Can a newly installed RAM cause a blue screen?
Yes, a newly installed RAM can cause a blue screen when Microsoft Windows encounters a critical error resulting from low-level software or incorrect installation of drivers.
It can also be caused if your computer has two different memory modules and malware.
- Low-level software
- Incorrect installation of drivers
- Two different memory modules
- Malware
Low-level software
You can resolve problems due to low-level software running in the kernel by uninstalling third-party incompatible software. You can also run an anti-virus and malware scan as well as restore the Basic input/ Basic output (BIOS) default settings.
Incorrect installation of drivers
Incorrect installation of drivers can also cause a blue screen. You should download the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s official website and install them on your computer. This will resolve the issue.
Two different memory modules
Every manufacturing brand uses different materials, PCBs, memory controllers, and custom circuits.
Two different memory modules will require different voltages. This may prevent your machine from functioning optimally.
You will have to change the RAM modules.
Malware
Any type of malware causes instability to your computer. You can run a malware scan to ensure your machine is free of malicious bugs.
Why is my screen blue after installing the new RAM?
Your screen is blue after installing new RAM because you may have two different RAM sticks in your computer, a conflicting update, outdated drivers, or erroneous RAM.
Two different RAM sticks
Though the machine will choose to run at a slower speed, different RAM sticks work at different timings and speeds. Despite common specs, the tolerances sometimes fail to line up correctly.
The voltage demands of different RAM sticks always vary. The materials, memory controllers, PCBs, and custom circuits are different for different manufacturers.
A large storage capacity RAM module paired with a smaller one can also cause a blue screen.
Conflicting update
The new hardware or software which you install on your machine may be incompatible with your Windows system. This may also cause the blue screen error. You have to shut down your machine, remove peripheral equipment and then uninstall the hardware and software.
Outdated drivers
Outdated drivers will stall the device from functioning smoothly and cause a blue screen leading to an eventual crash. You should resort to using the automatic driver update feature in your machine. The Windows Driver Fix detects faulty drivers and helps you install the latest ones on your machine.
Erroneous RAM
RAM is utilized for storing working data and machine code. A faulty RAM can trigger a blue screen error in your machine. Corrupt files in your computer tend to cause RAM to malfunction. A faulty RAM impacts the performance of the computer. Incompatible hardware is bound to throw up a blue screen.
How to fix a Blue screen after installing new RAM?
You can fix a blue screen after reinstalling new RAM by checking for software updates updating the drivers, repairing the Windows startup files, and undoing the most recent changes using System Restore. You can also reinstall Windows to resolve this issue.
Software and driver updates
The latest software updates from Microsoft help resolve the blue screen issue. You can manually check for updates for both software and drivers. Once you view the availability of updates, you can select as per your preferences. Once you accept the license terms, you can install updates and complete the process.
An incorrect sound or video card installation also causes a blue screen error. You have to ensure that you have the latest drivers on your machine. You can access the manufacturer’s official website to understand the availability of the latest drivers.
Startup Repair to fix the Windows startup files
You can use Startup Repair to fix issues like blue screen and other Windows startup files. Startup Repair is an automatic tool to help resolve such issues, but you can also run it manually.
If a single operating system is installed on your machine, you can press and hold the F8 key to shut down and then restart your computer. If two operating systems are installed on your computer, highlight the one you wish to repair.
- Press and hold the F8 key.
- On the Advance Bootset of options, select Repair your computer and press the Enter key.
- Click Startup Repair on System Recovery Options
Your machine is good to go.
Undoing the most recent changes using System Restore
You may have made some changes in the recent past. You will have to undo them by resorting to System Restore. This will roll back all the software updates and the device drivers to their earlier status.
System Restore does not impact your files, but you can always do a backup before implementing one. The on-screen instructions are easy to follow, and this action relieves you of the blue screen error.
Reinstall Windows
When you reinstall Windows, the entire data on your hard drive is deleted, so it’s crucial to backup all your important files. This action will restore the default Windows settings.
You can use a Windows installation disc or a USB flash drive with the operating system. Once you have reinstalled Windows, the blue screen error will vanish.