press the Windows + R keys to open the Command Prompt. Then type chkdsk /r and press Enter. 

This will scan your hard drive for errors and attempt to repair them.

Error 6. Unable to install application

This computer error message appears when you attempt to install or download a new file or software. 

Usually, you can see the unable to install application error message when your computer runs out of storage space.

How to fix unable to install application

To fix this computer error, you must free space on your computer hard drive before installing the new program.

To do it, simply delete folders, applications, and files you no longer use.

Error 7. SMART Hard Disk Error 301

The SMART Hard Disk Error 301 error occurs when your computer’s hard drive detects that it has failed and is no longer functioning properly. Here, replace the hard drive to resolve the issue. 

How to fix the SMART Hard Disk Error 301

When you see the computer error message in SMART Hard Disk Error 301, the best action to take is to stop using the computer immediately.

Then, you must contact a recovery service to salvage your computer data. Only an experienced professional can restore your failed hard disk since these needs the proper tools and in-depth knowledge.

With over two decades of combined experience, the technicians of SalvageData can recover your computer HDD following a personalized and secure process. Schedule a free in-lab evaluation.

TL; DR: Common computer errors include boot device not found, hardware issues, hard disk errors, unable to install application errors, and SMART Hard Disk Error 301. To fix these computer errors you can check the BIOS settings, contact a technician for hardware problems and backup data for hard disk errors. If you experience SMART Hard Disk Error 301, immediately stop using the computer and contact an experienced recovery service for data salvage.