Windows 7: display driver has stopped responding and has recovered. 4th reinstall

If I'm posting in the wrong section, feel free to move this thread. Wasn't too sure where to put it.

Hi all, I'll start with system specs
i7-2600k stock
xigmatek loki cpu cooler
asrock z68 extreme3 gen3 motherboard
gskill rikpjaw memory. 2x4gb, 9-9-9-24-2t
seagate barracuda 1tb 7200rpm 32mb cache hard drive
samsung dvd-rw
amd diamond 6950 2gb stock
corsair cx600 power supply

I'm receiving this driver error just about every time I load up a web browser, or a game. I don't know how to track it down. I've replaced the motherboard, and still had the same issue. I tried an nvidia gt 240 in its place, and still got the same message. I tried a different hard drive, and the same message. Different used and working memory, and still the same issue.

I've ran memtest for 9 passes, and no errors.
prime95 for only a couple of minutes, and furmark for a couple of minutes as well.
Using furmark, I cannot reproduce the same crashes that I get from random web browsing or loading a video game.

The earlier installs, I've received bsod's that point to atikmpag.sys, nvlddmkm.sys, and another ati driver that escapes me at the moment. I've uploaded some files, but I haven't received a bsod yet.

Does anyone have a general direction they can point me in? I'd appreciate it very much

Hello Homer,

Some basic stuff: Do you have all important windows updates installed, and device drivers installed (especially motherboard and Graphics card)?

Thanks for your reply. Windows is fully up to date. The only updates available are the language packs.

I didn't want to start updating drivers from other sources, so at the moment, the motherboard drivers are off the cd.

Oh I forgot to mention its a windows 7 ulti 64 bit os.

On the previous installations of the os, sometimes the windows updates wouldn't apply. On one occasion, the service pack was installing, canceled, then restored to its previous state, which left the os without service pack 1.

This install seemed to be the smoothest out of the 4.

The thing that confuses me is that I still get the error with different vid cards, memory, and hard drives. I have no idea what to change now :/

Homer,

What is your graphics card? I would only have you update drivers through their manufacturer, as the most current usually resides with them. Motherboard drivers are the most important, and I would really recommend getting the newest drivers because they just work better that way. Funny you say your motherboard is asrock, someone else had had that board with internet connection problems.

Try switching power options to high performance, and blow out all the dust in the machine. How is your power supply doing? How many watts does it put out? Have you ever with any part experienced overheating or are things getting too hot in your computer?

6950 2gb
My card is similar to this, but has the reference cooler with the barrel fan on it.

So you suggest I grab the driver from diamond's site?

What confuses me though, is that I got the same crashes with the nvidia gt 240. I cant get the same crash using furmark on any of these vid cards.

]



No DMP files included in upload please try this method

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.

Quote:

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:

Quote:

* 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.

Yeah on this reinstall, I haven't received a bsod as of yet.

On previous installs, I had another mobo. As soon as I get a bsod, I'll upload the minidump folder.

I do have minidump set to 256kb. Just playing the waiting game

Zigzag, can't you "overwork" the drivers to force BSOD? I forget how...

There are many ways to "force" a bsod, but like doctors our first rule is do no harm. Anytime you force something to BSOD it can lead to corrupt software, and possibly damage hardware.

Better to wait for a natural one.

Good Idea though.

haha, you guys are funny. I'll wait for a natural one. I will say tho, the only time I got bsod's was when I swapped video cards, after the install of their respective drivers.

I'll wait for a natural one then

Thanks for your help!