Windows 7: BSOD happens randomly, bluescreen viewer says ntoskrnl.exe

raphael · 05 Jun 2012

I've been getting random BSOD on my computer. It's a new Dell Vostro from March 2012. I'm running Windows 7 64bit that was originally installed. I've never re-installed the OS or installed additional hardware on this computer. I've attached the dump files, would appreciate help getting to the root of the problem! I've seen other website that mention combing through the dump files for hardware that might have caused this problem, but I'm not savvy enough for this. Appreciate your help!

Raphael

karlsnooks · 05 Jun 2012

raphael,
Welcome to SevenForums.

You have done the correct thing by attaching the JCGriff file.

ntoskrnl is a catch-all for everything under the sun. BlueScreen can be, but normally is not, helpful.

I'll refrain from giving some general advice regarding BSODs and let our recognized experts analyze the data you submitted.

karl

writhziden · 06 Jun 2012

All crashes caused by a USB device or the ports themselves.

What devices do you use that are USB peripherals?
Start with USB Driver - General Fix for Problems to resolve the USB issues. Also, USB ports can sometimes enter a safe power state to protect the system from power surges due to USB devices. To reset the USB ports to a nominal power state:
1. Shut down and turn off the computer.
2. Unplug the computer from the wall or surge protector (then remove the battery if it is a laptop).
3. "Remove the computer from any port replicator or docking station, disconnect
  cables to printers or devices such as external monitors, USB memory sticks or SD cards, headset or external speakers, mouse or auxiliary keyboard, turn off WIFI and Bluetooth wireless devices." (Use Hard Reset to Resolve Hardware and Software Issues HP Pavilion dv5000 Notebook PC series - HP Customer Care (United States - English))
4. Hold down the power button for 30 seconds. This closes the circuit and ensures all
  power from components is drained to clear the software connections between the BIOS
  and hardware and clear any corruption in the temporary memory.
5. (If it is a laptop, plug the battery back into the laptop and then) Plug the computer back into the wall. Do not reconnect any unnecessary peripherals; monitor, keyboard,
  and mouse should suffice and be the only peripherals reconnected.
6. Turn it on to reinitialize the software connections between the BIOS and hardware

raphael · 06 Jun 2012

karlsnooks - thanks for the welcome!

writhziden - thanks for the info

I only have 4 USB cables plugged in
1. Dell USB keyboard
2. Dell USB Optical Mouse
3. iphone cable
4. Pitney Bowes Postage meter

I've had all these same cables plugged in since I started using this system in March, but the BSOD only started showing up in the last month or so. Only new thing is that i've upgraded to the new iphone, could this cause the problem? The BSOD doesn't always occur when the phone is plugged in.

I've followed the directions in the tutorial and your instructions to clear the circuit. I only plugged in the keyboard and mouse for now and have turned off the automatic restart on BSOD. I'll wait a day and then plug in the other cables to see if any now trip the BSOD.

If there is anything else you think I should try, please let me know.

Thanks for the help!

writhziden · 07 Jun 2012

I did notice you had a generic USB device driver loaded. Do you have a USB device that was custom made? Generic USB Drives, Generic Flash Drives, Generic Jump Drives

Thanks for the info. Hopefully the BSODs will not re-occur.

raphael · 07 Jun 2012

I think I used one to transfer files from the old computer to this new one when I upgraded. But it isn't something that is regularly plugged in and hasn't been used for weeks. Should I uninstall this as well?

writhziden · 08 Jun 2012

The steps for USB Driver - General Fix for Problems should have removed it if it was not being used. Keep us posted whether that resolves the problems.

raphael · 14 Jun 2012

So after a few days with no additional USB devices plugged in, I plugged in the Pitney Bowes postage meter. A couple of hours later, I experience a BSOD. So i'm guessing that this is the culprit, somehow when the meter is putting itself to sleep it causes a crash in my system. I did a web search and did find some others with the same experience. Blue screen, nightly - TechSpot Forums

Is there any fix for this? I'm already running the latest firmware and connection software. Only other alternative I see is to unplug the usb cable when it doesn't need to be connected to the internet? I'm attaching updated dump files, any opinions or insights appreciated!

Raphael

writhziden · 15 Jun 2012

Try removing VIPRE and running Microsoft Security Essentials - Free Antivirus for Windows just to test whether it is VIPRE related. Antivirus software can sometimes interfere with devices that connect with the internet.

If you do find out it is VIPRE related, I know from my own personal experience that GFI has great technical support and can probably help you resolve the problem.

Windows 7: BSOD happens randomly, bluescreen viewer says ntoskrnl.exe

BSOD happens randomly, bluescreen viewer says ntoskrnl.exe problems?