Chkdsk runs everytime I restart

[Duzzy]

I don't know to much about this stuff but could you upload the file "C:\Windows\WindowsUpdate.log" and "C:\Windows\Logs\CBS\CBS.log". It's possible the SP1 error has nothing to do with your hardware even though thats the cause of other problems your had or having.
I'm not to good with finding errors in logs but others here probably are, I'll definitely give it a shot though.

 

[mediaman09]

I don't know to much about this stuff but could you upload the file "C:\Windows\WindowsUpdate.log" and "C:\Windows\Logs\CBS\CBS.log". It's possible the SP1 error has nothing to do with your hardware even though thats the cause of other problems your had or having.
I'm not to good with finding errors in logs but others here probably are, I'll definitely give it a shot though.

1) Much appreciated. I will upload them tonight.

2) Will also again run SFC -SCANNOW Command

3) After running the System Update Readiness Tool (64bit) , I ran the SP1 off the downlaod centre early this morning ; it too gave me similar 'Not Sucessful' error messages. This was done with all the MSCONFIG services off and no AV.

4) Keeping memory to 2GB only DELL , in slot 1, served me well for the first 94 updates. so will I pull out sticks tonight to get back from 6 GB to 2 GB tonight and try again.

5) Failing that I will pull out the 2GB and use the 'after market' set, again starting with slot 1 only.. its a 4GB stick.

6) I can also try other slots... but I think the motherboard might complain about that with a few POST beeps... but maybe not.

7) If SP1 is still failing, I will initiate a warranty claim with DELL... and request, as a first step, they ship me a a DELL Win DVD with SP1 ( if such a thing exists)

I think I will be out of options at that point, and will need to bring the unit in for service.

 

[gregrocker]

You may have mismatched RAM. I'd also try just the old and just the new separately.

You want it fully functional for doing things like SP1, although having the disk would be nice. If under warranty maybe they will help you replace the RAM correctly.

 

[mediaman09]

You may have mismatched RAM. I'd also try just the old and just the new separately.

You want it fully functional for doing things like SP1, although having the disk would be nice. If under warranty maybe they will help you replace the RAM correctly.

Thanks. Purchasing mismtached memory is certainly a possiblity in some cases - not in this case however.

In my case, I was not the type to simply pick up some chips at Best Buy. Rather I spent weeks reasaerching it, and tripled checked by contacting Dell directly, Kinsgton directly and the vendor directly( who specialized in ram sales). I also cross checked with other vendors (eg Crucial) and teh Dell forum gurus.. I could not have had this verfied any further. I have the correct memory -there is no mismstach.

That said, yes , one or more sticks could be failing and yes I could have a bad slot, but its the correct memoory for my machine.

After 10 months of operation and 25+ years of experience , I must say, have never come across a sceanrio where a memory failure or slot failure or mismatch exists, but it only manifests itself on a Windwos SP1 upgrade, and at no other time - ie oit therwise works fine in day to day operation, memory tests, etc.


You mentiend it may take 5 or 6 test to fully test memory. have not done that yet, but will do could, so we can rule all that out.
Ref: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/105647-ram-test-memtest86.html

I do have Fast Boot on in my bios - if I recall, turining it on will do a memory test on every bootup - will do that for awhile.

It it all passes an overnight run, I will then
- remove the chips to get back to 2GB so I can try SP1 again
- a some point put back all chips ( all 18GB) and run the overnight tests again

 

[gregrocker]

Run the memtest86 for 5-6 passes or overnight to really stress test RAM. RAM - Test with Memtest86+

 

[mediaman09]

Run the memtest86 for 5-6 passes or overnight to really stress test RAM. RAM - Test with Memtest86+

Thanks. Will run it tonight.... Found it pretty ironic that on thier web site , ther report corrections/bug fixes, eg:

1. Fix for erroneous errors in tests 7 and 8 errors when the number of cores is not a power of 2 (6 and 12 cores).
2. Fixed cache detection for newer Intel CPUs

So, even the exhaustive tests may not be conclusive

 

[mediaman09]

VERY INTERESTING SEQUENCE OF EVENTS...


1) Last night I ran the System Update Readiness Tool (64bit) , and let it intall the KB947821nstall a hotfix, and then prompt to close. Rebooted and powered down and up.

2) Ran SFC - no integrity problems

3) I ran MSCONFIG, hid all MS services, deselected everything incl AV, and rebooted.

4) Ran SP1 via Windows update ; same issues (said it succeded, prompted for reboot, and then said it was unsuccesful after the reboot).

5) Tonight I pulled the memory back 2 GB

6) Ran SP1 via windows update again, same issues. No SP1.

7) Ran SP1 via dowload centre. Said it could not install with a reboot. OK, did a reboot and no further prompts. It just took me to the desktop. No SP1.

8) While at the desktop I read the tutorial for the memtest6 and strated to prepare the USB drive

9) I reboot, and went into BIOS setup to disable the fast boot, so that on the next reboot I would see the basic powerup mem tests

10) It then continued its normal bootup and then a very interesting thing happened - it started to display the blue update screens as if it were installing SP1. So some
how (6) or (7) kicked in.

11) And lo and hehold SP1 is now installed !

So it would appear that "2GB plus some other combination of events", it what was needed to get SP1 installed.

More tests, specifically, memory, will of course help pinpoint.


So I think I have two prorirties right now :


1) Create a sllpstream SP1 DVD , asap, in case, heaven forbid, I need to reinstall.

2) Do a whack of overnight memtest6 tests. For this one should I :

• simply throw in all 18GB in there and let it test everything????? so the memory issue can be rulled in or out...
  
  
  or
  
• let if first test the 2 GB in there now, then test 6GB another night, then 12 GB a third , then 18GB a fourth night? as in that way it will be easier to pinppoint the stick/slot if indeed memory is an issue.

 

[mediaman09]

I was thinking there were so many theories presented on what my Sp1 install problems might be atributed to, ie bad hard drive, too much memory, bad memory sticks, failed memory slots, bad factory DVD image, not enough voltage supply from the motherboard , etc., etc.

Many possibilities, and one or more of them could be the issue.


But I have my own theory of what the problem might be - a flakey software update.

• It would explain why it works on some machines and not others
• It would explain there is a hotfix speficially designed for the update
• It would explain why my hard drive is in fact fine
• It would explain why my memory is in fact fine
• It would explain why I have had no other issues - only SP1 installs
• It would explain why all the diagnostics I run show no errors
• It would explain a lot of unpreditable behaviour
• It would explain why such drastic measures are needed to install the update on some machines (ie reformt/ clean install of Win 7, removing memory, unloading all processes etc

Its just a theory, like the others. I might be wrong ; might not be.

 

[mediaman09]

The mem tests do take a long time to run, but its a very straghtforward process.

Result for 2GB only are done (7 passes)

Results for 6GB (all Dell) are in progress (4 passes)

Hope to do balance (12GB Kingston, and 18GB combined) later this week.

 

[Dave76]

...

When you add RAM to an OEM there is the possibility of the RAM not being able to get enough voltage. On any OEM computer their BIOS won't allow you to adjust the voltage or frequency settings, one good thing is that they usually set the voltage fairly high, but, it might not be high enough for 18GB RAM.

If you have further issues try running with the original 6GB, if the system runs with no errors (crashes, failed updates, etc.) you can try running the 12GB (take out the 6GB first) and see if there are any errors.
If you have no issues with either the 6GB or 12GB RAM but problems with the 18GB RAM, the above reason will likely be the cause, not enough voltage for the RAM to run correctly.
With an OEM (Dell) system you have no choice but to run the amount of RAM the system settings will allow.

What are the brand, frequency, timings and stated voltage settings for the two different sets of RAM?

You can find these by downloading CPUZ and post a snip of the CPU, Mainboard, Memory, and SPD tabs for each set of RAM (SPD tab for each set of RAM, this is the manufacturers recommended/tested frequencies and timings).
For posting the information , enter 'Snipping tool' in the Start button > Search box, hit enter. Select the area you want to post and save to a convenient place.

How to Post a Screenshot in Seven Forums

This information will help us to determine if the two RAM sets are conflicting.
It is completely normal for RAM to pass memtest86+ several times and then show errors on the fifth or sixth run, it's just they way electronics are, intermittent errors can be very fickle.
This is why your system will run fine for a while and then under certain circumstances give errors/crashes, or blame other hardware/software as the cause.

As for putting the SATA cable for your boot drive into the SATA 0 port, it was the standard for Dell a couple of years ago and still is, as mentioned, for custom builds.
Didn't mean for you to try and move the physical component, just where the SATA cable plugs into the motherboard.
Your Dell system may be designed to run with the ODD in SATA 0, the blue port from your picture, at this point it is a non-issue, you can just leave it where it is.

When testing your RAM, as mentioned in the previous post, and since you have already started:
1) Test the 6GB (3X2GB) Dell Nanya RAM first.
If no errors,
2) Then pull the 6GB (3X2GB) out.
3) Install the 12Gb (3X4GB) Kingston RAM and test with memteset86+ for a full 7 passes.

As you have noticed already, the more RAM you have installed the longer the tests will take, be patient, all these tests are very important.

If there are no errors,
4) Install all 18GB RAM (3X2GB and 3X4GB) and run memtest86+ for a full 7 passes, this will take a long time to complete.

If there are no errors, this indicates your RAM is good but, doesn't mean that it is absolutely 100% good.
It is a fact of electronics and therefore hardware, especially RAM, that tests can not guaranty that there are no problems with the components.

At this stage, all tests pass and no errors, you can move to testing other components.

If you have any errors during the RAM resting, this can be due to faulty RAM or a bad motherboard RAM slot.
If you get an error with 3 RAM cards installed, test each RAM card in the previous testing motherboard slot, one at a time. This will identify the bad RAM card or bad motherboard RAM slot.

Let us know if you have any questions.

 

[mediaman09]

You clearly have RAM errors and now need to determine which stick and/or slot.

You clearly have RAM errors and now need to determine which stick and/or slot.

Not following the logic above.

I ran tests to prove I have no RAM errors, both the 2GB alone and with 6 GB inatalled. 7 passes done for each scernario. All of the 6GB of RAM is proven to be good ( or as good as the test anyway).

SP1 did not work with 6GB but it did work with 2GB.

The logical conclusion is that the mass production version of SP1 and its hotfixes simply do not work on 100% of all the hardware scenerios in the world.

The logical conclusion is NOT that I 'clearly have RAM errors". Per memtest6, I would say I clearly do not.

 

[mediaman09]

1) Test the 6GB (3X2GB) Dell Nanya RAM first.
If no errors,
2) Then pull the 6GB (3X2GB) out.
3) Install the 12Gb (3X4GB) Kingston RAM and test with memteset86+ for a full 7 passes. ......
If there are no errors,
4) Install all 18GB RAM (3X2GB and 3X4GB) and run memtest86+ for a full 7 passes, this will take a long time to complete.

Thanks, and understood.


0) Test the 2GB (1X2GB) Dell Nanya RAM - DONE - no errors found
1) Test the 6GB (3X2GB) Dell Nanya RAM - DONE - no errors found
If no errors,
---------------------
2) Then pull the 6GB (3X2GB) out. TO BE DONE
3) Install the 12Gb (3X4GB) Kingston RAM - TO BE DONE
Install all 18GB RAM (3X2GB and 3X4GB) - TO BE DONE

 

[Mits]

the mass production version of SP1 and its hotfixes simply do not work on 100% of all the hardware scenerios in the world

I can vouch for the same conclusion. Another typical example is the .NET mess - if any of the innumerable .net hotfixes (for versions 1, 2, 3 and/or 4) mess up, there is no sure way to fix them. Thousands of threads in forums are dealing with this. Microsoft has even developed dedicated cleanup utilities, but they didn't help me much on several occasions.

As I see it, Windows and hardware have evolved to such incomputable complexity that I am willing to accept any crazy theory as to why SP1 fails on some systems, like in your case. While some think it's the lack of or the excessive amount or the specific brands of RAM, I personally would incline towards the specific motherboard at hand. My experience is that OEM motherboards or motherboards in OEM boxes are quite different than the garden variety ones you can buy in a store.

 

[gregrocker]

You clearly have RAM errors and now need to determine which stick and/or slot.

Not following the logic above.

I ran tests to prove I have no RAM errors, both the 2GB alone and with 6 GB inatalled. 7 passes done for each scernario. All of the 6GB of RAM is proven to be good ( or as good as the test anyway).

SP1 did not work with 6GB but it did work with 2GB.

The logical conclusion is that the mass production version of SP1 and its hotfixes simply do not work on 100% of all the hardware scenerios in the world.

The logical conclusion is NOT that I 'clearly have RAM errors". Per memtest6, I would say I clearly do not.

I am reading error column to show 8 errors, but it may in fact be 0 in that fuzzy screenshot. Sorry if so. Let Dave guide you.

 

[Dave76]

Greg, I thought the same thing at the first look, after the third look, guessed it was a 0.
Picture was blurry.

 

[mediaman09]

Aplogies for the pics - I could not do the noraml screenshot as there is no way to do that while memtest6 its running and i dont it has nay featires to send to file or printer. Had to take a real pic with a camera of dthe screen. Clicking on posted the thumbnaill was quite readable for me, but I can see wher it could have been mis-read. I ssubsequenlty posted text to show no errors. Anyway, sorry for any confusion.

All memory inidcated no errors after 7 passes with memtest6.

Main point was I could only install Sp1 with 2Gb; could not install it with 6GB.

 

[mediaman09]

Final summary of results:

• OEM HD + OEM DVD + FULL MEM = WIN 7 INSTALL SUCCESS BUT BUT CHKDSK ISSUES ON UPDATES
• OEM HD + SYS RECOVER DVD +FULL MEM = WIN 7 INSTALL SUCCESS BUT FAILS ON UPDATES
• NEW HD + OEM DVD + FULL MEM = FAILS TO INSTALL
• NEW HD + ULTRA ISO USB INSTALL + FULL MEM = FAILS TO START INSTALL
• NEW HD + IMGBURN/UNIV USB INSTALL + FULL MEM = FAILS TO COMPLETE INSTALL
• NEW HD + IMGBURN/UNIV USB INSTALL + 2GB DELL RAM = INSTALL SUCCES INCL 94 WINDOWS UPDATES
• NEW HD + IMGBURN/UNIV USB INSTALL + 6GB DELL RAM = CONTINUED SUCCESS UNTIL SP1, WHICH FAILED TO LOAD
• NEW HD + IMGBURN/UNIV USB INSTALL + 2GB DELL RAM = COMPLETED SP1 UPGRADE SUCCESSFULLY

Findings ( my take) :

FINDING #1 : From posts 66 to date, all troubleshooting, testing and install steps had between 2 GB and 6 GB of Dell RAM installed. A brand new hard drive was used. Both DVD and USB installs were attempted. In the end, SP1 only installed with 2GB installed, and not with 6GB. All memory has passed the mmetest6 test. My personal conclusion: SP1 does not work well on some hardware unless memory is pulled back to 2Gb. That statement was made many times is this thread.

FINDING #2: Post 1 to 65 had full ram installed (6 Gb DELL and 12 GB Kiinston) . Memory is compatible by Dell, Kinston and Vendor. Once I was back in business, I pulled out the 6GB and systematically tested, in the same slots, the KINGSTON ram, just to make sure. Stick 1 passed, stick 2 passed, and stick 3 did NOT pass. I as actaully thrilled to have found it. Clearly, the bad stick could indeed have the sole cause, or continued to the cause, of event in posts 1 to 65. This does't detract from FINDING 1, which had nothing to do with Kingston memory.

Status

I have since called Kingston 1-800 and they were amazing. Lifetime warranty, no questions asked, - all they wanted was a e-copy of the bill which I mailed while on the phone with them. they held on until they got it, read it, issued an RMA and a new stick in on the way to me. Once I test it , I return the old one back to them via supplied instructions. Nice!

While I wait fir it, I have 5 of 6 sticks installed (14GB in total), with memtest6 running . all good. Once I see 7 passes, I will then resume the post-SP1 updates, set up my backup strategy, and hopefully get use of that machine again.

Many thanks again to all who assisted here.

 

[gregrocker]

Kingston may have the best tech support in the business, from right down the street in Huntington Beach, California. They back their RAM for life and will stick with you troubleshooting any issues for as long as it takes. Glad you found this out and now have them on the case.

 

[Dave76]

Glad to hear you found the culprit, Ram testing is a long process.

Still would like to find the reason why SP1 doesn't want to install.

Let us know how it's going.

 

[mediaman09]

Glad to hear you found the culprit, Ram testing is a long process. Still would like to find the reason why SP1 doesn't want to install. Let us know how it's going.

Ya, re Finding 2, glad I found the bad stick as well. FedEx came Friday but nobody home, so I'll get it Monday.

Re Finding 1, why SP1 installs only with 2GB but not more, cant help ya there... that issue is not unique to me, as you noted in post 70, :

"We have seen RAM cause many installation issues. If you are having any OS installation issues, take out all but one RAM card, 2GB RAM is good to install your OS with.".