BSODs (various types) after installing Crucial M4 SSD drive :(


  1. Posts : 5
    Windows 7 Enterprise 64bit
       #1

    BSODs (various types) after installing Crucial M4 SSD drive :(


    Hi all,

    I recently replaced my standard 3.5" rotary HDD with a Crucial M4 Solid State Drive (SSD). Within a day or two of doing so, I started to have blue screen errors randomly. After checking the RAM was OK with MemTest86, I decided it was likely the HDD to be at fault and perhaps corrupting data to/from the disk. I had the drive replaced by Crucial with a brand new one. However despite never having had blue screens with my old rotary disk, I'm immediately getting BSODs again now that I've put the SSD back in. I don't know if this is just a bad coincidence or if the SSD really does have something to do with it. I've even tried changing the cable to the drive. Is it worth an OS reinstall? I'm trying to avoid this as it's my work computer and I would have a LOT of software and tools to reinstall due to being a software developer.

    I've attached the minidumps (and other files recommended by the forum sticky) in case it helps.

    Any help would be greatly appreciated.
    Thanks,
    Nick
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 5
    Windows 7 Enterprise 64bit
    Thread Starter
       #2

    Just to add: the last BSOD occurred overnight during a scheduled disk defrag (forgot this was enabled - probably not necessary to defrag an SSD?), but they can occur randomly when just browsing the internet (little disk use).
    Last edited by nmg196; 24 May 2012 at 04:55.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 5
    Windows 7 Enterprise 64bit
    Thread Starter
       #3

    No ideas anyone?
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 11,269
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit
       #4

    It is best not to defrag SSDs; it reduces their lifespan. Since you have an M4, the first thing to do is read https://www.sevenforums.com/crashes-d...ld-boot-3.html
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 5
    Windows 7 Enterprise 64bit
    Thread Starter
       #5

    I've already put the latest firmware on the drive (0309) and I'm not experiencing the problem in that thread.

    The machine has blue-screened again just now (with the new replacement drive) so I'm still at a loss as to what it could be. I don't know whether I should just buy a new machine or if the problem is fixable
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 11,269
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit
       #6

    Have you fresh installed Windows since the last post? I note you were hesitant to do so, but it is probably the best option.


    The 2nd best option would be:

    SSD Alignment

    SSD - Install and Transfer the Operating System
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 5
    Windows 7 Enterprise 64bit
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Yeah but my problems are not with performance but with blue screen errors so those posts aren't relevant.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 11,269
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit
       #8

    The reason I am focusing on your SSD is you are also having a number of F4 crashes like in that thread I linked to.

    This could mean hard disk corruption, bad sectors, a failing hard disk, Windows files or registry corruption, viruses, or memory problems.
    • If you are overclocking any hardware, please stop.

    • Run Disk Check with both boxes checked for all HDDs and with Automatically fix file system errors checked for all SSDs. Post back your logs for the checks after finding them using Check Disk (chkdsk) - Read Event Viewer Log (you may need to search for wininit instead of chkdsk).
      For any drives that do not give the message:
      Windows has checked the file system and found no problems
      run disk check again as above. In other words, if it says:
      Windows has made corrections to the file system
      after running the disk check, run the disk check again.

    • Run the short and long tests with SeaTools for HDDs.
    • If you have an SSD, make sure the following are up to date:
      • SSD firmware
      • BIOS Version
      • Chipset Drivers
      • Hard disk controller drivers/SATA drivers
      • If you have a Marvell IDE ATA/ATAPI device, uninstall it in device manager and see if the system performs better.


    • Check Windows for corruption. Run SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker up to three times to fix all errors with a restart in between each. Post back if it continues to show errors after a fourth run or if the first run comes back with no integrity violations. Use OPTION THREE of SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker to provide us with the sfcdetails.txt file if errors occur.

    • Download and install Malwarebytes, update it, do not start the free trial, and then run a full scan. Also run a full scan with your antivirus software installed on your system. If you do not have antivirus software installed, see the Good and Free system security combination. for better security steps and scanning tools. Make sure to update the security software before running the full scan.

    • Run the boot version of Memtest86+ paying close attention to Parts 2 and 3 of the tutorial. Also, in case Memtest86+ misses anything and comes up with no errors, run the extended version of the Windows Memory Diagnostics Tool for at least five passes. These you may want to run overnight since they take a long time to complete (run them an hour before bed each of the next two nights and check before going to sleep that they are still running).
         Warning
      Before you proceed with the following, answer these two questions: Are you still under warranty? Does your warranty allow you to open up the machine to check hardware? If you are unsure of the answers to these questions, contact your system manufacturer. WARNING: The steps that follow can void your warranty!!!

      For Part 3: If You Have Errors: If you swap any memory components, follow these steps for ESD safety:
      1. Shut down and turn off your computer.
      2. Unplug all power supplies to the computer (AC Power then battery for laptops, AC power for desktops)
      3. Hold down the power button for 30 seconds to close the circuit and ensure all power drains from components.
      4. Make sure you are grounded by using proper grounding techniques, i.e. work on an anti-static workbench, anti-static desk, or an anti-static pad. Hold something metallic while touching it to the anti-static surface, or use an anti-static wristband to attach to the anti-static material while working. If you do not have an anti-static workbench, desk, or pad, you can use your computer tower/case by finding a metal hold in it, such as a drive bay.

      Once these steps have been followed, it is safe to remove and replace components within your computer.
      My Computer


 

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