Windows 7 corrupts every couple of days.

[Josh156]

First, I'm a new member so hello, and now the problem.

Last month I built a computer and installed the Windows 7 64bit OEM I purchased alongside the components. Since then I have had to reinstall Windows at least 8 times after varying lengths of use. After reinstalling i run chdsk, then scannow, at first scannow comes up clean but after a day or two it begins to find corrupt files it cannot repair, then shortly after that Windows stops booting altogether. I have checked each piece of hardware and none are faulty or broken, so I am at a loss as to how to solve the problem. Any help would really be appreciated.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Is your Windows installation disc legitimate?

Have you installed all critical updates from Windows Update?

What is your anti-virus and anti-malware setup?

 

[Josh156]

Yes the installation disk is legit, I purchased it from Canada Computers, I install all available updates when I reinstall windows as well as all the updated drivers. Thanks for the rapid response.

 

[Josh156]

And I install Norton Antivirus 2011.

 

[mpcrsc562]

I had that same problem with a Vista installation. It turned out to be faulty RAM.

The operating system writes to RAM before writing to disk. If the RAM is bad, some of the information contained within could be corrupted and then written to disk in the corrupted state and thus, you begin to have many, many corruption errors (possibly leading up to a system that won't boot altogether).

A failing hard drive can cause corruption too.

Make sure your RAM is fully seated and run Windows memory diagnostics or Memtest86+.
Enable SMART in your bios and download a SMART monitoring program (http://www.disk-monitor.com/download.html)

 

[Josh156]

I actually had the store test my RAM, they said it was good and it registers fine in the computer, how can I test the RAM to find out if thats the Problem?

 

[mpcrsc562]

For Windows: Start button>type: mem in the search bar>click Windows Memory Diagnostics

Memtest86+ is here: Memtest86+ - Advanced Memory Diagnostic Tool

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Here is the typical method. Run it several times.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/105647-ram-test-memtest86.html

But RAM may not be the problem.

 

[Josh156]

Thanks I'll give it a try and repost with the results.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

If you have 2 sticks of RAM, you can always pull one stick and see if the problem goes away--just as a method of troubleshooting. But good idea to run memtest at any rate.

It does sound like a hardware issue based on what we know now.

 

[fseal]

I'll second that it's very likely either bad ram or some other problem with the ram OR it's a bad HD/Controller/Cable and the files are corrupting themselves on the HD itself. Even a bad/incorrect HD controller maybe.

You can try removing ram down to either 2 or 4 gig and see if the problem goes away. Also, replace the HD sata cable (or IDE cable) and use a different port (Those sata ports at both ends are pretty dodgy in some cases) Finally, try a different HD.

Ooops, ignatz snuck a reply in ther ewhile I was editing

 

[mpcrsc562]

First, I'm a new member so hello

Please accept my apology for not acknowledging you. Hello to you and welcome to SevenForums. I hope we can get your problem solved.

 

[Josh156]

Thanks again for all the responses, I have the memtest running currently. The first hardrive I purchased was faulty, when I returned it I had the store run tests on the new one to ensure it was working so I dont think its the hardrive (but you never know). I thought it may be bad cables so I have tried 3 seperate SATA cables in 3 different ports to no avail. As for HD controller how would I determine if thats operating incorrectly?

 

[DeaconFrost]

You would run the manufacturer's diagnostics tests on the hard drive yourself, on your system, rather than paying for a store to do it for you. If there's a problem, the tests will let you know.

 

[Josh156]

I did'nt pay for the tests they ran, the guy running the repairs counter offered too so I would'nt find out it was bad when I got home. I am unsure as to whether or not he ran the manufacturers test but I assumed their testing software was equally adept at checking for defects. I will run WD test as soon as the memtest is complete.

 

[gregrocker]

Are you wiping the HD before reinstall, to get the slate as clean as possible?

Use these tips to get a perfect reinstall, based on hundreds done here: http://www.sevenforums.com/installation-setup/125874-re-install-windows-7-a.html#post1086729

If the issue persists you'll know it isn't the install or OS.