Windows 7: BSOD 'Kernel_Data_Inpage_Error'

Tetramesh · 20 Dec 2011

Hello

Last week I experienced a BSOD on my Dell Inspiron 6400 laptop, after restarting I didn't bother looking into as it was the first one I've had in a very long time.
Today I experienced the BSOD twice so I thought I'd come here for some help.
Both times I had Firefox, Windows Live Photo Gallery and Adobe Photoshop CS5 running.
Here are two photos I took of the screen at the time;

Attachment 189165

Attachment 189166

Here are the specs for the laptop

System Manufacturer/Model Number - Dell Inspiron 6400
OS - Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit SP1 (full retail)
CPU - Intel Pentium T2060 @ 1.60GHz
Motherboard - Dell Inc. 0KD882 (Microprocessor)
Memory - 2.0GB Dual-Channel DDR2 @ 265MHz (4-4-4-12)
Graphics Card - Mobile Intel(R) 945 Express Chipset Family
Sound Card - High Definition Audio Device
Monitor - Generic PnP Monitor (1280x800@60Hz)
Hard Drive - 78GB Western Digital WDC WD800BEVS-75RST0 ATA Device (SATA)
Keyboard - HP PS2 Keyboard (2K - 20)
Age of laptop - About 4½ years old

And if I've followed the instructions correctly in the 'BSOD - Posting Instructions' thread then there should be an attachment with more info below.
Does anyone know what may be causing my BSOD problems?
Thanks.

JMH · 20 Dec 2011

Hello Tetramesh.

These crashes indicate memory corruption (maybe a driver).
Let's run these two tests to verify your memory and find which driver might be causing the problem.

If you are overclocking anything reset to default before running these tests.
In other words STOP!!!

1-Memtest.

Quote:

*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.

Any errors are indicative of a memory problem.

If a known good stick fails in a motherboard slot it is probably the slot.

RAM - Test with Memtest86+

2-Driver verifier

Quote:

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/Windows 7 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).

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

Further Reading
Using Driver Verifier to identify issues with Windows drivers for advanced users

FYI
You have lots of old drivers from as far back as 2001.
All those in blue need updating.

Attachment 189177

Tetramesh · 21 Dec 2011

Hello JMH, thanks for your reply.
Would it be OK to run the memory test from a USB key or does it have to be run from a disc?
Also, I've tried looking on the Dell site for drivers but they all seem pretty old for my laptop and are for Vista.

JMH · 21 Dec 2011

Generic advice is to follow as per the instructions...
The other {USB} can be done but is more complicated.

Use compatibility mode to install the drivers.
Compatibility Mode

Tetramesh · 22 Dec 2011

Hi JMH.

I'd already started the memory test from a USB stick before I'd seen your reply so if necessary I'll run it again from a disc.
Here is an image of the screen after 7 (I think) passes;

Attachment 189408

I've looked again on the Dell site and Googled for the most recent drivers for my Inspiron 6400 but there doesn't seem to any new ones.
The 'Driver verifier' test will have to wait till next week because I won't be near this laptop for a few days after tomorrow.

Thanks

Windows 7: BSOD 'Kernel_Data_Inpage_Error'

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