Constant BSOD since new PC Build

Hi :)

OK, so I decided that I would build my own PC, I'm of limited technical knowledge, I guess I could be called a 'newbie', a very enthusiastic one, who learns very quick . I did a LOT of research before I started & made sure all components were compatible. everything was okay for a day or so, installed my gpu & then lots of problem appeared. It seems for every problem I solve I create 2 more

I think I need to stipulate that I upgraded my previous PC & installed a new motherboard with new DDR3 RAM (in place of DDR2 I had previously). After I had done that I had a problem of Firefox constantly crashing & many, many BSOD's. As a very heavy PC user I decided that the time had come to buy invest in a new PC, and this is where I decided to build a new PC myself to save money & for pleasure.

With the new build I made sure I got only components with very high reviews & good track records. I made sure each part was compatible & proceeded to build. I decided I would keep the 8GB 1333MHz DDR3 RAM from my old PC & use it in the new build. So, with there being the same issues with the old PC as there have been in this build (not all, but a lot - Firefox crashing & BSOD problems etc) I concluded that there must be a bad stick of RAM. I ran Windows Memory Diagnostics Tool & sure enough there were errors although it didn't give any clue to what they were. I ran the test again once for each stick of RAM & managed to remove the offending stick (which I plan to RMA).

Now, I am still getting BSOD but less frequently. Windows Explorer has crashed a few times also.

Anyway, I hope that wasn't too much information and that it least helped somewhat. I am really stumped & decided to ask here, I have had great use from this website :)

As I explained earlier on, I'm not an avid techie (yet) so please be gentle with me.

OK, so specs are below and I have included the appropriate ZIP files.

Please let me know if there is anything I have missed & I am so grateful, in advance, for all help :)

Windows 7 Home Professional x64 Full Retail Upgrade version
All Hardware is new with warranties, RAM is 3 months old and removed from last PC
OS was installed 1 week ago, trying to avoid a fresh reinstall unless absolutely necessary.

Symantec is a frequent cause of BSOD's. I would remove and replace it with Microsoft Security Essentials AT LEAST TO TEST


http://us.norton.com/support/kb/web_...080710133834EN

Microsoft Security Essentials - Free Antivirus for Windows

zigzag3143 said:

Symantec is a frequent cause of BSOD's. I would remove and replace it with Microsoft Security Essentials AT LEAST TO TEST


http://us.norton.com/support/kb/web_...080710133834EN

Microsoft Security Essentials - Free Antivirus for Windows

OK, thanks :)

Can I ask what you mean by 'to test'? Shall I see how it goes with Norton uninstalled & Microsoft Security used in it's place? Or am I to repeat above test without Norton? Or am I still on the wrong tracks?

Sorry, bit of a daft question I guess Just want to be sure xx

sweetiepie82 said:

zigzag3143 said:

Symantec is a frequent cause of BSOD's. I would remove and replace it with Microsoft Security Essentials AT LEAST TO TEST


http://us.norton.com/support/kb/web_...080710133834EN

Microsoft Security Essentials - Free Antivirus for Windows

OK, thanks :)

Can I ask what you mean by 'to test'? Shall I see how it goes with Norton uninstalled & Microsoft Security used in it's place? Or am I to repeat above test without Norton? Or am I still on the wrong tracks?

Sorry, bit of a daft question I guess Just want to be sure xx

"at least to test" means remove it and see it the crashes stop. If they do it was the cause.

Yes, use MSE in its place.

Now it is a waiting game.

Thank you. I have done all the steps... Fingers crossed :)

Can I just ask, is Norton a known problem then? It came free with my motherboard & the reviews were really very good. I'm happy with whatever works, I'm just shocked it *could* cause this.

Thank you for all your help x

sweetiepie82 said:

Thank you. I have done all the steps... Fingers crossed :)

Can I just ask, is Norton a known problem then? It came free with my motherboard & the reviews were really very good. I'm happy with whatever works, I'm just shocked it *could* cause this.

Thank you for all your help x

IMHO, as far as Malware that causes BSOD's Norton is in the top three. I am an ex Norton fan but as they became more bloated and unstable I moved on.