Windows 7: BSODs about twice a week. Can't find cause.

DerekAntos · 08 May 2012

Been having random BSODs lately and it seems only when I leave Chrome open with a few tabs for an extended period of time.

I know nothing about the error report when Windows boots up. So that's why I am asking for help here.

Random Info:
- I had to replace my PSU in December. The new one is recertified.
- I think there is something wrong with my GPU (unstable stock clocks), but I don't think that is what is causing my BSODs.
- I have a pretty much broken wireless card in this desktop. Antenna is snapped and it hangs freely. Randomly all internet access on the desktop will cease with the red x in the corner and then the computer will freeze for about 10 seconds. I troubleshoot the problem and it says "problem with network adapter". This happens a few times a week.

Windows 7 . . .
- x64
- Original OS
- Retail
- Hardware isn't too old.
Q6600
6GB XMS2 DDR2 - 2x2GB 2x1GB
HD5850
EP45-UD3R mobo
750GB Caviar Black
320GB Caviar Blue
320GB I don't know
etc.
Norton installed and activated

I've reinstalled OS on this system multiple times, but not because of this issue.

I have no idea if this is a hardware or software problem.

zigzag3143 · 08 May 2012

Simple. these ARE Related to BHDrvx64.sys BASH Driver from Symantec Corporation. Symantec is often a cause of BSOD's and instability. Took all of 3 mins to figure this one out.

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

DerekAntos · 08 May 2012

Is there a way that I can find the dump of a previous BSOD?

zigzag3143 · 09 May 2012

Quote: Originally Posted by DerekAntos

Is there a way that I can find the dump of a previous BSOD?

Unless you have done something to erase them (like a ccleaner) they should be in the minidump folder

C:\windows\minidump.

DerekAntos · 17 May 2012

Just got another BSOD. I think its VRAM or something. Bluescreen said something about video memory. Not sure though it would be great if you could check.

Using the antivirus you told me to and had Norton removed back then as well. Only have 4GB of RAM in right now because I was getting a bunch of problems playing games and though the other sticks were unstabe, I guess not.

Info:
- Errors are ONLY happening while playing games now.
- Had a bunch of display driver crashing the past couple of days. Computer freezing without a BSOD as well.
- GPU temps are fine though. Still feeling unstable stock clocks.
-

DerekAntos · 17 May 2012

Some other posts are saying its antivirus and to switch to MSE. I am getting the same error with MSE.

DerekAntos · 18 May 2012

Any help on this most recent error?

DerekAntos · 18 May 2012

bump this is happening about 5 times a day now. Check bugreport in post #5.

writhziden · 18 May 2012

Code:

msiafterburner.exe	c:\program files (x86)\msi afterburner\msiafterburner.exe	3688	8	200	1380	5/17/2012 5:05 PM	2.1.0.0	356.00 KB (364,544 bytes)	2/15/2011 6:20 AM
Start Menu\Programs\Wise Registry Cleaner	Public:Start Menu\Programs\Wise Registry Cleaner	Public

MSI Afterburner has known issues with Windows 7. Recommend removing it.
Many of us on the forums actually do not recommend automated optimization tools for Windows 7. Windows 7 does a much better job of handling its own optimization than its predecessors did. We especially do not recommend registry cleaning as an "optimization" step because automated registry cleaning causes more harm to the registry than it actually repairs.

In the future, if you need help optimizing Windows 7, please post a thread in Performance & Maintenance - Windows 7 Forums or follow the tutorial enclosed in that forum to Optimize Windows 7.

Your crashes indicate video memory problems.

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!!!

If you are overclocking any hardware, please stop.
Monitor temperatures during the following tests.
Use the following programs to monitor the temperatures.
- Real Temp is a good CPU temperature monitor.
- Speccy - System Information - Free Download will monitor all hardware temperatures.
- HWiNFO, HWiNFO32 & HWiNFO64 - Hardware Information and Analysis Tools can be inaccurate for CPU temperatures, but is a good program for GPU temperature monitoring.
- Use FurMark: VGA Stress Test, Graphics Card and GPU Stability Test, Burn-in Test, OpenGL Benchmark and GPU Temperature | oZone3D.Net to test the graphics card GPU. Let it run until the GPU temperatures even out or until the GPU temperatures reach a dangerous level (you can find the max temperature for your card on either the nVidia or AMD sites; if you are not sure, ask us). The goal is to get a steady temperature, find out if the GPU is overheating, or to see if there are any artifacts present in the test itself: look for strange pixelated patterns on the screen or colors that do not look like they belong. Then use the |MG| Video Memory Stress Test 1.7.116 Download to test your graphics card memory. Let the memory test run for at least seven passes; the more the better.
- Run Hardware - Stress Test With Prime95 to determine any hardware problems. Run all three tests for a few hours each. If you get errors, stop the test and post back here.
- Follow the steps for doing CPU stress test using IntelBurnTest
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. If you do not have an anti-static workbench, desk, or pad, you can use your computer tower/case by finding a metal hold in it, such as a drive bay.
Once these steps have been followed, it is safe to remove and replace components within your computer.

DerekAntos · 18 May 2012

I removed Afterburner and it happened again.

The video card is "pre-overclocked". Sold by MSI as "5850 OC". It has clocks at 765mhz when originally its 725 I believe.

Its still under warranty, but the damn RMA process takes a whole month.

So this BSOD is indicating a "vram error" and not "RAM" correct?

Windows 7: BSODs about twice a week. Can't find cause.

BSODs about twice a week. Can't find cause. problems?