MACHINE_CHECK_EXCEPTION hal.dll+12818 - Random BSOD on Dell XPS Laptop


  1. Posts : 7
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64-Bit
       #1

    MACHINE_CHECK_EXCEPTION hal.dll+12818 - Random BSOD on Dell XPS Laptop


    Hello,
    I have a new(ish) Dell XPS Laptop which is approx 3/4 months old so its still under warranty.
    I have been in touch with Dell but they keep fobbing me off without fixing the problem.

    For the past 3 weeks I have been getting random BSOD, sometimes I am using the machine, sometimes not. I am a developer/desiger so I have a lot of apps installed like illustrator, fireworks, visual studio but there are times when none of these are running, its crashing even when surfing the web.

    I have attached a zip file as per instructions for posting in this category - I really hope someone can help me with this as its driving me crazy!

    Dell XPS L702X 17" Laptop
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64
    Core i7-2760 QM CPU @ 2.4GHz
    8GB RAM
    220GB SSD HD

    Thanks in advance
    Will.
    Last edited by williamfox4; 16 May 2012 at 04:38. Reason: Removing attachment
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 11,269
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit
       #2

    Your Windows install appears to be corrupted.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 7
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64-Bit
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Hello,
    Thank you for the information.
    I have just run the SFC as you have requested but it came back with nothing.

    Microsoft Windows [Version 6.1.7601]
    Copyright (c) 2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

    C:\Windows\system32>sfc /scannow
    Beginning system scan. This process will take some time.
    Beginning verification phase of system scan.
    Verification 100% complete.

    Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.

    Its crashed again this morning, at the time I was only listening to music through Media Player - I usually use Spotify but had stopped using that to see if that could be the cause. Ive since taken a look on the Dell website and found and updated driver for the sound card and no crash since.... But, its far too early to tell if that has fixed it - It has gone for a week of normal usage between crashing so I guess I just need to keep using it and trying one thing after another....

    Kind regards,
    Will.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 11,269
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit
       #4

    Odd that no corruption shows up. Your hardware error checking software that is built into Windows 7 does not seem to be starting properly.
    Windows Dev Center - Hardware said:
    Remarks

    In Windows Vista and later operating systems, this bug check occurs only in the following circumstances.
    • WHEA is not fully initialized.

    • All processors that rendezvous have no errors in their registers.


    For other circumstances, this bug check has been replaced with bug Check 0x124: WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR in Windows Vista and later operating systems.
    For more information about Machine Check Architecture (MCA), see the Intel or AMD Web sites.
    Bug Check 0x9C: MACHINE_CHECK_EXCEPTION


    For a 0x124 hardware bugcheck: If the system is still under warranty, I would recommend sending it in to have diagnostic tests done and any bad hardware replaced.
       Warning
    Before you proceed with the following, answer these two questions: Are you still under warranty? Does your warranty allow you to open up the machine to check hardware? If you are unsure of the answers to these questions, contact your system manufacturer. WARNING: The steps that follow can void your warranty!!!



    For a hardware stop 0x124 crash, read through Stop 0x124 - what it means and what to try and use the following hardware checks to supplement that link.

    • If you are overclocking any hardware, please stop.

    • Monitor temperatures during the following tests.
      Use the following programs to monitor the temperatures.


    • Run the boot version of Memtest86+ paying close attention to Parts 2 and 3 of the tutorial. Also, in case Memtest86+ misses anything and comes up with no errors, run the extended version of the Windows Memory Diagnostics Tool for at least five passes. These you may want to run overnight since they take a long time to complete (run them an hour before bed each of the next two nights and check before going to sleep that they are still running).

      For Part 3: If You Have Errors: If you swap any memory components, follow these steps for ESD safety:
      1. Shut down and turn off your computer.
      2. Unplug all power supplies to the computer (AC Power then battery for laptops, AC power for desktops)
      3. Hold down the power button for 30 seconds to close the circuit and ensure all power drains from components.
      4. Make sure you are grounded by using proper grounding techniques, i.e. work on an anti-static workbench, anti-static desk, or an anti-static pad. Hold something metallic while touching it to the anti-static surface, or use an anti-static wristband to attach to the anti-static material while working.

      Once these steps have been followed, it is safe to remove and replace components within your computer.


    Remember to read closely through Stop 0x124 - what it means and what to try for the crash.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 7
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64-Bit
    Thread Starter
       #5

    hello,
    i have run several tests on the hardware, there is a pre-boot system test which tests everything (or so they say at Dell).
    ive been asked to wipe and reinstall my OS now!

    i have used windbg on the dump file which gives the following:

    Arguments:
    Arg1: 0000000000000000
    Arg2: fffff80000ba8bb0
    Arg3: 0000000000000000
    Arg4: 0000000000000000
    Debugging Details:
    ------------------
    TRIAGER: Could not open triage file : C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\8.0\Debuggers\x64\triage\modclass.ini, error 2
    BUGCHECK_STR: 0x9C_GenuineIntel
    CUSTOMER_CRASH_COUNT: 1
    DEFAULT_BUCKET_ID: WIN7_DRIVER_FAULT
    PROCESS_NAME: System
    CURRENT_IRQL: f
    LAST_CONTROL_TRANSFER: from fffff80003013818 to fffff800030c6c80
    STACK_TEXT:
    fffff800`00ba8b78 fffff800`03013818 : 00000000`0000009c 00000000`00000000 fffff800`00ba8bb0 00000000`00000000 : nt!KeBugCheckEx
    fffff800`00ba8b80 fffff800`03012f57 : 00000000`00000008 00000000`00000000 00000000`00000008 00000000`00000000 : hal!HalpMcaReportError+0x164
    fffff800`00ba8cd0 fffff800`03006e88 : 00000000`00000000 fffff800`0323be80 00000000`00000000 00000000`00000000 : hal!HalpMceHandlerWithRendezvous+0x9f
    fffff800`00ba8d00 fffff800`030c556c : 00000000`00000000 00000000`00000000 00000000`00000000 00000000`00000000 : hal!HalHandleMcheck+0x40
    fffff800`00ba8d30 fffff800`030c53d3 : 00000000`00000000 00000000`00000000 00000000`00000000 00000000`00000000 : nt!KxMcheckAbort+0x6c
    fffff800`00ba8e70 fffff880`061ca9c2 : 00000000`00000000 00000000`00000000 00000000`00000000 00000000`00000000 : nt!KiMcheckAbort+0x153
    fffff800`00b9cb58 00000000`00000000 : 00000000`00000000 00000000`00000000 00000000`00000000 00000000`00000000 : intelppm+0x39c2

    STACK_COMMAND: kb
    FOLLOWUP_IP:
    intelppm+39c2
    fffff880`061ca9c2 ?? ???
    SYMBOL_STACK_INDEX: 6
    SYMBOL_NAME: intelppm+39c2
    FOLLOWUP_NAME: MachineOwner
    MODULE_NAME: intelppm
    IMAGE_NAME: intelppm.sys
    DEBUG_FLR_IMAGE_TIMESTAMP: 4a5bc0fd
    FAILURE_BUCKET_ID: X64_0x9C_GenuineIntel_intelppm+39c2
    BUCKET_ID: X64_0x9C_GenuineIntel_intelppm+39c2
    Followup: MachineOwner
    ---------
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 11,269
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit
       #6

    When you re-install the OS, make sure to backup your files. See step 3 of Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 on how to backup data.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 7
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64-Bit
    Thread Starter
       #7

    I just wanted to give an update on this issue for people who may be having the same problem...
    I reinstalled Windows from scratch - 2 hours later it crashed again.
    I called Dell and they have been out and replaced the motherboard - 2 hours later it crashed again!!!
    Now I'm pushing them for a refund /replacement. I'm thinking this could be an SSD issue, several other people online with similar unsolved issues all seem to have SSD in their machines... Hmmmmm...

    Thank you for all of your assistance with this.

    Will.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 11,269
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit
       #8

    It could be the SSD is not compatible with the hardware or it is not compatible with drivers/firmware on the system. Are all of the following up to date:
    • SSD firmware
    • BIOS version
    • Chipset drivers
    • Hard disk controller drivers
    ?
      My Computer


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:04.
Find Us