How to fix the Blue Screen of Death?

[Brandon1979]

Have a VICTOUS GAMING computer and now get the blue screen of death for kswinx32 problem but can not get in to get the key.  What do I do?

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Brandon1979,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

That, Blue Screen” can feel like a punch to your gut, getting stuck at the kswinx32 / ks.sys error is understandably upsetting, especially when it means you can’t grab that code! Let’s take a calm, step-by-step approach to help your Victus get back to peak gaming condition:

Step 1: Boot into Safe Mode (Low‑Resolution or Networking)

Since you can't reach Windows normally, let’s start in a safe environment:

1. Hold the power button to force power off and on three times; this will trigger the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
2. In WinRE, go to Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.
3. When your system reboots, press F4 for Safe Mode, or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking (to download drivers).

2. Update or Roll Back Display & Integrated Webcam Drivers

The .ks.sys file is tied to camera/video capture drivers, which may be corrupted:

• Open Device Manager (Win + R → devmgmt.msc).  
  • Under Cameras, right-click your HP Webcam → Uninstall device → restart. Windows will reinstall a fresh driver.
  • Under Display adapters, try Roll Back driver (if available), or Uninstall and allow Windows to reinstall it. Alternatively, download the latest GPU driver from AMD/NVIDIA.

3. Run System File Checks

From an Admin Command Prompt, type:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

sfc /scannow

This will repair corrupted system files such as ks.sys.

4. Download Official HP Drivers

After rebooting into normal or Safe Mode with Networking:

1. Visit the official HP Victus driver page: Official HP® Support
2. Install the latest graphics, camera/fire‑capture, and BIOS updates.
3. Use HP Support Assistant (built-in) to ensure everything stays current, or download from HP directly for your exact model.

5. Run HP Hardware Diagnostics (Optional)

If BSODs continue after updates, test your hardware:

1. Power on your laptop and quickly press Esc, then F2 to launch HP UEFI Diagnostics.
2. Run full tests on Memory, CPU, GPU, and Storage.
   This checks for any underlying hardware failures.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

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Regards,

VikramTheGreat