Random numerous BSOD - is it Nvidia related? (Win 7 64 bit)

kfury · 27 Apr 2016

Laptop is a Sony Vaio VPC-F11KFX/B running Windows 7 64bit Home Premium.

I've had numerous random BSODs that occur no matter what activity I'm doing (web surfing, solitaire, CAD, photoshop, etc.). I've ran every available hardware check and everything passes. I've replaced memory with new DDR3 memory, no changes. I've replaced HDD with new with no changes. I've done several Windows repairs and/or clean reinstalls of Windows 7 64-bit from my recovery media but BSODs continue.

From what I've read, it seemed like it may be related to the Nvidia Geforce 310M GPU graphics driver. I booted into safe mode, un-installed the graphics driver, then rebooted and manually installed nvidia driver from their web site. I managed an almost full day before the BSOD problem returned.

Are Microsoft updates overriding my nvidia drivers and causing this problem to return?

I've attached the DM file collection to this post with all the system specs, minidumps, etc.

I'm close to believing the only salvation for this laptop is to install Linux.

**axe0** · 27 Apr 2016

Hi kfury,

Welcome to the 7forums :)

Make sure to update your installation, you're running version 7600 while most others are running 7601 (service pack installed) which includes many fixes and improvements.
After the service pack is installed make sure that you keep your system up to date so your system won't be critical vulnerable anymore.

Code:

OS Version:                6.1.7600 N/A Build 7600

kfury · 28 Apr 2016

Thanks for your input, I did let Windows Update run and it is fully updated, but I still am getting BSODs and it won't shut down properly. In addition, after letting it update I have another older problem resurface, namely WU is causing the CPU to run at 99-100%. I tried this fix: https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/...-exe-high-cpu/ not sure if that problem has been resolved yet or not.

In addition I ran a pretty thorough memory test based on this suggestion: Memory Diagnostics - it ran for 4 hours without any errors.

The second-to-last BSOD screen stated "ACPI.sys" as the culprit, and the last BSOD stated "NLVDDMK.sys" as a problem, but the screens flashed to quickly to catch anything else.

I attaching the latest log files with about 15 or so minidumps, I can't read them and I can't keep this laptop running long enough to even download whatever is needed to install the windows debug tools.

Please help!

**axe0** · 28 Apr 2016

It looks like you don't use all drivers from Sony, that could cause problems.
With laptops, only install the drivers the manufacturer provides, they are mostly the best for the laptop.

Please uninstall everything of Nvidia using Display Driver Uninstaller and install new drivers from Nvidia. Be sure the clean install box is checked and only install the Graphics driver and the PhysX driver.
Attachment 385827

Code:

2: kd> lmvm nvlddmkm
Browse full module list
start             end                 module name
fffff880`0f211000 fffff880`0feae000   nvlddmkm T (no symbols)           
    Loaded symbol image file: nvlddmkm.sys
    Image path: \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\nvlddmkm.sys
    Image name: nvlddmkm.sys
    Browse all global symbols  functions  data
    Timestamp:        Fri Jan 29 10:02:12 2016 (56AB2A94)
    CheckSum:         00C50BCB
    ImageSize:        00C9D000
    Translations:     0000.04b0 0000.04e4 0409.04b0 0409.04e4

kfury · 28 Apr 2016

I've downloaded that thing about 20 times it feels like, I let it run and update until it tells me everything is up to date.

This leaves me wondering even if it is a slightly out of date driver, why it would cause such a huge problem? I ran this laptop for 6 years without issues, then about a month ago the CPU started running at near 100% all the time, which led me to online posts stating it was likely due to the Windows Updater (it seemed to be a common problem). So in trying to ensure I had the absolute very latest Updater, I started getting these BSODs, like once an hour. I ran every hardware test without any issue, replaced the RAM just for good measure, try another hard drive also for good measure, tried numerous reinstalls of Windows 7 and the BSODs would always come back. Even when the laptop was sitting idle it would get a BSOD.

**axe0** · 28 Apr 2016

This time it isn't about the date of the driver, but the source.
Laptop manufacturers usually alter their drivers forcing their customers to use the drivers they provide for the best functionality. You're free to use other drivers, but you should then expect that problems can occur.

According to what I found the display drivers Sony provides aren't near the date of the installed version I found.