Windows 7: Random BSODs

Hello,

I have had an issue with my HP laptop for a few months now. It crashes at least twice a day when I'm using it, often having separate causes. It will crash while playing a game, i.e. Skyrim, Borderlands 2 or Minecraft; while recording with FRAPS, while surfing the internet with Safari and/or Internet Explorer, or simply while sitting idle with no open programs.

I have been attempting to diagnose the issue, Memtest was ran for 6 passes, after which zero errors were found. SFC/scannow command was ran in CMD and found no errors, Chkdsk was also run and found zero errors.

I have been in contact with HP about the issue, and their solution was to have me send in the laptop and they would diagnose it. They just replaced the ram, reloaded the OS and sent it back. It crashed the first day I got it back, shortly after taking it out of the box, as well as intermittently thereafter.

I also have updated all drivers, and tried other versions of drivers as well.

I am attaching the SF Diagnostic Tool Zipped Folder as well.

-Thank you for your help in advance.

Welcome to SevenForums.

* How old is the laptop?
* Have you checked for any accumulated dust?
* Overheating issues?
* Any BSOD-s in safe mode?

Your video card drivers are out of date.
METHOD:
Video Card - Stress Test with Furmark

• Video Card - Stress Test with Furmark

Monitor your temps with Speccy during these tests

• Speccy - System Information - Free Download

Video Card - Memory Test

• |MG| Video Memory Stress Test 1.7.116 Download

---

Norton is known to cause BSOD, consider uninstalling it with the Norton Removal Tool and replace with Microsoft Security Essentials at least to test.

• Norton Removal Tool

Microsoft Security Essentials.

Recommended from a strict BSOD perspective, compatibility & stability compared to other antiviruses/internet security software. It is free and lightweight:-

• Microsoft Security Essentials - Free Antivirus for Windows
  • Malwarebytes - Free
    • Good and Free system security combination.

Do not start the free trial of Malware Bytes; remember to deselect that option when prompted.

Run a full scan with both (separately) once downloaded, installed and updated.

---

Hard drive

Upload a screenshot of your hard disk using CrystalDiskInfo:

• CrystalDiskInfo - Software - Crystal Dew World
• Screenshots and Files - Upload and Post in Seven Forums

Make a hard drive test from the hard drive manufacturers website:

• Hard Drive Diagnostic Procedure

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Reduce items at start-up. Nothing except anti-virus is required:

• Startup Programs - Change
• Troubleshoot Application Conflicts by Performing a Clean Startup

---

Perform a System File Check:

• Click on the start
• Type CMD on Search
• Left click and Run as Administrator
• Type SFC /scannow

Full tutorial here:

• SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker

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If the above does not bring stability run memtest:

Take memtest. Run for 8 passes and test each stick in a know good slot for an additional 6 passes.

• RAM - Test with Memtest86+

Post back your results.

The Laptop is new. I actually just got finished with another round with HP in which they simply decided the best course of action is to replace the laptop. However, the BSOD's are still occuring. I have tried updating all drivers that I can, and even uninstalling one completely, and using the generic Microsoft driver.

No accumulated dust, and temperatures never go above 75* C (for the GT 650m) and 80* C for the i7-3610qm

Norton has been removed, and MSE has been installed. A majority of my BSOD's are ntoskrnl.exe, fltmgr.sys, and ntfs.sys

Those are the frequent ones that I was also experiencing with my previous laptop.

SFC/scannow was also run, no integrity violations. Memtest ran for 8 passes, no errors found.


I am at a loss as to what is causing the crashes.

Is it possible the OEM operating system from HP is buggy?

Do you mean you're getting BSOD-s on a new laptop?
Please upload the latest dump files.

Have you reinstalled windows? Does it still crash?

NTFS.sys and fltmgr.sys sound like a hard drive problem. Does the laptop have a SSD or a HDD?

You may want to start with a Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7. Do not install the factory bloatware that comes with the system. Go through this link: Clean Up Factory Bloatware for that.

Let us know the results.

I have not reinstalled windows on this laptop. Previously I did do a factory re-install. I will do the steps provided and get back with you.

Take your time.
Look forward to the results.

Before I jump into formatting and reinstalling the OS, is it possible that an external HDD may be the cause of my BSOD's?
I use a 1TB Seagate USB 3.0 HDD
I am attaching a new .zip with the SF Diagnostic Tool results.

Edit: The BSOD's don't always occur when the HDD is connected. But, it is/was (as far as I know) connected within the same boot. Would formatting the External HDD help be worth trying even though Chkdsk /f and /g showed no errors?

Crashes are all over the place. I would do a clean install.
Anyway, can you upload screenshot using crystal disk linked on my first reply?

BTW, do you get BSOD-s in safe mode?

Edit, I saw them.

They look OK.

I have not experienced a BSOD in safe mode. I'm not often in safe mode for too long though (a few hours one day).

How many hours?

Can you stay in safe mode for 12 hours and report if you got blue screens?