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{{Short description|Error screen displayed after a fatal system error on a computer}}
{{Multiple issues
⚫ {{Distinguish|Blue screen of death}}
|refimprove = October 2011
{{more citations needed|date=June 2020}}
|original research = October 2011
{{Use American English|date=October 2022}}
|unreliable sources = April 2013
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2022}}
}}
] is unable to load the ]. The screen is blank apart from a flashing white ].]]
The '''black screen of death''' is a screen displayed on many ]s after encountering a ].


Some versions of ] (and to a lesser extent, ]) also display a black screen of death upon fatal system errors, usually caused by several factors.
] black screen of death]]
] kernel panic alert. It can also be referred as a "black screen of death" as it is on top of a black background. This version was first used in ].]]
The '''Black Screen of Death''' ('''KSoD'''<ref>Although the short form BSoD was once used to describe the Black Screen of Death, nowadays the said short form is used to describe the much more common ] (for ]) so as to avoid confusion between the Blue and Black Screens of Death.</ref> or '''BlSoD''') is the black error screen displayed by some operating systems after encountering a critical system error which can cause the system to shut down.

⚫ ==The Windows black screen of death==


==Microsoft Windows==
===Windows 3.x=== ===Windows 3.x===
] ]
In ] the '''black screen of death''' is the behaviour that occurred when a DOS-based application failed to execute properly.{{Citation needed|date=October 2011}} It was often known to occur in connection with attempting certain operations while networking drivers were resident in memory. (Commonly, but not exclusively, it was seen while the ] client for ], NETX, was loaded.){{Citation needed|date=October 2011}} In ], the '''black screen of death''' is the behavior that occurred when a DOS-based application failed to execute properly. It was often known to occur in connection with attempting certain operations while networking drivers were resident in memory. (Commonly, but not exclusively, it was seen while the ] client for ], NETX, was loaded.).


According to Wallace McClure of ASP.net, the phrase was originally coined in mid-1991 by Ed Brown, a technician with ]'s IT department in ], GA. He reports that the company was rolling out ] within the Global Marketing group and when the users would attempt to run ], they would randomly receive a BlSOD.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://weblogs.asp.net/wallym/archive/2004/02/20/77425.aspx |title=Origin of BSOD |author=Wallace B. McClure |date=2004-02-24 |accessdate=2001-07-10}}{{Self-published inline|date=July 2011}}</ref> The issue was fixed in most instances by adding an additional section in the ] of affected clients with the text TimerCriticalSection = 10000. The following files were also updated, vtdapi.386re.386 and vipx.38id-1991 by Ed Brown, a technician with ]'s IT department in ], GA. He reports that the company was rolling out ] within the Global Marketing group and when the users would attempt to run ], they would receive a black screen.{{citation needed|date=February 2020}}


=== Later versions of Windows === === Later versions of Windows ===
] and all versions of Windows after Windows 3.1 (], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ]) also display a black screen of death when the operating system cannot boot. There are many factors that can contribute to this problem, including the ones listed below.
], ], ], ], ], ], and ] also display a Black Screen of Death when the operating system cannot boot. This is usually due to a missing file.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.techsupportforum.com/forums/f217/how-to-fix-mbr-remove-multiple-installations-and-install-windows-7-a-634317.html|title=How to fix MBR (remove multiple installations) and install Windows 7}}{{Verify credibility|date=April 2013}}</ref> This also happens when the user enables file compression on all files and the operating system compresses. Often the user must reinstall Windows, if the missing file is critical to the boot process. However, more often than not the boot screen will inform the user of the missing file.{{Citation needed|date=October 2011}} If the operating system is compressed, it will not be able to boot, even into safe mode.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://support.microsoft.com/kb/155053 |title=Black Screen on Boot |publisher=Support.microsoft.com |date=2007-01-19 |accessdate=2012-01-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314503 |title=Computer stops responding with a black screen when you start Windows XP |publisher=Support.microsoft.com |date=2011-02-03 |accessdate=2012-01-08}}</ref>


The most common issue contributing to a black screen of death on startup is usually due to a missing file.<ref>{{cite web |title=Example of such a black screen |url=https://i.ytimg.com/vi/GEHOlQt7jbg/maxresdefault.jpg |website=YouTube |access-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-date=August 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210822055235/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/GEHOlQt7jbg/maxresdefault.jpg |url-status=live }}</ref> It also occurs when the user enables file compression on all the files, causing the entire operating system to become compressed and unbootable. Rarely an experienced user would reinstall Windows. In the case of the former, the boot loader will most likely inform the user the name of the missing file, allowing for the user to supply and/or reinstall the missing files to resolve the boot problem. In the case of the latter, however, the computer will not be able to boot, even into ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://support.microsoft.com/kb/155053 |title=Black Screen on Boot |publisher=Support.microsoft.com |date=January 19, 2007 |access-date=January 8, 2012 |archive-date=March 11, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150311052253/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/155053 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/314503/computer-stops-responding-with-a-black-screen-when-you-start-windows-x |title=Computer stops responding with a black screen when you start Windows XP |publisher=Support.microsoft.com |date=February 3, 2011 |access-date=December 14, 2017 |archive-date=December 15, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215111348/https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/314503/computer-stops-responding-with-a-black-screen-when-you-start-windows-x |url-status=live }}</ref> Booting from another device and uncompressing the files will usually solve this problem.
⚫ In late 2009 several new reports of the Black Screen of Death in ], ], and ] emerged. At first several claims pointed at a ]. It was later recanted by ] as an erroneous report.<ref>{{cite web|last=Erasmus |first=Jacques |url=http://www.prevx.com/blog/141/Windows-Black-Screen-Root-Cause.html |title=Windows Black Screen Root Cause |publisher=Prevx.com |date=2009-11-30 |accessdate=2012-01-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Morris |first=Mel |url=http://www.prevx.com/blog/142/Windows-Black-Screen-recap.html |title=Windows Black Screen recap |publisher=Prevx.com |date= |accessdate=2012-01-08}}</ref> Microsoft reported that no security update was causing the issue, and it may be tied to malicious software, or ].<ref>{{cite web|author=|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34223754/ns/technology_and_science-security/ |title=‘Black screen of death’ for some Windows users - Technology & science - Security - msnbc.com |publisher=MSNBC |date=1/8/2012 |accessdate=2012-01-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=MSRCTeam |url=http://blogs.technet.com/msrc/archive/2009/12/01/reports-of-issues-with-november-security-updates.aspx |title=Reports of Issues with November Security Updates - MSRC - Site Home - TechNet Blogs |publisher=Blogs.technet.com |date=2009-12-01 |accessdate=2012-01-08}}</ref> In other cases, the black screen of death was replaced with the Blue Screen of Death. The Black Screen of Death may also be caused by certain components of a computer becoming too hot (overheating).


⚫ In late 2009, several new reports of the black screen in ], ], and ] emerged. At first, several claims pointed at ]. This was later recanted by ] as an erroneous report.<ref>{{cite web |last=Erasmus |first=Jacques |url=http://www.prevx.com/blog/141/Windows-Black-Screen-Root-Cause.html |title=Windows Black Screen Root Cause |publisher=Prevx.com |date=November 30, 2009 |access-date=January 8, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120104234236/http://www.prevx.com/blog/141/Windows-Black-Screen-Root-Cause.html |archive-date=January 4, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Morris |first=Mel |url=http://www.prevx.com/blog/142/Windows-Black-Screen-recap.html |title=Windows Black Screen recap |publisher=Prevx.com |access-date=January 8, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111228235701/http://www.prevx.com/blog/142/Windows-Black-Screen-recap.html |archive-date=December 28, 2011 }}</ref> Microsoft reported that no security update was causing the issue, and may be tied to ].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna34223754 |title='Black screen of death' for some Windows users - Technology & science - Security - NBC News |work=NBC News |date=January 8, 2012 |access-date=January 8, 2012 |archive-date=March 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160331070802/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/34223754 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=MSRCTeam |url=http://blogs.technet.com/msrc/archive/2009/12/01/reports-of-issues-with-november-security-updates.aspx |title=Reports of Issues with November Security Updates - MSRC - Site Home - TechNet Blogs |publisher=Blogs.technet.com |date=December 1, 2009 |access-date=January 8, 2012 |archive-date=March 16, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100316163414/http://blogs.technet.com/msrc/archive/2009/12/01/reports-of-issues-with-november-security-updates.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref>
Early builds of ] feature a black screen of death, in place of the traditional blue screen, that appears to indicate a ]. The Windows 8 black screen of death is simplified compared to the previous blue screen, omitting instructions that the user is recommended to take.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.winrumors.com/microsoft-switches-to-black-screen-of-death-bsod-for-windows-8/|title=Microsoft switches to Black Screen Of Death (BSoD) for Windows 8|author=Tom Warren|date=24 April 2011|work=]}} {{Verify credibility|date=October 2011}}</ref>


In other cases, the black screen was replaced with a ]. A black screen may also be caused by certain components of the computer overheating, in place of the traditional blue screen, that appeared to indicate a stop error. This black screen was simplified compared to the previous blue screen, omitting instructions that the user is recommended to take.{{citation needed|date=February 2020}}
==In game consoles==

]
] and later also displays a black screen due to an unfinished update in addition to the aforementioned causes above; in this case, after the system restarts and the user tries to login to the system, the user is then stuck at a black screen instead. Performing a hard shutdown of the computer and ] it is the only way to resolve this problem.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 9, 2019 |title=How to Fix a Black Screen of Death Error in Windows 10 |url=https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/troubleshoot-fix-windows-black-screen-issues/ |access-date=April 26, 2022 |website=MUO |language=en-US |archive-date=May 27, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140527125651/https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/troubleshoot-fix-windows-black-screen-issues/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
A black screen can be encountered on numerous other computer systems such as the ] if the game disc is dirty or damaged or if there is an internal problem with the system such as an illegal operation. The message that displays on-screen is stating that "An error has occurred. Turn the power off and check the Nintendo GameCube instruction booklet for further instructions."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/gcn101_manual_english.pdf |title=Nintendo GameCube Instruction Booklet |format=PDF |date= |accessdate=2012-01-08}}</ref>

== macOS ==
Some versions of ] (such as ]) display a black screen of death instead of a ] in the event of a hardware or software failure. This is usually pointed to a graphics card failure or a sleep/wake issue.<ref>{{cite web |title=Black Screen Of Death Plagues Some Mac Users After Lion Update |author=David W. Martin |date=August 6, 2011 |url=https://www.cultofmac.com/107879/black-screen-of-death-plagues-some-mac-users-after-lion-update/ |access-date=August 27, 2018 |archive-date=August 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828001756/https://www.cultofmac.com/107879/black-screen-of-death-plagues-some-mac-users-after-lion-update/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It may also display a black screen when the operating system is unable to boot properly at startup,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/102575|title=If your Mac starts up to a blank screen|website=Apple Support|access-date=2024-12-06}}</ref> similar to that of Windows.


==See also== ==See also==
{{portal|Information technology}}
*] *]


== References == == References ==
{{Reflist}} {{Reflist|30em}}


== External links== == External links==
#
#


* {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220412003246/https://geekworldnews.org/windows-7-black-screen.html |date=April 12, 2022 }}
{{screens of death}}

{{error messages}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Black Screen Of Death}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Black Screen Of Death}}
]
] ]

Latest revision as of 09:33, 6 December 2024

Error screen displayed after a fatal system error on a computer Not to be confused with Blue screen of death.
This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.
Find sources: "Black screen of death" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (June 2020) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

A hardware black screen of death that occurs when the system hard drive is unable to load the master boot record. The screen is blank apart from a flashing white text cursor.

The black screen of death is a screen displayed on many computer systems after encountering a critical system error.

Some versions of Microsoft Windows (and to a lesser extent, macOS) also display a black screen of death upon fatal system errors, usually caused by several factors.

Microsoft Windows

Windows 3.x

An example of an EMM386 error message in Windows 3.0 that results in a black screen during Standard Mode

In Windows 3.x, the black screen of death is the behavior that occurred when a DOS-based application failed to execute properly. It was often known to occur in connection with attempting certain operations while networking drivers were resident in memory. (Commonly, but not exclusively, it was seen while the Novell NetWare client for DOS, NETX, was loaded.).

The issue was fixed in most instances by adding an additional section in the SYSTEM.INI of affected clients with the text TimerCriticalSection = 10000. The following files were also updated, vtdapi.386re.386 and vipx.38id-1991 by Ed Brown, a technician with the Coca-Cola Company's IT department in Atlanta, GA. He reports that the company was rolling out Windows 3.0 within the Global Marketing group and when the users would attempt to run WordPerfect, they would receive a black screen.

Later versions of Windows

MS-DOS and all versions of Windows after Windows 3.1 (Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 and Windows 11) also display a black screen of death when the operating system cannot boot. There are many factors that can contribute to this problem, including the ones listed below.

The most common issue contributing to a black screen of death on startup is usually due to a missing file. It also occurs when the user enables file compression on all the files, causing the entire operating system to become compressed and unbootable. Rarely an experienced user would reinstall Windows. In the case of the former, the boot loader will most likely inform the user the name of the missing file, allowing for the user to supply and/or reinstall the missing files to resolve the boot problem. In the case of the latter, however, the computer will not be able to boot, even into safe mode. Booting from another device and uncompressing the files will usually solve this problem.

In late 2009, several new reports of the black screen in Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7 emerged. At first, several claims pointed at Windows Update. This was later recanted by Prevx as an erroneous report. Microsoft reported that no security update was causing the issue, and may be tied to malware.

In other cases, the black screen was replaced with a blue screen of death. A black screen may also be caused by certain components of the computer overheating, in place of the traditional blue screen, that appeared to indicate a stop error. This black screen was simplified compared to the previous blue screen, omitting instructions that the user is recommended to take.

Windows 10 and later also displays a black screen due to an unfinished update in addition to the aforementioned causes above; in this case, after the system restarts and the user tries to login to the system, the user is then stuck at a black screen instead. Performing a hard shutdown of the computer and cold-booting it is the only way to resolve this problem.

macOS

Some versions of macOS (such as OS X Lion) display a black screen of death instead of a kernel panic in the event of a hardware or software failure. This is usually pointed to a graphics card failure or a sleep/wake issue. It may also display a black screen when the operating system is unable to boot properly at startup, similar to that of Windows.

See also

References

  1. "Example of such a black screen". YouTube. Archived from the original on August 22, 2021. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  2. "Black Screen on Boot". Support.microsoft.com. January 19, 2007. Archived from the original on March 11, 2015. Retrieved January 8, 2012.
  3. "Computer stops responding with a black screen when you start Windows XP". Support.microsoft.com. February 3, 2011. Archived from the original on December 15, 2017. Retrieved December 14, 2017.
  4. Erasmus, Jacques (November 30, 2009). "Windows Black Screen Root Cause". Prevx.com. Archived from the original on January 4, 2012. Retrieved January 8, 2012.
  5. Morris, Mel. "Windows Black Screen recap". Prevx.com. Archived from the original on December 28, 2011. Retrieved January 8, 2012.
  6. "'Black screen of death' for some Windows users - Technology & science - Security - NBC News". NBC News. January 8, 2012. Archived from the original on March 31, 2016. Retrieved January 8, 2012.
  7. MSRCTeam (December 1, 2009). "Reports of Issues with November Security Updates - MSRC - Site Home - TechNet Blogs". Blogs.technet.com. Archived from the original on March 16, 2010. Retrieved January 8, 2012.
  8. "How to Fix a Black Screen of Death Error in Windows 10". MUO. December 9, 2019. Archived from the original on May 27, 2014. Retrieved April 26, 2022.
  9. David W. Martin (August 6, 2011). "Black Screen Of Death Plagues Some Mac Users After Lion Update". Archived from the original on August 28, 2018. Retrieved August 27, 2018.
  10. "If your Mac starts up to a blank screen". Apple Support. Retrieved December 6, 2024.

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