BSoD crash

[pratnala]

Agreed. But my main gripe with Windows Defender in Windows 8 is that it doesn't scan removable drives when plugged in. Something which is standard in other AVs.

Any ideas?

 

[usasma]

I'd suggest that you post over in the Security forums for more expert recommendations: System Security - Windows 8 Forums

 

[pratnala]

Thanks John! One last thing...

How do you actually diagnose BSoD dumps and figure out what's wrong?

 

[usasma]

Diagnosing BSOD's is a bit complicated. It takes both technical knowledge and extensive experience.
I developed the Driver Reference Table ( Driver Reference Table (DRT) ) to help offset some of the experience that's needed - but there's still nor real substitute for doing lot's and lot's of BSOD analysis :0)

Here's what I do:
- first I rule out all problematic 3rd party drivers. This includes those shown in the dump files, those known to be problems, and those that are older (and most likely to be incompatible). During this phase I also suggest getting all Windows and system updates - as they are essential for a properly functioning system.
- then, when I'm sure that there's no active 3rd party problems going on - then I look for hardware problems. I use these 2 primary methods: Hardware Diagnostics and Hardware Stripdown Troubleshooting
- Lastly, we check for Windows problems by using SFC.EXE (and in Win8 the DISM tool). But the most effective tool here is a "clean" install. It sets Windows the way that the manufacturer/Microsoft intended it - so there shouldn't be any problems with it then.