Final answer:
When experiencing a blue screen of death after installing a new video card, check if the card is properly seated, ensure the power supply is adequate, update video card drivers, and check the BIOS version. If necessary, test the card in another system to see if it is defective.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a blue screen of death (BSOD) appears after installing a new video card, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem. First, you should ensure that the video card is properly seated and connected to the motherboard. If the card is not properly installed, it could cause a BSOD. Additionally, you might want to check that the power supply is sufficient for the new hardware and that all necessary power connectors are attached to the card.
Another important step is to update the video card drivers. Outdated or incompatible drivers can often lead to a BSOD. You can do this by visiting the video card manufacturer's website and downloading the latest drivers for your specific model of video card. Moreover, it's also a good idea to ensure that the computer's BIOS is up to date. Sometimes, a BIOS update is needed to improve hardware compatibility, and manufacturers often release updates that improve stability and performance.
If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may also consider testing the video card in another computer to check if the card itself is faulty. If the card works in another system, the problem could be related to your computer's motherboard or another component. If the card does not work in another system, the video card might be defective and require replacement.
In addition, it's helpful to take note of any error codes or messages displayed on the BSOD screen, as they can provide clues to the specific nature of the problem. You can search online for these codes to find more targeted troubleshooting steps.