BSOD 0x000000F4, can't access anything

Cassette · 20 Aug 2013

Two days ago, Windows automatically restarted my laptop (Dell Inspiron n5110, Windows 7) and installed Windows Updates. After that was done, I saw that there was a new version of iTunes, so I decided to download it. During the installation, the download froze, so I restarted my laptop.

While my laptop was powering back up, I got this error:
***STOP: 0x000000F4 (0x0000000000000003, 0xFFFFFA800D334B30, 0xFFFFFA800D334E10, 0xFFFFF800037D40D0)
.
This error appears right before the log in screen shows up, so I can't get into my laptop. I've also tried starting my laptop in all versions of Safe Mode, and it won't work. I tried doing the Startup Repair, and that doesn't work. Finally, System Restore isn't going through, either. The BSOD keeps appearing and won't let me access anything, so I can't get to any of those dump files.

I was able to do a hardware diagnostics check, and all the tests came back fine. I've also tried removing and putting back in my memory sticks, but that didn't solve anything. BSOD still preventing me from getting in my laptop.

I can't say for sure, but I have a feeling that this issue may be because of overheating. About a month or so before this happened, my laptop was getting really hot, and it would randomly shut off. Unfortunately, I didn't take this issue as seriously as I should have, and well, here I am now. I want to avoid doing anything that may cause me to lose information, so, could replacing the fans (or something else that's related to fixing overheating issues) be my solution? What other options do I have (I should note that I don't have the CD that came with my laptop)? Thanks.

YoYo155 · 20 Aug 2013

Welcome to SF :) .

Bugcheck 0xF4 usually attributed to problems with the storage device.

Warning

The Following Steps Will Void Your Warranty!

Start by addressing the overheating issues:

Make sure you can hear or see the fan working, if it is continue with these steps.

Shut-Down the PC
Unplug from the power brick.
Remove the battery.
Let the PC cool down for as long as needed until its only warm to the touch or not at all.
Buy a can of compressed air.
If you have a cover on the bottom that can be unscrewed, remove it for grater access.
When using the compressed air, use short bursts and DO NOT! use it upside-down!!
First blow into the intake (the grill with the fan) again short bursts.
Next do the same to the exhaust.
If you have access the opposite side of the fan blow through there as well.
Next grab a flashlight and point it inward from the exhaust and look for anything that may be blocking the light from passing through when looking from the intake side (the fan).

Bugcheck 0xF4:

Note

The Following Is Applicable For a Hard-Drive NOT an SSD.

Carefully take the HDD out of the laptop and look for any obstructions (usually dust) in the SATA/Power connector. If such are found blow them out using a can of compressed air.

Testing the HDD:

Download SeaTools for Windows if you don't want to use a CD to test the HDD you can use YUMI – Multiboot USB Creator to create a bootable USB (instructions are found at the bottom of both pages).