My computer is starting to blue screen...

[Eriny]

A couple times now, when I've gone to shut down my computer, it has blue screened. Is it a hard drive problem that causes this? Anyway, I've done some back-ups and stuff. Now, the machine is a desktop that is 6 years old. So, I figure that if it comes down to it, buying a new one wouldn't be so bad. So, the point of this threat is to ask: what's wrong? can I fix it? If not, what should I get next?

My current computer is a desktop and I only use it for word processing, internet, iTunes, VLC and email. I'd actually be quite happy running on Linux except I really don't like Open Office and would therefore probably prefer Windows. I like XP, but I'm thinking 7 might be the way to go? I'm open to Mac but they're pretty expensive and I have no special use for one. Also, I'm debating getting a laptop. I currently have a netbook that I like a lot though. It's really portable and stuff, so if I were to get a laptop, portability wouldn't really be an issue. I live at a residential hall too, and something that is slightly more removable than a 6 year old computer could be useful. I might also be traveling after my degree, which means that a desktop would be useless (but would a laptop comfortably last another 2+ years anyway?). Budget is an issue, but I'd prefer to get something that's good value and will last, rather than necessarily get something that's cheap.

[Over9000]

Mine does it heaps and im pretty sure its a faulty ram stick but I cbf buying a new one. Check ur ram coz it might be that.

[excal]

A couple times now, when I've gone to shut down my computer, it has blue screened. Is it a hard drive problem that causes this? Anyway, I've done some back-ups and stuff. Now, the machine is a desktop that is 6 years old. So, I figure that if it comes down to it, buying a new one wouldn't be so bad. So, the point of this threat is to ask: what's wrong? can I fix it? If not, what should I get next?

My current computer is a desktop and I only use it for word processing, internet, iTunes, VLC and email. I'd actually be quite happy running on Linux except I really don't like Open Office and would therefore probably prefer Windows. I like XP, but I'm thinking 7 might be the way to go? I'm open to Mac but they're pretty expensive and I have no special use for one. Also, I'm debating getting a laptop. I currently have a netbook that I like a lot though. It's really portable and stuff, so if I were to get a laptop, portability wouldn't really be an issue. I live at a residential hall too, and something that is slightly more removable than a 6 year old computer could be useful. I might also be traveling after my degree, which means that a desktop would be useless (but would a laptop comfortably last another 2+ years anyway?). Budget is an issue, but I'd prefer to get something that's good value and will last, rather than necessarily get something that's cheap.

Download this: http://www.memtest86.com/memtest86-3.5.iso.zip

Extract, and burn the disc image (iso) to a CD. Then boot from the CD and let the test run. Let me know if you run into errors. If you do, it may be simply the case of replacing the memory, if you have any computer buddies living with you.