Windows 7 64bit constant crashing

I have an Asus UL80-J running Windows 7. Several times a day, it will freeze and crash, forcing me to restart by holding down the power button. If there is any sound playing, the last 2 syllables will repeat until it shuts down. Sometimes there will be a blue error screen, but most of the time the computer will just freeze. This seems to mostly happen when performing graphics-heavy tasks, such as streaming video or Skype, but I've updated my graphic drivers and it doesn't seem to help. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

emmarlumley said:

I have an Asus UL80-J running Windows 7. Several times a day, it will freeze and crash, forcing me to restart by holding down the power button. If there is any sound playing, the last 2 syllables will repeat until it shuts down. Sometimes there will be a blue error screen, but most of the time the computer will just freeze. This seems to mostly happen when performing graphics-heavy tasks, such as streaming video or Skype, but I've updated my graphic drivers and it doesn't seem to help. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

We do need the DMP file as it contains the only record of the sequence of events leading up to the crash, what drivers were loaded, and what was responsible.

You may be able to get the DMP files without crashing by booting into safe mode (F8) with networking.

To enable us to assist you with your computer's BSOD symptoms, upload the contents of your "\Windows\Minidump" folder.

The procedure:

* Copy the contents of \Windows\Minidump to another (temporary) location somewhere on your machine.
* Zip up the copy.
* Attach the ZIP archive to your post using the "paperclip" (file attachments) button.
*If the files are too large please upload them to a file sharing service like "Rapidshare" and put a link to them in your reply.


To ensure minidumps are enabled:

* Go to Start, in the Search Box type: sysdm.cpl, press Enter.
* Under the Advanced tab, click on the Startup and Recovery Settings... button.
* Ensure that Automatically restart is unchecked.
* Under the Write Debugging Information header select Small memory dump (256 kB) in the dropdown box (the 256kb varies).
* Ensure that the Small Dump Directory is listed as %systemroot%\Minidump.
* OK your way out.
* Reboot if changes have been made.

It is important to know the configuration of your system before giving any suggestion. Do you have enough RAM and free hard disk space?

Please mention how much RAM you have, how much hard disk space and what is the size of the pagefile because these play important role in the performance of your system.

Also mention whether this problem is there from the beginning of Win 7 x64 install or after the install of any particular software?

The Minidump files should be attached in a zipped folder.
Also, the machine has 4 gigs of RAM and 116 gb remaining on the hard disk.

emmarlumley said:

The Minidump files should be attached in a zipped folder.
Also, the machine has 4 gigs of RAM and 116 gb remaining on the hard disk.

More than half point directly to memory management, most of the others also indirectly do.


These were caused by a memory exception. Please run these two tests to verify your memory and find which driver is causing the problem.


1-Memtest.

*Download a copy of Memtest86 and burn the ISO to a CD using Iso Recorder or another ISO burning program. Memtest86+ - Advanced Memory Diagnostic Tool

*Boot from the CD, and leave it running for at least 5 or 6 passes.

Just remember, any time Memtest reports errors, it can be either bad RAM or a bad motherboard slot.

Test the sticks individually, and if you find a good one, test it in all slots.

RAM - Test with Memtest86+



2-Driver verifier

I'd suggest that you first backup your data and then make sure you've got access to another computer so you can contact us if problems arise. Then make a System Restore point (so you can restore the system using the Vista/Win7 Startup Repair feature).

In Windows 7 you can make a Startup Repair disk by going to Start....All Programs...Maintenance...Create a System Repair Disc - with Windows Vista you'll have to use your installation disk or the "Repair your computer" option at the top of the Safe Mode menu .

Then, here's the procedure:
- Go to Start and type in "verifier" (without the quotes) and press Enter
- Select "Create custom settings (for code developers)" and click "Next"
- Select "Select individual settings from a full list" and click "Next"
- Select everything EXCEPT FOR "Low Resource Simulation" and click "Next"
- Select "Select driver names from a list" and click "Next"
Then select all drivers NOT provided by Microsoft and click "Next"
- Select "Finish" on the next page.

Reboot the system and wait for it to crash to the Blue Screen. Continue to use your system normally, and if you know what causes the crash, do that repeatedly. The objective here is to get the system to crash because Driver Verifier is stressing the drivers out. If it doesn't crash for you, then let it run for at least 36 hours of continuous operation (an estimate on my part).

If you can't get into Windows because it crashes too soon, try it in Safe Mode.
If you can't get into Safe Mode, try using System Restore from your installation DVD to set the system back to the previous restore point that you created.

Driver Verifier - Enable and Disable