My laptop has crashed four times in one day, showing a different stop code or behavior each time. The first crash reported KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE, the second froze without an error screen and the bottom of the display looked distorted, the third froze during startup, and the fourth showed KMODE_FAILURE_NOT_HANDLED before the screen went black. The laptop has always been unreliable, but this sudden increase in crashes is unusual. It also seems more likely to crash when I move it. At one point the laptop appeared to remain powered on—the fan was running and my phone was still connected—but there was no image on the display. I previously installed a third-party antivirus program that seemed to make things worse, and the laptop has had other problems since then, including the clock and date changing incorrectly. What could be causing this, and what should I check first?
2 Answers
Different stop codes can point to damaged system files, a bad driver, failing RAM, or another hardware problem. Try starting Windows in Safe Mode, since it loads only basic drivers and services. If it stays stable there, remove recently installed software and drivers, then run system checks such as SFC and DISM. Back up important files before doing much troubleshooting.
The fact that moving the laptop can trigger a crash, along with the fan running while the display stays off, makes a hardware fault worth taking seriously. Loose or failing RAM, a damaged display cable, a failing drive, or a power connection could all cause symptoms like this. Avoid repeatedly moving or stressing it, run the manufacturer's hardware diagnostics if you can, and back up your data. If it keeps crashing even in Safe Mode or during diagnostics, have the hardware inspected or replace the failing component.
I did install a random antivirus program when I first got the laptop, and it caused several problems until I removed it. The system has never been completely normal since, including showing the wrong time and date.