Introduction:
This article explains how to open Event Viewer and inspect any errors after a program or system crash.
Prerequisites:
Before we begin you will need;
- Nothing
Technical Level:
Mid
Introduction
Event Viewer is a program that allows you to view actions created by Windows, Programs and Drivers. Events are categorised depending on its severity (critical, errors, warnings or information).
After a program or system crash we can try and use event viewer to diagnose what caused the issue. Issues are easier to find if you look at event viewer moments after the crash.
Running Event Viewer
Start typing “Event Viewer” in the Windows search bar. The first result should be the Event Viewer app. Click on the Event Viewer app.
After a short period of time Event Viewer will display a Summary of Events. The only ones you are interested in are Critical and Error events.
Click on the [+] to expand either or both of these to view the full list.
You will likely see lots of errors – Do not panic too much, even a fully working and healthy PC will have errors. The only ones you need to focus on are the ones that occurred at the time of your issue.
Double clicking will show every time this event occurred including further details. These details may give a clue to why the issue occurred. It maybe useful for you to provide us with some of this information to help you.
You can use the blue back arrow at the top left to get back to the list.
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