Windows 7: BSOD during startup for normal mode. Can only start in safe mode.

I had this machine built just over a year ago, and only had occasional crashes (no particular activities seemed to generate the issue). About 2 months ago the crashes became more persistent, and upon restarting the machine would have trouble loading normal mode. At the screen that reads "welcome" the spinning wheel would simply freeze, and the computer would lock up. As this problem persisted the computer would either automatically reboot itself each time, or crash into a BSOD and run a dump. I can, however, start it in Safe Mode without issue.

It had been running the same install of windows 7 ultimate x64 until a couple of weeks ago when I attempted to reinstall. This solved nothing, so I reinstalled again, this time deleting the partitions and formatting the drive. Again, the problems persist. I'm inclined to think they're hardware related at this point, but I'm in no way an expert.

From the most recent BSOD: My system stats:
MB - Asus P6X58D-E
CPU - Intel i7 950
RAM - 3 x 2gb Kingston HyperX DDR3 1600 SDRAM
HD - Western Digital 640gb 7200 rpm SATA 6gb
Vid - EVGA GeForce GTX 460
OS - Fresh Install Windows 7 Ultimate x64

I tried running the performance monitor report but continually received the error "The system cannot find the path specified". The dump files are attached.

Thank you for your help.

Look at Computer lags every couple seconds

Try the following:
1. Download and install Driver Sweeper
2. Download the latest driver for your display card
3. Click Start Menu
4. Right Click My Computer
5. Click Manage
6. Click Device Manager from the list on the left
7. Click the + next to Display adapter
8. Right click your display/graphics card device
9. Click Uninstall
10. Check the box to Delete driver software for the device
11. Click OK
12. Restart your computer in safe mode
13. Run Driver Sweeper, select display card manufacturer's drivers, analyze, clean
14. Restart your computer
15. Install the latest drivers

Update to SP1

Download Details - Microsoft Download Center - System Update Readiness Tool for Windows 7 (KB947821) [August 2011]

Download Details - Microsoft Download Center - System Update Readiness Tool for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB947821) [August 2011]

Steps to follow before you install Windows 7 Service Pack 1 from the Microsoft Download Center

Service Pack 1 Download site

Links to Service Pack 1 (SP1) and preparation for SP1 courtesy of JMH

Also, it appears if it is hardware, it is probably your graphics card. Recommend trying a different display card and seeing if it resolves the issue (borrow one from someone if you can since buying one and replacing the old one may not fix the problem and may be a waste of money).

Edit: I know you may not be able to do all above steps in safe mode, but do what you can.

Thanks for the detailed instructions. When I uninstall (and clean) all the nvidia drivers the computer starts normally, but whenever an nvidia driver is installed the problem resumes. I've tried downloading allegedly stable older drivers as well as the newest (cleaning the old ones before installing each new driver) with the same results. I've sent an email to the video card manufacturer's help desk to see if it's a known issue.

I'll update this thread for posterity's sake whatever the outcome.

Thanks.

It may also help to remove all components from the motherboard (graphics cards, memory modules, etc. except the CPU fan and CPU), get a can of air and blow out any dust in the slots and on the components, put everything back in securely, and see how it runs. You may just have dust causing heat issues.

Before removing components, make sure all power is disconnected and drained by unplugging the power supply from the outlet/surge protector and holding down the power button for 30 seconds to close the circuit and let capacitors drain. Then open the case up and remove the components to clean dust out.

Another possibility is the PSU is going bad. The best way to determine whether it is the PSU or graphics card is to replace one of the two and see if the problem persists. Again, see if you can borrow one so you don't pay for something that doesn't solve your issue.

Hope the above is helpful information. Let us know what the manufacturer says about the display card, as well.

Have you heard back from the manufacturer, or are you still waiting? Just wanted to check in. No hurry.

I realize these things sometimes take time. I have an issue on my computers that is currently being resolved by my antivirus software company going on three weeks, as well.

I appologize for not responding sooner.

I contacted the manufacturer and was given the same advice that you provided. The Rep told me to try switching out my Video Card for another before going any further.

Unfortunately, I didn't have any additional hardware at home, so I had to pack up my tower and take it to my friend, who had assembled it in the first place.

Surprisingly, he couldn't replicate the problem. Starting up, rebooting, or just generally attempting to enter windows in normal mode while running a driver for my video card had been all it took previously. I asked him to restart the machine multiple times, run video card intensive applications, and, when none of that caused the error, to physically remove and reinstall my card. When none of these steps succeeded in replicating my BSOD or even so much as a freeze up or crash, I hypothesized that either the card was jostled back into place during transportation, or that the voltage in my apartment had been causing problems. He assured me that with the case in question, the former possibility seemed very unlikely.

Anyway, it's back in my apartment and running without issue. I'm baffled, but pleased that it's working.

Thanks for your help, and I'll update this thread if the problems recur.

Yeah, funny how just taking it to have it looked at to show the problem will fix a machine. I've seen this with my car a few times.