Why Did Your Computer Crash?

Why Did Your Computer Crash?

This freeware program is one of those we categorize as “any-port-in-the-storm” software. We’re not sure of its value as far as determining the causes of system crashes and boot failures – however, it is a tool you can use and it may help if the answer is just a faulty driver or something else not complex. Think of it as you think of Sherlock Holmes’ magnifying glass… it’s just one tool you can use to ferret out the truth.

So, don’t count on software to do complex analysis of complex causes. It’s not going to happen. But if you’re pulling your hair out and are looking for a tool that MAY help then you might want to keep this program handy.

We have cautioned you enough. Here’s the developer’s spiel:

WhoCrashed reveals the drivers responsible for crashing your computer

Whenever a computer running Windows suddenly reboots without displaying any notice or blue or black screen of death, the first thing that is often thought about is a hardware failure. In reality, crashes are often caused by malfunctioning device drivers and kernel modules. In case of a kernel error, computers running Windows do not show a blue or black screen unless they are configured to do so. Instead, these systems suddenly reboot without any notice.

WhoCrashed shows the drivers that have been crashing your computer with a single click. In most cases, it can pinpoint the offending drivers that have been causing misery on your computer system in the past. It does post-mortem crashdump analysis and presents all gathered information in a comprehensible way. In case your system has been crashing because of a hardware failure, WhoCrashed will provide you with guidance to trace the root cause of the problem.

Normally, debugging skills and a set of debugging tools are required to do post-mortem crash dump analysis. Using WhoCrashed you do not need any debugging skills to be able to find out what drivers are causing trouble to your computer.

If your computer crashed and produced a blue or black screen

It is suggested that you run WhoCrashed. WhoCrashed will analyze the crash dump files available on your computer and create a conclusion. It will inform you about responsible drivers and offer suggestions on how to proceed.

If your computer unexpectedly reset or shut down

If your computer unexpectedly reset or shut down, it is suggested that you run WhoCrashed. WhoCrashed will tell you if crash dumps are enabled on your computer, if not it will offer you suggestions on how to enable them.

If your computer crashes during the boot phase

If your computer crashes during system startup it is suggested that you boot into safe mode and then run WhoCrashed…

The program is strangely named “WhoCrashed”. Obviously, if you’re using this tool, YOU crashed – no question about that. It is free for home use. You have to look for the home edition download button.  Here’s a picture to help you.

If you do crash analysis for a living, you have to purchase this program. On the other hand, if you do crash analysis for a living, you probably would use this program. We’re just sayin’

The author offers about a zillion other freeware programs. We have not tested any of them but WhoCrashed.

The computer we tested this on (mine) had no crash dumps so we couldn’t give you a meaty screenshot. We can provide you with a couple of screenshots though, just so you know we really do test this stuff.

Aye, Matey. Above be the main interface of the program.  And below a screenshot showing the report after the program has analyzed our computer. No crashes or problems here, I tells ya!

Woe is me. I have no crash dumps for you to behold.

OK. If you want to try this program out because you have had mysterious crashes or blackouts, or because you have had problems with booting into Windows, that’s fine if you understand that his program will not solve the problem for you. It may – the keyword being MAY – give you a clue as to where to look to find the cause of the problem and that can help you or your computer tech fix it. 

It’s a great tool but it’s not an instant fixer and it may not point you or your repair guru to the root cause of your problems.

Read more about and/or download WhoCrashed here. It’s a 10.1 MB download and works on all versions of Windows 8.1 and Windows 10. It works on both 64-bit and 32-bit systems.

NOTICE!!  We’re not recommending any of the other zillions of programs this guy offers…we’ve not tested anyone them but WhoCrashed. If you choose to download anything other than WhoCrashed, and something happens, don’t blame us, I tells ya!

And don’t forget only the Home Edition is free. So make sure you download the Home Edition of WhoCrashed. 

Now, go forth, and get WhoCrashed, if you so desire, here.