‘Fear of the name increases fear of the thing itself’
J.K. Rowling

The unknown is scary. It really is. Especially if it has a scary name as well. Blue Screen of Death errors are a case in point – they are definitely not something you want to see on your screen.

A Blue Screen of Death means your system is having issues.

Regrettably, bcmwl51.sys Blue Screen errors are quite common. If one of them is messing up your Windows 7/10 at the moment, pull yourself together and take all appropriate action to make this issue a distant memory.

And these are the few questions you might wish to ask in this regard:

  1. What Is the Bcmwl51.sys File?
  2. What Are Bcmwl51.sys Blue Screen Errors?
  3. When Do Bcmwl51.sys Blue Screen Errors Crop Up?
  4. Why Do Bcmwl51.sys Blue Screen Errors Appear?
  5. How Can I Fix Bcmwl51.sys Blue Screen Errors?

Just read on to find the right answers:

I. What Is the Bcmwl51.sys File?

Bcmwl51.sys is a SYS file. It comes as part of BCM 802.11g Network Adapter wireless driver-related software that was developed by Broadcom Corporation for Windows operating systems, and its latest version is 2005.4.6.0.

Bcmwl51.Sys is a critical component of your OS: this file affects the BCM 802.11g Network Adapter wireless driver as well as some essential Windows functions. To cut a long story short, bcmwl51.sys is by all means a file to keep a close eye on both in Win 7 and Win 10.

II. What are Bcmwl51.sys Blue Screen Errors?

No Windows component is flawless, and bcmwl51.sys is not an exception to this rule. There is a number of errors associated with the file in question that are brought together under quite a terrifying title: they are collectively known as ” Bcmwl51.sys Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)” errors. These are critical system errors that cause Windows to malfunction. In fact, if present, they can give you quite a hard time.

And here are the bcmwl51.sys BSOD messages you can come across:

  • “A problem has been detected and Windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer. The problem seems to be caused by the following file: Bcmwl51.sys.”
  • “:( Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart. We’re just collecting some info, and then we’ll restart for you. If you would like to know more, you can search online later for this error: bcmwl51.sys.”
  • “STOP 0x0000000A: IRQL_NOT_LESS_EQUAL – bcmwl51.sys”
  • “STOP 0x0000001E: KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED – bcmwl51.sys”
  • “STOP 0?00000050: PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA – bcmwl51.sys”

III. When Do Bcmwl51.sys Blue Screen Errors Crop Up?

In Win 7 and Win 10, Bcmwl51.sys Blue Screen errors tend to occur:

  • during Windows startup or shutdown;
  • at program startup;
  • when you try to run a specific program function;
  • during program installation;
  • after you have installed new hardware or software.

It is crucial to figure out when exactly the error appears so that you can troubleshoot the problem efficiently. Constant vigilance, you know.

IV. Why Do Bcmwl51.sys Blue Screen Errors Appear?

By and large, Windows users run into bcmwl51.sys Blue Screen errors due to:

  • faulty device driver files;
  • hard disk errors;
  • malware infection;
  • corrupt Windows Registry entries;
  • software malfunction;
  • RAM errors.

The list above is limited to the most common culprits, but it is not an exhaustive one.

V. How Can I Fix Bcmwl51.sys Blue Screen Errors?

The good news is, despite being persistent and pervasive, bcmwl51.sys Blue Screen errors are by no means invincible. Naturally, you are not the only one to encounter them in Win 7/10 – there are some proven methods you are free to use in order to resolve the issue in question.

But the first thing you should do is to perform a proper backup.

To begin with, make sure your personal files are properly backed up. Indeed, losing them permanently would be a big drama.

To avoid the ‘My files are gone’ cry of despair, you can:

  • use a portable storage device (an external hard drive or a flash drive will work well for this purpose);
  • utilize a cloud solution (e.g. OneDrive, Google Drive, Yandex Drive, etc.);
  • employ special software (for example, Auslogics BitReplica);

You can customize your backups with Auslogics BitReplica.

  • transfer your files to another device.

Besides, we strongly advise you to back up your registry.

Here is how to do that:

  1. Start -> Type ‘regedit.exe’ in the Search box -> OK
  2. Provide your password and/or confirmation (if asked to)
  3. Select the keys and/or subkeys you want to back up
  4. File -> Export
  5. Select where to place your backup copy -> Give it a name -> Save

You can easily restore your registry if necessary:

  1. Open your Registry Editor -> File -> Import
  2. Locate your backup copy -> OK -> Yes ->OK

Another way to secure your system is to create a system restore point.

Follow these steps to create a system restore point in Windows 7:

  1. Start button -> Control Panel
  2. System and Maintenance -> System
  3. System protection -> System Protection -> Create
  4. System Protection box -> Give your restore point a name -> Create

Enable System Restore to back up your files or undo recent changes.

And here is how to use it:

  1. Start -> All Programs
  2. Accessories -> System Tools
  3. System Restore -> Restore system files and settings
  4. Choose a different restore point -> Next
  5. Select the restore point to which you want to roll back your system

To create a system restore point in Windows 10, do the following:

  1. Windows logo key + S -> Type ‘restore’ -> Create a restore point
  2. System Properties -> Create
  3. Describe the restore point -> Create

To take your PC to it, go this way:

  1. Start -> Control Panel
  2. System and Security -> File History
  3. Recovery -> Open System Restore -> Next
  4. Select your restore point -> Next -> Finish -> Yes

By the way, you can use a system restore point right now to undo recent system changes. This trick might eliminate your bcmwl51.sys Blue Screen error, so give it a try.

Restore your system to undo recent system changes and fix your BSOD issue.

 

And here are our top 9 tips on how to fix bcmwl51.sys errors:

  1. Install Available Windows Updates
  2. Check Your Hard Disk for Errors
  3. Scan Your PC for Malware
  4. Update Your Drivers
  5. Run System File Checker
  6. Optimize Your System
  7. Reinstall BCM 802.11g Network Adapter Wireless Driver-Related Software
  8. Check Your RAM
  9. Perform a Clean Windows Install

So, it is time to straighten out your wayward bcmwl51.sys:

1. Install Available Windows Updates

To start with, go to your Windows Update and let the available updates come through. Chances are this simple manoeuvre will make your bcmwl51.sys Blue Screen error vanish.

2. Check Your Hard Disk for Errors

If an intimidating BSOD error persists on your PC, your hard disk might be faulty. In a situation like this, you are supposed to check up on your disk and repair it if any issues are present.

To scan your disk in Windows 7, use the following instructions:

  1. Start -> Open Windows Explorer -> Computer
  2. Locate the disk you want to check -> Right-click on it
  3. Properties -> Tools -> Check now
  4. The Check Disk window will open
  5. Select ‘Automatically fix file system errors’ as well as ‘Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors’
  6. Start -> Schedule disk check -> Exit your programs -> Reboot your computer

To inspect your disk in Win 10, take the following steps:

  1. Windows Key + X -> Search box
  2. Type ‘cmd’ -> Right-click Command Prompt -> Run as Administrator -> Yes
  3. Type chkdsk.exe /f /r -> Enter -> Type Y
  4. Close all your apps -> Restart your computer

3. Scan Your PC for Malware

If you can see any of the bcmwl51.sys error messages on your screen, malicious software might have made its way to your computer. The sooner you detect and remove the unwelcome guest, the more chances you have to get your system back on track – so hurry up to run a full scan.

For this purpose, you can use:

Windows Defender

Windows Defender is your line of defense designed by Microsoft itself. This tool can check your system for malware infection and banish hostile entities from your PC.

To make use of Windows Defender in Windows 7, do the following:

  1. Start -> Type ‘Defender’ (without quotes) into the Search box
  2. Windows Defender -> Scan -> Full scan

And here is how you can scan your Win 10 PC with Windows Defender:

  1. Settings -> Update & Security
  2. Windows Defender -> Open Windows Defender -> Full

Scan your PC for malware with Windows Defender to fix your BSOD issue.

Your main antivirus

To survive a malware attack, your computer needs a hero. And if you have a trustworthy third-party antivirus installed, it is time for it to save both your day and your Windows.

A special anti-malware solution

Your PC is never too safe. Indeed, some malicious enemies can break through your lines at any moment. Therefore, having a powerful anti-malware tool on guard will not hurt at all. For instance, Auslogics Anti-Malware will catch even the most cunning intruders.

Anti-Malware will scan your PC for malicious items.

4. Update Your Drivers

Out-of-date or faulty drivers often lay behind bcmwl51.sys Blue Screen of Death errors, spoiling your Windows 7/10 experience to an intolerable extent. Literally, you have no other option but to fix your drivers. Otherwise, the errors in question will not leave your system alone.

To resolve your driver issues, you can use any of the following methods:

Manual troubleshooting

When it comes to dealing with your drivers, you can always ‘do it your way’. Just replace your current drivers with the new ones. You can find them on your vendors’ websites.

Device Manager

Device Manager is a built-in tool that can troubleshoot your drivers automatically.

Here is how to use it in Windows 7:

  1. Start -> Right-click on Computer -> Manage -> Device Manager
  2. Select a device -> Right-click on it -> Select Update Driver Software

And these are the steps to take if you want to use Device Manager in Windows 10:

  1. Win + X -> Device Manager -> Select a device
  2. Right-click on it -> Select Update driver

Driver Updater

In fact, fixing your drivers does not require much effort if you use a special tool. For instance, Auslogics Driver Updater can update all your drivers in one click. And you do not need to worry about compatibility or safety issues.

Keep your drivers up to date to avoid BSOD issues.

5. Run System File Checker (SFC)

The heart of bcmwl51.sys issues might be corrupt or missing system files in Win 7/10. Therefore, we recommend you to run a SFC scan.

Here is how you can do that:

  1. Start -> Type ‘command’ into the Search box -> Command Prompt -> Right-click on it -> Run it as an administrator
  2. Type ‘sfc /scannow’ (without quotes) -> Wait for the scan to finish (it may take a while) -> Reboot your PC

6. Optimize Your System

Bcmwl51.sys Blue Screen errors may stem from such problems as:

  • corrupt keys and invalid entries in the Windows registry
  • missing or corrupt system files
  • PC junk
  • incorrect system settings

Obviously, you can troubleshoot all these issues by yourself. However, you should be extremely careful: there is no room for error when you deal with the Windows registry or system settings. That is why we strongly advise you to employ special software to avoid mistakes and save yourself time and effort: for example, Auslogics BoostSpeed can fix all the problems listed above and boost your computer’s overall performance.

Your BSOD error might be related to a specific bcmwl51.sys-related program, so you had better reinstall the culprit straight away.

Here is how you can do that:

  1. Start -> Programs and Features -> Control Panel
  2. Programs -> Programs and Features
  3. Navigate to your bcmwl51.sys-related software -> Click on it -> Uninstall
  4. Then reinstall the program

8. Check Your RAM

If bcmwl51.sys BSOD errors keep appearing on your computer, there may be a problem with its RAM.

To check your RAM in Windows 7, make use of the instructions below:

  1. Start menu -> Type ‘mdsched.exe’ (without quotes) in the Search box -> Enter
  2. Choose to run the tool immediately -> Your PC will reboot automatically
  3. Windows Memory Diagnostics will run after your computer restarts
  4. Your computer will restart again after the test
  5. Log on to your account -> The results of the scan will be on your screen

To test your PC’s RAM for issues in Win 10, do the following:

  1. Save your work first
  2. Windows logo key + R -> Type ‘mdsched.exe’ (no quotes) into the Run box -> Enter
  3. Select the ‘Restart now and check for problems (recommended)’ option
  4. Bear in mind you cannot use your computer while the RAM test is being performed
  5. Then your PC will reboot automatically
  6. Right-click on your Start button -> Event Viewer
  7. Windows Logs -> System -> Find
  8. Type ‘MemoryDiagnostic’ into the Find box -> Find Next -> You will see your memory diagnostics results

9. Perform a Clean Windows Install

If none of the fixes above has put an end to your bcmwl51.sys nightmare, it is time to start fresh.

The easiest way to perform a clean Windows Install is:
by booting from install media:

  1. Boot from the flash drive or disk to start setup
  2. Follow the on-screen prompts to install your new Windows

by using the Reset this PC option in Windows 10:

  1. Settings -> Update & security -> Recovery
  2. Reset this PC -> Get started
  3. Remove everything -> Remove files and clean the drive
  4. Follow the on-screen prompts to finish the installation

We hope your Windows has come out of the bcmwl51.sys BSOD issue with renewed vigour.

Do you have any ideas or questions regarding this issue?

We are looking forward to your comments!