BSOD when rebooting/restarting

usasma · 28 Aug 2010

You have problems that are most likely to be hardware. As such, swapping the mobo would be a good idea if you can do it without charge.

It could also be the Windows disk - is it an original Microsoft disk (with the hologram?). Where did you get the disk from?

Checking compatibility for all installed hardware and software may help: Windows 7 Compatibility: Software Programs & Hardware Devices: Find Updates, Drivers, & Downloads

Hardware removal (as suggested above) is the easiest way to figure out what's wrong - but you'll eventually reach a point where you can't remove any more hardware. If that's the case, then you'll have to guess what (among the remaining hardware) is at fault. Don't forget to try installing windows on the stripped down system to see if it succeeds there.

mzimmer4 · 28 Aug 2010

usasma said:

It could also be the Windows disk - is it an original Microsoft disk (with the hologram?). Where did you get the disk from?

Yes, it's an original Microsoft disc... I received it from Newegg software

mzimmer4 · 28 Aug 2010

After multiple attempts at trying to reinstall Windows, I've totally given up. I can't make it to the beginning stages of the install before crashing. Perhaps replacing the motherboard will fix my crashing issues... but since no one (including Microsoft) offers replacement on software discs, I think I'm just stuck with buying a brand new copy of Windows

**cluberti** · 28 Aug 2010

If you have an OEM copy of Windows, no, Microsoft does not replace those - the OEM would have to. However, if you have a retail copy, you should indeed be able to (for a fee) call MS and get a new disc.

mzimmer4 · 28 Aug 2010

I've got an OEM version... should have spent the extra $50 and gotten the retail. As for replacement on this, I think I'm out of luck. But, do I replace the motherboard or the Windows disc?

mzimmer4 · 28 Aug 2010

Soooo....

After some more attempts at reinstalling, followed by crashing, I tried running Windows Memory Test (not sure how I ended up there, all the restarts are starting to blur together in my mind). On pass #2 it said there was a hardware issue detected. Since it was a memory test, I assumed it was referring to the memory... so I removed one of the memory sticks. I was able to restart and get the Windows installation to begin; however, I'm stuck at 0% on the "Expanding Windows files" stage. Questions/comments/ideas?

mzimmer4 · 28 Aug 2010

STOP THE PRESS!!!

I guess I was a little impatient... previous tries at reinstallation led me to think that the "Expanding Windows files" stage shouldn't take that long to complete... but I'm back up and running with Windows successfully installed. As recommended in previous posts in this thread, I'll avoid installing third party files for a few days and check for system stability.

But!!! Does this mean that I should not install any drivers or run Windows Update (which in turn automatically installs third-party files such as drivers)??

**Capt.Jack Sparrow** · 28 Aug 2010

That's a great news. As if now turn off Windows Update just Download and install Microsoft security essentials to make sure your protected. Lets the System run like that for 2 or 3 days.

mzimmer4 · 28 Aug 2010

Will do, Captain. As for the faulty memory stick (I'm assuming for now that was my problem), I'm curious why it was not detected when previously running Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool or Memtest86+. Oh well... I'll post back in a few days and let you guys know what's up... or maybe sooner if something happens

Thanks to everyone involved in helping with this issue!

Dave76 · 28 Aug 2010

Edit:

Good news you got it installed.

Memtest86+ will usually find errors in your RAM but some errors may not occur until the system is stressed or it could be a (intermittent) faulty motherboard slot. Hopefully not the case.

Let us know how it's going.

mzimmer4 said:

I've got an OEM version... should have spent the extra $50 and gotten the retail. As for replacement on this, I think I'm out of luck. But, do I replace the motherboard or the Windows disc?

If you want to try a new installation file.

You can D/L Win7 from the MS site and then you can just enter your own key when requested.

To control multiple activations, wait until your OS is stable before activating.

Burn to DVD or easier if you can put it on a minimum 4GB USB memory stick.
Take your pick, they all work easily.

USB Windows 7 Installation Key Drive - Create

How to Get and Use the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool

Install Windows 7 from USB Pen Drive Using Grub4Dos