Windows 7: Computer freezes when running standard programs

Eeles · 28 Mar 2012

Hey,
So I've just built a new computer with the new 2011 chipset and initially the computer would freeze without warning while I'm playing games through steam, since then I have reinstalled windows and now it freezes when playing video files and FileZilla. I have no idea what is going wrong with the computer as I have updated the drivers and tried checking the components individually. Temp readings are normal and used memtest and intel burn test to check the ram and CPU. I have used my old nvidia GeForce 8800gt graphics card instead of the new one but it still doesn't work.
I'm running windows 7 ultimate x64 with a 120GB OSZ agility3 SSD, gigabyte GTX570 GPU, asrock x79 extreme4 mobo, intel i7 3930K CPU with corsair H80 water cooling coolermaster storm scout case and coolermaster GX 750W power supply

usasma · 28 Mar 2012

Are you overclocking? If so, please stop and return the system to normal (default) values. Leave it there until we've got the system stable again. Feel free to resume the overclock once the system is stable again.

We've seen a number of BSOD issues with SSD's recently. Here's the information that I've compiled:

Quote:

There's not a whole bunch available to test SSD's. The "easiest" test is to remove the SSD, install a platter-based hard drive, install Windows and test for stability that way.

Here's some suggestions:
- Update the SSD's firmware to the latest available version (VERY IMPORTANT!!!)
- Slow the memory (RAM) down to the next slower speed (I've only seen one person who claimed that this worked for them).
- Use any manufacturer's utilities that you may have. If you don't have any, then try this free one (I haven't used it myself): Crystal Dew World
- Update chipset and storage controller drivers to the latest available from the manufacturer of the device (not the manufacturer of the motherboard). Be sure to update ALL controllers on the motherboard!
....NOTE: Recently (Nov 2011) we had BSOD issues with the Marvell 91xx controller and an SSD. You may have to switch controllers also.-
Replace the SSD with a platter based hard drive and see if that stops the BSOD's. If it does, then it's likely that there's a problem with the SSD OR an incompatibility with your system.
It's my opinion that SSD's aren't reliable enough (with current hardware) to be used on a system that needs to work reliably. Until I see reliability I will not recommend, nor will I use, SSD's for critical applications.
06 Dec 2011 - This post tends to confirm issues with certain SSD chipsets and certain controllers - [SOLVED] cant find the cause of BSOD F4 - Tech Support Forum

Please provide these reports (even though you're not reporting BSOD's) so we can have a look at what's going on with your system: http://www.sevenforums.com/crashes-d...tructions.html

Eeles · 29 Mar 2012

No I haven't overclocked yet I've attached the BSOD reports and am about to go through the SSD checklist above

usasma · 30 Mar 2012

There is a problem with a SCSI adapter on your system - yet the Intel chipset adapters are installed.
I wonder if you have a program such as Virtual Clone Drive on your system - as I have one of these devices and it's associated with that program on my system.

Otherwise, I'd have to wonder if it's a part of your Asmedia Technology\ASM106x SATA Driver
Please update the drivers for this device, and then run another perfmon /report to see if it fixes the problem.

SP1 isn't installed, please do the following:

Quote:

Installing Windows 7 Service Pack 1
1. Visit the PC manufacturer's website and update ALL drivers. DO NOT use Windows Update or the "Update drivers" function of Device Manager.
2. Check Device Manager for any unknown/disabled devices - if there are unknown/disabled devices, fix them with the latest drivers from the device manufacturer's website (not the PC Manufacturer)
3. Visit Windows Update and get all updates (may take repeated visits)
4. Visit Windows Update and get Service Pack 1 (usually under Important Updates). Read these notes for installing SP1: Steps to follow before you install Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 from the Microsoft Download Center
5. Visit Windows Update and get any other available updates. May take repeated visits, but keep it up until you get several "Windows is updated" results.
If you're having difficulties with installing a Service Pack, please use the SURTool from this link: What is the System Update Readiness Tool?

I've seen problems in the past with the XFast USB stuff. Maybe uninstall that to see if it helps?

Have to wonder about Norton Internet Security also (as I've seen similar problems in the past with it also). Try this:

Quote:

Anti-Virus Removal:
Please do the following:
- download a free antivirus for testing purposes: Free AntiVirus
- uninstall the Norton from your system (you can reinstall it, if so desired, when we're done troubleshooting)
- remove any remnants of Norton using this free tool: http://us.norton.com/support/kb/web_...080710133834EN
- IMMEDIATELY install and update the free antivirus, then check to ensure that the Windows Firewall is turned on.
- check to see if this fixes the BSOD's
NOTE: NEVER run more than 1 anti-virus, firewall, Internet Security/Security Center application at the same time.

Lot's of Event 41's (spontaneous shutdowns) in the System Event Log. Check the system to make sure it's not overheating. Water cooling only cools the stuff that the cooler blocks contact - there's plenty of other components within the system that might be overheating (Northbridge, RAM, Hard Drive, etc).

I'd suspect several other things, but we have to verify that SP1 doesn't fix it first.
Please do the above things - and if the problems still exist, post another, updated copy of the reports.

Good luck!

Eeles · 30 Mar 2012

I'm not sure about virtual clone drive I haven't installed it myself but may have come with one of the disks
I'll post up the data once I've done the updates.
Also while I'm at it could you point out where the northbridge is on my mobo?
This is the first comp I've built so still new to it and nothing I can find on google will show me oddly enough
Thanks man

usasma · 31 Mar 2012

Here's how to figure out if it's overheating:
First, get an infrared temperature detector (I got mine for $30 from Tognar Toolworks - a ski tool place)
If you don't want to buy one, you have one built in - it's your finger! But you've got to be very, very careful!!! I've received 2nd degree burns from doing this!!!!

Wait for the system to spontaeously shut down.
Unplug the system from the wall and remove the side panel from the case.
Hold onto the metal of the case in order to help reduce the chance that static discharge will hurt your components.

If using an infrared thermometer - point it at everything, including the individual component that are affixed to the motherboard.
If using your finger, carefully approach (BUT DO NOT TOUCH) the different components - looking for any that radiate excessive heat (BTW - this can also be caused by a poorly fitting cooling block - so check the components that are under the cooling blocks also)

Any significant heat signals a possible problem - and you should look at it further.
Ensure that you're not overclocking while doing this - then repeat it when/if you go back to overclocking later on (after the system is stable again).

Eeles · 01 Apr 2012

ok so ive updated the computer but even with the readiness tool theres one update (Security Update for Windows 7 for x64 based systems (KB2507618) that wont update ive attached the health report again

usasma · 01 Apr 2012

Please update your Intel Management Engine drivers from the Intel Download Center ( http://downloadcenter.intel.com ) perfmon /report shows that the device drivers aren't installed.

It also shows that the other unknown device (the one I thought to be a Virtual Clone Drive) is still installed.
Please visit the AsRock website and ensure that you have ALL drivers installed
If you figure out what this device is, I'd appreciate you posting back with the info so I can include it on this page: PNP Device ID's

Suggestions for the problem update are here: kb2507618 cant install update, says failed - Microsoft Answers

Just for documentation purposes - the SSD is still attached. Ensure that the firmware is updated and that the controllers on the motherboard have the latest updates.

Please uninstall the XFast LAN stuff and the Asrock overclocking/system tuning stuff - as I've seen it occasionally cause problems.

It's possible that Norton Internet Security is causing problems
This becomes less likely if:
- this is a fresh installation of it
- you're using the most recent version of it

Eeles · 07 Apr 2012

Alright so I've updated the engine drivers and uninstalled Norton will get to the Asrock overclocking and XFast LAN soon and will do another health check then. What I have done has improved the system though, I'm now able to run the system indefinitely without it freezing and watch videos on it but it still freezes within 10 minutes of games.

writhziden · 14 Apr 2012

Did you check the temperatures as usasma recommended in post #6?

Windows 7: Computer freezes when running standard programs

Computer freezes when running standard programs problems?