All in all, the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) is the bane of everyone that owns Windows computers around the globe. Whenever BSOD occurs, it’s a sign that something might have gone seriously wrong and Windows must shut down to avoid damages. On the bright side, by studying Event Viewer, Windows users could determine the root cause of BSOD and take action. Read to the end if you come across BSOD and Event Viewer logs an entry that says “The computer has rebooted from a bugcheck. The bugcheck was: 0x00000116”.
An Overview Of The Situation
Generally speaking, the 0x00000116 bug check corresponds to VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE. It indicates that the display driver was timed out and unable to be recovered using a reset. For your information, the screen may be completely frozen while processing end-user commands if the GPU is too busy processing demanding processes. Windows is made to automatically detect the freezing then help the screen recover and the process is known as Timeout and Detection Recovery (TDR).
What Might Have Gone Wrong
Driver
While the TDR process is in progress, the system will tell the GPU driver not to access memory or hardware. Also, the system is going to give the driver about 2 seconds for the running threads to complete. If they cannot be completed within that time, BSOD is one of the consequences. Thus, if you see “The computer has rebooted from a bugcheck. The bugcheck was: 0x00000116” in Event Viewer, that means the GPU driver has timed out.
Overloaded TDR
Another explanation for BSOD and the 0x00000116 bug check is multiple TDR processes running at the same time. By default, only five TDR processes can run at the same time. If the number of TDR processes exceeds five, there would be troubles.
Hardware Issues
While software is the number one cause, errors could originate from hardware as well. Hardware issues that mess up the video card’s ability to operate (memory modules, motherboards, etc.) may result in BSOD. Furthermore, insufficient cooling, inadequate power and so on could create problems.
Actions To Take
Take GPU Driver Into Account
Considering the nature of the 0x00000116 bugcheck, it’s a good idea to check out the GPU driver. For instance, there is a chance that your GPU driver is too old and a driver update would return things to normal.
Step 1. Type “Device Manager” on the Search Bar and press Enter.
Step 2. Expand the “Display adapters” section then locate your graphics card.
Step 2. Right-click the device and then click “Update driver”.
Step 3. Choose “Search automatically for drivers”.
Step 4. Wait for the process to finish and reboot your computer.
Your driver is the latest version but you still run into BSOD? Then go through the steps down below:
Step 1. Type “Device Manager” on the Search Bar and press Enter.
Step 2. Expand the “Display adapters” section then locate your graphics card.
Step 3. Right-click the card then click “Uninstall device”. Proceed to check the checkbox next to Delete the driver software for this device and hit OK.
Step 4. After the process finishes, reboot your computer.
Note: sometimes, the Update driver option will not update the driver to its latest possible version. Rest assured knowing the driver in question will still be updated, just not completely. If you wish to go the extra mile, visit your graphic card’s manufacturer website (For NVIDIA users/ For AMD users). Once there, download and install the latest driver for your graphic card model.
Give Hardware Some Thought
If you have no luck with the driver, you should turn your attention to hardware. In the beginning, switch from your graphics card to the integrated one and see how things turn out. If you no longer see BSOD, the GPU is the culprit and you should contact the manufacturer or a third-party company to have it checked. If the card is still under warranty, chances are you can just ask to replace it with a new one.
If you still see the BSOD even without using the card, this is where things get tricky. Identifying the exact cause of the problem and fixing it will prove to be a challenge as it requires in-depth computer hardware knowledge. If you do not feel confident, it may be best to contact a computer specialist and have yours checked. However, if you still wish to continue, you can run a few tests on the PC in order to identify the cause.
Memory test: Go to memtest.org and download memtest. Follow the instructions in the readme file to make a bootable USB flash drive. Boot your PC using that same flash drive to carry out the memory test. If you find errors, the memory is the culprit behind the bugcheck.
GPU test: Simply download and run Furmark – a test dedicated to diagnosing GPU problems by putting it under stress. Since the software has a relatively simple UI, all you need to do is run it and keep an eye out for anything unusual. Pay attention to the temperature and watch for artifacts.
System files test: For this test, you only need to make use of System Files Checker, a built-in Windows feature. Type cmd into the Search bar and right-click > Run as administrator. Now paste the command: SFC.EXE/SCANNOW. Hit Enter and wait for the process to finish.
How Can I Improve My Computer’s Cooling?
As overheating can cause many unwanted problems, improving your PC’s cooling is a good idea. There are many ways to go about it:
Keep your computer in a cool area of the room.
Put some distance between computer’s inner hardware and wiring.
Install new fans and clean them from time to time, including the power supply fan.
Make sure your PC case is dust-free.
Can I Fix The Hardware Issue Myself If I Have Identified Where The Problem Lies?
If it is something as simple as replacing the RAM or GPU, you can do it as the process is straightforward. Others such as interacting with the BIOS, the power supply or the overclock settings are far more complex though. One wrong move and you could potentially brick your computer. Therefore, it is recommended to get help from professionals.
Tuan Do is an accomplished author, content provider, and IT specialist with a strong background in computer science. Having studied IT at Hanoi Bach Khoa University, he possesses extensive knowledge in the field and specializes in Microsoft Windows. Tuan plays a vital role as a valued member of 4G Britain magazine, where he provides engaging content, tutorials, and practical fixes for readers. His expertise allows him to simplify complex concepts, making him a reliable source of accurate and insightful tech information. With a deep passion for technology, Tuan is committed to keeping readers informed about the latest advancements in the industry. Through his contributions to 4G Britain, he empowers both tech enthusiasts and professionals by delivering valuable insights and solutions. Tuan’s dedication to providing exceptional content ensures that readers can rely on him as a trustworthy resource in the ever-evolving world of technology.
