Random BSODs at various times

danjai · 28 May 2012

So I've been getting bsods with different messages each time a various intervals. Sometimes it can work fine for the whole day and sometimes 3 bsods in a 10 min time frame. I've tried a clean install couple months back, but that didn't seem to do the trick =(

CPU: AMD II X6 1055T
MB: ASUS M4A89GTD
RAM: 12GB
GRAPHICS: XFX RADEON 5770

writhziden · 29 May 2012

The crashes primarily point to graphics card issues.

First: Make sure AMD Vision Engine Control Center is not overclocking your graphics card without your knowledge.
Second: Try older drivers. Start with 11.9 and work your way up to 12.4; see if any provide more stability.

Use the following method to re-install the drivers.
1. Download the drivers you want for your display card(s)
2. Click Start Menu
3. Click Control Panel
4. Click Uninstall a program
5. For AMD:
  - Uninstall AMD Catalyst Install Manager if it is listed (this should remove all AMD graphics software and drivers)
  - If AMD Catalyst Install Manager is not listed, use the following method to uninstall the graphics drivers (this applies to onboard graphics, as well):
    1. Click Start Menu
    2. Right Click My Computer/Computer
    3. Click Manage
    4. Click Device Manager from the list on the left
    5. Expand Display adapters
    6. Do the following for each adapter (in case you have multiple display cards)
      - Right click the adapter
      - Click Uninstall (do not click OK in the dialog box that pops up after hitting Uninstall)
      - Put a tick in Delete driver software for this device (if this option is available, otherwise just hit OK) and hit OK
      Alternatively:
      1. Login as an adminstrative user
      2. Click Start Menu
      3. Click Control Panel
      4. Click Hardware and Sound
      5. Click Device Manager (the last link under Devices and Printers)
      6. Expand Display adapters
      7. Do the following for each adapter (in case you have multiple display cards)
        
        Right click the adapter
        Click Uninstall (do not click OK in the dialog box that pops up after hitting Uninstall)
        Put a tick in Delete driver software for this device (if this option is available, otherwise just hit OK) and hit OK
  - Restart your computer after uninstalling drivers for all display cards
  - Install the driver you selected for the display cards once Windows starts

Each time you install a new driver, check AMD Vision Engine Control Center to make sure it is not overclocking the card. You may also want to try installing the ATI drivers without the Catalyst software:

You should already have the installer downloaded and installed the drivers/Catalyst software, so your drivers probably exist in C:\AMD\Support\xx-x_vista_win7_64_dd_ccc where the x's replace your version number of the driver software.
Uninstall all AMD software related to your graphics card by uninstalling AMD Catalyst Install Manager in Start Menu -> Control Panel -> Uninstall a program
Restart your computer.
Re-install your drivers from the C:\AMD\Support\xx-x_vista_win7_64_dd_ccc folder using a similar method to that in OPTION TWO of Drivers - Install Vista Drivers on Windows 7

danjai · 30 May 2012

okay! i gave that a try, seemed to work fine last night, but this morning it froze during POST

writhziden · 30 May 2012

You had some other crashes pointing to memory problems or driver conflicts.

If you are overclocking any hardware, please stop.
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).

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 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.
An underlying driver may be incompatible\conflicting with your system. Run Driver Verifier to find any issues. To run Driver Verifier, do the following:
a. Backup your system and user files
b. Create a system restore point
c. If you do not have a Windows 7 DVD, Create a system repair disc
d. In Windows 7:
- Click the Start Menu
- Type verifier in Search programs and files (do not hit enter)
- Right click verifier and click Run as administrator
- Put a tick in Create custom settings (for code developers) and click next
- Put a tick in Select individual settings from a full list and click next
- Set up the individual settings as in the image and click next
  Attachment 214402
- Put a tick in Select driver names from a list
- Put a tick next to all non-Microsoft drivers.
- Click Finish.
- Restart your computer.
If Windows cannot start in normal mode with driver verifier running, start in safe mode. If it cannot start in safe mode or normal mode, restore the system restore point using System Restore OPTION TWO.

Thanks to zigzag3143 for contributing to the Verifier steps.
If you are unable to start Windows with all drivers being verified or if the blue screen crashes fail to create .dmp files, run them in groups of 5 or 10 until you find a group that causes blue screen crashes and stores the blue screen .dmp files.
The idea with Verifier is to cause the system to crash, so do the things you normally do that cause crashes. After you have a few crashes, upload the crash reports for us to take a look and try to find patterns.

When you are ready to disable Verifier: Start Menu -> All Programs -> Accessories -> Right click Command Prompt -> Run as administrator -> Type the following command and then Enter:
verifier /reset
-> Restart your computer.