Multiple BSODs: PFN_LIST/BAD_POOL/APC_POOL

coffeehaus · 24 Nov 2013

There is a list I have been updating of BSODs.

PFN_LIST_CORRUPT
APC_INDEX_MISMATCH
BAD_POOL_CALLER
MEMORY_MANAGEMENT
An attempt was made to write to read-only memory

About 2 months ago I was getting BSOD literally 1 hour after booting (to the second!), I found that a firmware update was needed for my Crucial SSD. This solved the problem. However to get to this point I exhausted all options including a $70.00 waste of time "diagnostic" at Fry's where they ran 3 days worth of hardware/software tests and found nothing wrong. I literally googled, "BSOD every hour on the hour" or something very similar and found the solution.

But now I am getting BSOD every now and then, there is no rhyme or reason. Not sure if drivers are not up to date, I've ran driverhub and found drivers are updated. Graphics card is so big it literally hangs off motherboard, fan creates strange sound every now and then like its rubbing. Could this create a problem?

Thanks

koolkat77 · 25 Nov 2013

Please follow completely - Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) Posting Instructions

coffeehaus · 25 Nov 2013

Thanks for the response. I uploaded the SF_Diagnostic_Tool.exe file, is this not what is needed? I see I did not rename the file in the SF_DD_MM_YYYY.zip format. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think I followed step 1-6 correctly. Do you need kernal/mini dumps?

Thank you!

koolkat77 · 25 Nov 2013

We need all the files, not just the minidumps.
Please use the Grab All option.

coffeehaus · 14 Dec 2013

Here it is, I hope I submitted this correctly. By the way I was having problems locating the file as it wasn't being placed on the desktop. I found it at Computer>D:>Users>*myprofile*>desktop

koolkat77 · 14 Dec 2013

Norton is a known cause of BSOD's. Please remove it for testing purpose. Use Microsoft Security Essentials.

Recommended from a strict BSOD perspective, compatibility & stability compared to other security software:

Microsoft Security Essentials - Free Antivirus for Windows

Malwarebytes - Free

Good and Free system security combination.

Scan with Kaspersky TDSSKiller:Anti-rootkit utility TDSSKiller

ESET online scanner: Free Online Virus Scanner | ESET

Run a System file check (SFC): SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker

Reduce items at start-up: Startup Programs - Change

Perform a clean boot: Troubleshoot Application Conflicts by Performing a Clean Startup

Run Disk Check on your Hard Drive(s): Disk Check

Check for heating issues using Speccy or HWmonitor

Upload a screen shot: Screenshots and Files - Upload and Post in Seven Forums

Daemon Tools/Alchohol is known to cause BSODs:
How to remove sptd.sys from system
Registry and SPTD problems | DAEMON Pro Help

If this does not provide stability. Test RAM.

Take memtest. Run for 8 passes and test each stick in a know good slot for an additional 6 passes.

RAM - Test with Memtest86+

The goal is to test all the RAM sticks and all the motherboard slots.

Check your motherboard manual to ensure the RAM sticks are in the recommended motherboard slots. Some motherboards have very specific slots required for the number of RAM sticks installed.

If you get errors, stop the test and continue with the next step.

1. Remove all but one stick of RAM from your computer (this will be RAM stick #1), and run Memtest86 again, for 7 passes.

*Be sure to note the RAM stick, use a piece of tape with a number, and note the motherboard slot.

If this stick passes the test then go to step #3.

2. If RAM stick #1 has errors, repeat the test with RAM stick #2 in the same motherboard slot.

*If RAM stick #2 passes, this indicates that RAM stick #1 may be bad. If you want to be absolutely sure, re-test RAM stick #1 in another known good slot.

*If RAM stick #2 has errors, this indicates another possible bad RAM stick, a possible motherboard slot failure or inadequate settings.

3. Test the next stick of RAM (stick #2) in the next motherboard slot.

*If this RAM stick has errors repeat step #2 using a known good stick if possible, or another stick.

*If this RAM stick has no errors and both sticks failed in slot#1, test RAM stick #1 in this slot.

4. If you find a stick that passes the test, test it in all the other motherboard slots.

If Part 2 testing shows errors, and all tests in Part 3 show errors, you will need to test the RAM sticks in another computer and/or test other RAM in your computer to identify the problem.

In this way, you can identify whether it is a bad stick of RAM, a bad motherboard, or incompatibility between the sticks.

Information

Errors are sometimes found after 8 passes.

Tip

Do this test overnight, before going to bed.