Random BSOD's and Freezes, Happens since my laptop returned from RMA


  1. Posts : 10
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit
       #1

    Random BSOD's and Freezes, Happens since my laptop returned from RMA


    Hello and thanks for all the help in advance,

    A few weeks ago my laptop returned from an RMA and they repaired they replaced the casing which had some problems and they also swapped the mainboard and updated the BIOS. They also performed memory checks to insure the system was working.
    My laptop was reinstalled with Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit(OEM version). And my laptop had a lot of Blue Screens while doing anything. After a number of bugfixes I looked up (updating drivers etc.) I reinstalled it using the recovery partition because i would get a Blue Screen/error when using a regular install dvd as well.

    This worked fine for a day or two but I started getting blue screens again and if I didn't get a blue screen I would get random freezes. A friend of mine checked the memory using memory tests and no errors came up. I also did a harddisk check and updated all the drivers on the system (Used driversweep to sweep some browsers and reinstall them.). Some files in the registry got updated by windows update and all the updates I could find using windows update were updated as well.

    I got freezes/BSOD's while playing games but also while regularly browsing the internet or 1 time even only logging into windows after the laptop completed startup. I haven't gotten any errors during the brief time I used Intel's integrated graphics.

    Also if I connect any external screens they will keep flickering while trying to auto config the resolution. This makes me believe my graphics card is somehow bugging or broken because I uninstalled the driver and afterwards the screens I tested worked normally. I updated and reinstalled the drives for the graphics card multiple times. It is the Ati radeon mobility HD5470 which uses the ATI catalyst control center.
    Also the screens have been confirmed working normal with desktop computers.

    Information:
    Windows 7 home premium x64
    - Original installed OS on the System
    - OEM version
    - Most Hardware is almost 2 years old. The mainboard and memory was swapped by the manufacturers
    - Reinstalled 17/06 or 10/06(European Date system)

    The Perfmon HTML file is in a seperate zip file

    EDIT:
    The HTML file will tell you I don't have a virus scanner but I use Avira free edition and I geuss it didn't pick up on it.

    EDIT 2:
    Ran Furmark without the fur on with the recommended settings getting 100 FPS without Post Fx, and 34 FPS with post fx. 1 or 2 FPS with Fur on. it got a maximum of 65 degrees, an average of 64 degrees and a minimum of 54 degrees.

    Also currently running the Sfc /scannow in cmd. Will post any results. No problems fount
    Last edited by Lecros; 23 Jun 2012 at 17:16.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 11,269
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit
       #2

    Crashes are pointing to memory problems or driver conflicts.
    • If you are overclocking any hardware, please stop.

    • 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.

    • Download and install CPU-Z and Upload screenshots of the CPU, Mainboard, Memory, and SPD tabs. In the SPD tab, upload an image of each slot.

    • An underlying driver may be incompatible\conflicting with your system. Run Driver Verifier to find any issues. To run Driver Verifier, do the following:
      a. Backup your system and user files
      b. Create a system restore point
      c. If you do not have a Windows 7 DVD, Create a system repair disc
      d. In Windows 7:
      • Click the Start Menu
      • Type verifier in Search programs and files (do not hit enter)
      • Right click verifier and click Run as administrator
      • Put a tick in Create custom settings (for code developers) and click next
      • Put a tick in Select individual settings from a full list and click next
      • Set up the individual settings as in the image and click next
        Attachment 218047
      • Put a tick in Select driver names from a list
      • Put a tick next to all non-Microsoft drivers.
      • Click Finish.
      • Restart your computer.


      If Windows cannot start in normal mode with driver verifier running, start in safe mode. If it cannot start in safe mode or normal mode, restore the system restore point using System Restore OPTION TWO.

      If you are unable to start Windows with all drivers being verified or if the blue screen crashes fail to create .dmp files, run them in groups of 5 or 10 until you find a group that causes blue screen crashes and stores the blue screen .dmp files.
      The idea with Verifier is to cause the system to crash, so do the things you normally do that cause crashes. After you have a few crashes, upload the crash reports for us to take a look and try to find patterns.

      When you are ready to disable Verifier: Start Menu -> All Programs -> Accessories -> Right click Command Prompt -> Run as administrator -> Type the following command and then Enter:
      verifier /reset
      -> Restart your computer.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 10
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Hi Writhziden,
    Thanks for the quick response. I'm sorry i couldn't respond earlier I will leave the memtest on tonight. I got a lot more blue screens while you didn't hear for me. I got a little fed up with all those bluescreens because i needed to do something for school while I kept getting them so I responded a few days later.

    So could you please check if the new errors point to the same problem and I will respond again after I have performed the tests you asked for!

    regards,

    Lecros
      My Computer


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

    Software Concerns:
    Problematic Software:
    Code:
    Start Menu\Programs\msi	Public:Start Menu\Programs\msi	Public
    Start Menu\Programs\msi\BurnRecovery	Public:Start Menu\Programs\msi\BurnRecovery	Public
    Start Menu\Programs\msi\EasyViewer	Public:Start Menu\Programs\msi\EasyViewer	Public
    Start Menu\Programs\msi\Live Update 5	Public:Start Menu\Programs\msi\Live Update 5	Public
    Start Menu\Programs\msi\msi Software Install	Public:Start Menu\Programs\msi\msi Software Install	Public
    Start Menu\Programs\msi\Super-Charger	Public:Start Menu\Programs\msi\Super-Charger	Public
    Start Menu\Programs\msi\VideoGenie	Public:Start Menu\Programs\msi\VideoGenie	Public
    Remove all MSI utilities. They are not necessary for the system to run properly. If you need one in the future, you can install it, use it, and then uninstall it again. I especially suggest avoiding any software that puts your USB ports in an unnatural power state to speed up charging devices. The above utilities may cause instability at times and will definitely use system resources that do not need to be used for your system.


    Analysis:
    Crashes still primarily indicate memory. You have some drivers being blamed, too. Your wireless driver and your avira software were blamed most recently. I would suggest re-installing the Atheros drivers and the avira software. Download the Atheros drivers from your system support site, and then do the following steps.
    1. Click Start Menu
    2. Right Click My Computer/Computer
    3. Click Manage
    4. Click Device Manager from the list on the left
    5. Expand Network adapters
    6. Right click the Atheros network device
    7. Click Uninstall (do not click OK in the dialog box that pops up after hitting Uninstall)
    8. Put a tick in Delete driver software for this device and hit OK
    9. Do not restart your computer
    10. Install the downloaded driver for the Atheros network device.


    Alternatively:
    1. Login as an adminstrative user.
    2. Click Start Menu
    3. Click Control Panel
    4. Click Hardware and Sound
    5. Click Device Manager (the last link under Devices and Printers)
    6. Expand Network adapters
    7. Right click the Atheros network device
    8. Click Uninstall (do not click OK in the dialog box that pops up after hitting Uninstall)
    9. Put a tick in Delete driver software for this device and hit OK
    10. Do not restart your computer
    11. Install the downloaded driver for the Atheros network device.



    For avira:
    • Uninstall avira through Start Menu -> Control Panel -> Uninstall a program...

    • Run the avira registry cleaner...

    • Download a fresh copy of avira 2012...

    • Install avira fresh from the freshly downloaded installer...


    Memtest86+
    You should still run Memtest86+ at your earliest convenience (tonight as you said).
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 10
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit
    Thread Starter
       #5

    I ran a memtest86+ from my USB stick with 10 passes and without errors which took 8 hours and 36 minutes.
    So I think we can rule away faulty memory. I also deleted my network drivers and reinstalled them. And as an attachment you can find the screenshots from CPU-Z (I added the 2nd tab from SPD later on so its named a little differently.)

    I removed all msi utilities and removed Avira from my computer. Afterwards I installed AVG antivirus so I can completely rule out problems which may have originated from Avira.

    Also I have driver verifier running and I will upload the latest bsod reports(Although some or most of them may have been before I reinstalled my network drivers)
      My Computer


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

    Analysis:
    Your Verifier disabled crashes indicate memory problems, still. Could be the CPU IMU, but I suspect a memory incompatibility first. See the RAM Diagnostics and Testing section for more info.

    Your Verifier Enabled crash indicates your Intel graphics drivers. Intel® Driver Update Utility. When you scan with the Intel driver update utility, make sure to find the update. Just because the utility says your driver is valid does not mean it is up to date.
    1. Download the drivers you want for your display card(s)
    2. For onboard graphics:
      1. Click Start Menu
      2. Right Click My Computer/Computer
      3. Click Manage
      4. Click Device Manager from the list on the left
      5. Expand Display adapters
      6. Do the following for each adapter (in case you have multiple display cards)
        • Right click the adapter
        • Click Uninstall (do not click OK in the dialog box that pops up after hitting Uninstall)
        • Put a tick in Delete driver software for this device (if this option is available, otherwise just hit OK) and hit OK

      Alternatively:
      1. Login as an adminstrative user
      2. Click Start Menu
      3. Click Control Panel
      4. Click Hardware and Sound
      5. Click Device Manager (the last link under Devices and Printers)
      6. Expand Display adapters
      7. Do the following for each adapter (in case you have multiple display cards)
        • Right click the adapter
        • Click Uninstall (do not click OK in the dialog box that pops up after hitting Uninstall)
        • Put a tick in Delete driver software for this device (if this option is available, otherwise just hit OK) and hit OK
    3. Restart your computer after uninstalling drivers for all display cards
    4. Install the driver you selected for the display cards once Windows starts

    RAM Diagnostics and Testing:
    Memtest86+ does not rule out the RAM entirely. It can pass one time and then fail another. It also may miss problems entirely. Further reading: Finicky RAM.

    Your two RAM modules were manufactured six months apart. I suspect there may be a compatibility issue there. Remove one module to test. Disable Verifier during testing.


    Test the memory slots and modules as follows.
    1. Shut down and turn off your computer.
    2. Unplug all power sources to the tower (unplug the power from the outlet/surge protector or PSU).
    3. Hold down the power button for 30 seconds (for your safety and the safety of the components) to close the circuit and drain all power from components.
    4. Remove the casing.
    5. Remove all but one memory module making sure you are grounded while doing so.
    6. Replace the casing and put the remaining memory modules in a safe, static free environment.
    7. If the problem persists, repeat steps 1-4 and move the memory module to another slot (while staying grounded, of course).


    Do this until all slots have been tested. If all slots fail, the memory module may be bad. Test with one of the remaining modules. Continue one module at a time in one slot at a time until you find a good module and good slot. Test remaining modules in the good slot, test good modules in other slots to find bad slots, etc.


    Test by doing your normal routine in Windows for twice as long as it takes to get a crash or until you get a crash, whichever comes first. You can also test by doing the tasks that generally cause crashes.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 10
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit
    Thread Starter
       #7

    I don't thik I've had any Bluescreens since my last forum post. But I'm waiting till i get a new one.

    I reinstalled my BIOS to try to fix the problem i had with external monitors. I don't have the flickering any more but the screen I'm trying to use keeps going into power save mode.

    From Intel Driver update Utility:
    -------------------------------

    Graphics driver:
    ---------------
    Product Detected Intel® HD Graphics
    Current Driver Installed 8.733.2.0
    A customized computer manufacturer driver is installed on your computer. The Intel Driver Update Utility is not able to update the driver. Installing a generic Intel driver instead of the customized computer manufacturer driver may cause technical issues. Contact your computer manufacturer for the latest driver for your computer.
    I can't download this driver from my manufacturer. Tried to install fromt the intel website but my laptop wasn't supported.


    Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility (Chipset INF)
    ----------------------------------------------------
    Product Detected Intel® 6, 5, 4, 3, 900 Series Chipsets
    Current Version Installed 9.1.2.1008
    This version is valid.
    I can only download an older version for this driver from the manufacturers website.

    Audio Driver for Intel Desktop Board
    Product Detected Realtek High Definition Audio
    Current Driver Installed 6.0.1.6586
    This device is unknown or unsupported. Please contact the manufacturer for possible updates. More information>>
    Reinstalled this

    Wireless Networking (WiFi)
    Product Detected Atheros AR9285 Wireless Network Adapter
    Current Driver Installed 9.2.0.458
    This device is unknown or unsupported. Please contact the manufacturer for possible updates. More information>>
    Reinstalled this last forum post

    Wired Networking
    Product Detected Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller
    Current Driver Installed 7.11.1127.2009
    This device is unknown or unsupported. Please contact the manufacturer for possible updates. More information>>
    Reinstalled this last forum post
      My Computer


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

    Everything looks good except the graphics driver. I would recommend installing the version from your system's support. The driver there is probably intended for the power scheme for your system, so using a different driver may be causing conflicts and/or unforeseen side effects. You may need to contact MSI directly to obtain support for the driver.

    Sometimes, the recovery discs include driver installation steps, as well. Have you tried using those to re-install the graphics driver using the steps in my previous post?

    We always assume you have made your recovery discs. They should be made the first time you ever turn on your system after buying it. If you have not made the discs, do so as soon as possible.
      My Computer


 

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