Random BSOD, sometimes when playing video

Hi everyone, I have been having BSODs since I have installed this Windows almost a year ago. However a big portion of my time since then has been enjoyed backpacking, so, having returned home two months ago - I finally decided to get hands on with this.

Ok let's get on with this:

Hardware
Custom built PC, Most hardware is 5-6 years old and was barely used when I got it - except for the RAM, which was used. The 360GB HDD and the graphics card were brand new out-of-the-box a year ago (barely used as I wasn't home), and the 450w PSU is brand new now. (you can check out all of my hardware in my specs)

Software
Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit, retail. About a year old. Second install on this machine - the previous installation (same DVD and license) got into a boot loop (turn on pc, boot up, freeze and reset) and so this is a re-install.

Symptoms
The vast majority of the BSODs I witnessed were during video playback - then the screen would distort and display a garbage version of whatever was on the screen at the time - and hop on to BSOD. The other observed occurrences happened when I was surfing the internet (not more than 2-3 crashes if I remember correctly). I cannot recall what was I browsing during these crashes.

Out of those 20-so crashes I've been having, some of them would happen during the night, while I was sleeping and so I can't say what exactly happened during those crashes. However sometimes I leave my downloads for the night and perhaps this is a factor.

I think it's a video driver issue. Why don't you update your graphics card drivers and check if the problem is gone or not?

Wow, I can't believe I skipped this one! :big facepalm:
I am downloading the driver as we speak.

Let's see if it changes anything in the coming days. Still happy to hear other input.

Wait....did you download all the drivers sans video driver? Say chipset etc?

No, I let Windows do that for me. So I guess you suggest I do, right?

pilau said:

No, I let Windows do that for me. So I guess you suggest I do, right?

Of course !!!

That's the major cause of issue. Once the rudimentary drivers are installed then leave it to Windows to keep you updated. There is a sequence in which you need to install the drivers:

Chipset
Video Driver
Network Driver
Audio Driver
Wireless Network Driver
Modem
Touchpad

I am sure your problem will be gone after that.

Fair enough - thank you for that order list - I was actually wondering about this.

I will update my drivers and I will update here hopefully in a couple of days with no crashes/the first crash.

Cheers.

Okay, I don't know if it is sufficient or not, but:

1. Chipset - i915G/P: I download the most recent Intel update which is version 9.3.0.1019. However that only updates the INF files, and the actual device (it is called Intel(R) 915G/P/GV/GL/PL/910GE/GL PCI Express Root Port - 2581 - and I hope this is the one) - keeps the same Microsoft driver from 2006.
2. LAN Adapter (Intel Pro100): Downloaded the latest (read: 2005!) drivers from Asus and Windows has determined that my driver is up to date.
3. All other drivers (which are graphics and sound drivers) are already updated.

What are your thoughts?

I think that is sufficient for now. Now try playing some video files ( use Vlc Media Player - VideoLAN - Official page for VLC media player, the Open Source video framework! ) and check if the problem persists.

Will do, and if it reoccurs I will report back.