"Random" BSODs. Sometimes ntkrnlmp.exe but mostly ntoskrnl.exe

Daphault · 18 Mar 2014

Hello, all. I don't have much experience diagnosing these issues; fortunately all my machines current and past have been solid. Unfortunately the machine I put together for work is BSODing with no pattern I can recognize -- sometimes she'll run fine for a few weeks other times she'll crash a few times in one day. I use it in the same general manner on a week-daily basis. Thirty dumps attached, I hope that's enough. :] I'm inclined to think it's a driver issue, but, again, little experience diagnosing such issue. Any insight is greatly appreciated.

Arc · 18 Mar 2014

Hi Daphault.

Test your RAM modules for possible errors.
How to Test and Diagnose RAM Issues with Memtest86+
Run memtest for at least 8 passes, preferably overnight.

If it start showing errors/red lines, stop testing. A single error is enough to determine that something is going bad there.

If it does not show any error, enable Driver Verifier to monitor the drivers.
Driver Verifier - Enable and Disable
Run Driver Verifier for 24 hours or the occurrence of the next crash, whichever is earlier.

Information

Why Driver Verifier:
It puts a stress on the drivers, ans so it makes the unstable drivers crash. Hopefully the driver that crashes is recorded in the memory dump.

How Can we know that DV is enabled:
It will make the system bit of slow, laggy.

Warning

Before enabling DV, make it sure that you have earlier System restore points made in your computer. You can check it easily by using CCleaner looking at Tools > System Restore.

If there is no points, make a System Restore Point manually before enabling DV.

Tip

If you fail to get on the Desktop because of DV, Boot into Advanced Boot Options > Safe mode. Disable DV there. Now boot normally again, and try following the instruction of enabling DV again.
If you cannot boot in Safe mode too, do a System Restore to a point you made earlier.

Let us know the results, with the subsequent crash dumps, if any. Post it following the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) Posting Instructions.

Daphault · 18 Mar 2014

Thank you, Arc. I ran Memtest86+ when the system was built (~Oct) and two weeks after, and will happily rerun it tonight.

Regarding Driver Verifier... I read a suggesting for the custom settings be selected from the full list and Special Pool, Pool Tracking, Force IRQL Checking, Deadlock Detection, Security Checks, Miscellaneous Checks be selected. Would that be beneficial over the settings selected in the provided link?

Arc · 19 Mar 2014

If you go for driver verifier, better you do it as suggested in the tutorial link provided.