Red Screen of Death
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 | This article possibly contains original research. (October 2011) |
The Red Screen of Death (abbreviated RSoD, sometimes called "Red Screen of Doom") is a nickname for the error message which existed in some beta versions of Microsoft's operating system, Windows Vista and some video game consoles and handhelds. It was dropped in Beta 1 (Build 5112) of Windows Vista for all errors except boot loader errors. It can also be found (but rarely) in versions and early builds of Microsoft's Windows 98 operating system, even when it was known as codename "Memphis".
Video game consoles
A Red Screen can be also found on the PlayStation 2 if there is a format disc error, when the console fails to recognize the format of an inserted disc. When it appears, it says "Please insert a PlayStation or PlayStation 2 format disc."
It was accompanied by a sound similar to the startup tune of the browser, but with a more tense and distorted feel to it, along with the typically blue background changing into a dark and angered shade of red. When not expected, it was generally considered by gamers as a very frightening error screen.
The system typically displays this screen when an incompatible disc is inserted (e.g., Xbox or GameCube disc), or a bootleg copy of a game is detected upon startup. It is also common for this screen to be displayed in the case of a damaged disc or malfunctioning laser, or very occasionally for no apparent reason at all, possibly mistakenly detecting unauthorized software.
The PlayStation system also has a similar error, possibly where the PlayStation 2 error originated. The error occurs for the same reasons as above in the system detecting an unauthorized, incompatible or otherwise faulty CD. In this scenario the Sony logo will appear as normal, then a static red checkered screen appears with white text reading "Please insert PlayStation format disc".
The Atari Jaguar also has a Red Screen of death in the case of a cartridge load error. If the game detects an unauthorized copy upon startup or is otherwise unable to boot the game the Jaguar logo will appear as normal before the background goes red while playing the roar.
Windows Vista
When a computer running Windows Vista or usually the boot loader of the Beta versions has a critical error, Windows Vista will display a Red screen of death. It has been seen many times since it was released in 2006 for beta and 2007 for the final version of Windows Vista, though it has the BSOD more often.
Windows 98 SE/Memphis
On Windows 98 SE (back as far as when it was codenamed "Memphis"), the Red Screen Of Death will occur if an ACPI driver fails during the Windows 98 boot, causing the system to crash.
Atari Jaguar
The Atari Jaguar has been known for it's glitchy CD Addon. Upon Booting up the Jaguar, the Player is met with the Red Jaguar Logo in a Red Background. This Signifies a Connection Issue. The Angry Video Game Nerd Did a Review on the Atari Jaguar, and in the Second part, Near the end of the Review, had Focused on the CD Addon's Failures.