Solved display driver has stopped responding and has recovered. 4th reinstall

[homer15908]

If I'm posting in the wrong section, feel free to move this thread. Wasn't too sure where to put it.

Hi all, I'll start with system specs
i7-2600k stock
xigmatek loki cpu cooler
asrock z68 extreme3 gen3 motherboard
gskill rikpjaw memory. 2x4gb, 9-9-9-24-2t
seagate barracuda 1tb 7200rpm 32mb cache hard drive
samsung dvd-rw
amd diamond 6950 2gb stock
corsair cx600 power supply

I'm receiving this driver error just about every time I load up a web browser, or a game. I don't know how to track it down. I've replaced the motherboard, and still had the same issue. I tried an nvidia gt 240 in its place, and still got the same message. I tried a different hard drive, and the same message. Different used and working memory, and still the same issue.

I've ran memtest for 9 passes, and no errors.
prime95 for only a couple of minutes, and furmark for a couple of minutes as well.
Using furmark, I cannot reproduce the same crashes that I get from random web browsing or loading a video game.

The earlier installs, I've received bsod's that point to atikmpag.sys, nvlddmkm.sys, and another ati driver that escapes me at the moment. I've uploaded some files, but I haven't received a bsod yet.

Does anyone have a general direction they can point me in? I'd appreciate it very much

 

[DustSailor]

Hello Homer,

Some basic stuff: Do you have all important windows updates installed, and device drivers installed (especially motherboard and Graphics card)?

 

[homer15908]

Thanks for your reply. Windows is fully up to date. The only updates available are the language packs.

I didn't want to start updating drivers from other sources, so at the moment, the motherboard drivers are off the cd.

Oh I forgot to mention its a windows 7 ulti 64 bit os.

On the previous installations of the os, sometimes the windows updates wouldn't apply. On one occasion, the service pack was installing, canceled, then restored to its previous state, which left the os without service pack 1.

This install seemed to be the smoothest out of the 4.

The thing that confuses me is that I still get the error with different vid cards, memory, and hard drives. I have no idea what to change now :/

 

[DustSailor]

Homer,

What is your graphics card? I would only have you update drivers through their manufacturer, as the most current usually resides with them. Motherboard drivers are the most important, and I would really recommend getting the newest drivers because they just work better that way. Funny you say your motherboard is asrock, someone else had had that board with internet connection problems.

Try switching power options to high performance, and blow out all the dust in the machine. How is your power supply doing? How many watts does it put out? Have you ever with any part experienced overheating or are things getting too hot in your computer?

 

[homer15908]

6950 2gb
My card is similar to this, but has the reference cooler with the barrel fan on it.

So you suggest I grab the driver from diamond's site?

What confuses me though, is that I got the same crashes with the nvidia gt 240. I cant get the same crash using furmark on any of these vid cards.

 

[zigzag3143]

If I'm posting in the wrong section, feel free to move this thread. Wasn't too sure where to put it.

Hi all, I'll start with system specs
i7-2600k stock
xigmatek loki cpu cooler
asrock z68 extreme3 gen3 motherboard
gskill rikpjaw memory. 2x4gb, 9-9-9-24-2t
seagate barracuda 1tb 7200rpm 32mb cache hard drive
samsung dvd-rw
amd diamond 6950 2gb stock
corsair cx600 power supply

I'm receiving this driver error just about every time I load up a web browser, or a game. I don't know how to track it down. I've replaced the motherboard, and still had the same issue. I tried an nvidia gt 240 in its place, and still got the same message. I tried a different hard drive, and the same message. Different used and working memory, and still the same issue.

I've ran memtest for 9 passes, and no errors.
prime95 for only a couple of minutes, and furmark for a couple of minutes as well.
Using furmark, I cannot reproduce the same crashes that I get from random web browsing or loading a video game.

The earlier installs, I've received bsod's that point to atikmpag.sys, nvlddmkm.sys, and another ati driver that escapes me at the moment. I've uploaded some files, but I haven't received a bsod yet.

Does anyone have a general direction they can point me in? I'd appreciate it very much

]



No DMP files included in upload please try this method

We do need the DMP file as it contains the only record of the sequence of events leading up to the crash, what drivers were loaded, and what was responsible.

You may be able to get the DMP files without crashing by booting into safe mode (F8) with networking.

To enable us to assist you with your computer's BSOD symptoms, upload the contents of your "\Windows\Minidump" folder.

The procedure:

* Copy the contents of \Windows\Minidump to another (temporary) location somewhere on your machine.
* Zip up the copy.
* Attach the ZIP archive to your post using the "paperclip" (file attachments) button.
*If the files are too large please upload them to a file sharing service like "Rapidshare" and put a link to them in your reply.

To ensure minidumps are enabled:

* Go to Start, in the Search Box type: sysdm.cpl, press Enter.
* Under the Advanced tab, click on the Startup and Recovery Settings... button.
* Ensure that Automatically restart is unchecked.
* Under the Write Debugging Information header select Small memory dump (256 kB) in the dropdown box (the 256kb varies).
* Ensure that the Small Dump Directory is listed as %systemroot%\Minidump.
* OK your way out.
* Reboot if changes have been made.

 

[homer15908]

Yeah on this reinstall, I haven't received a bsod as of yet.

On previous installs, I had another mobo. As soon as I get a bsod, I'll upload the minidump folder.

I do have minidump set to 256kb. Just playing the waiting game

 

[DustSailor]

Zigzag, can't you "overwork" the drivers to force BSOD? I forget how...

 

[zigzag3143]

Zigzag, can't you "overwork" the drivers to force BSOD? I forget how...

There are many ways to "force" a bsod, but like doctors our first rule is do no harm. Anytime you force something to BSOD it can lead to corrupt software, and possibly damage hardware.

Better to wait for a natural one.

Good Idea though.

 

[homer15908]

haha, you guys are funny. I'll wait for a natural one. I will say tho, the only time I got bsod's was when I swapped video cards, after the install of their respective drivers.

I'll wait for a natural one then

Thanks for your help!

 

[DustSailor]

You made sure you removed all device software and then installed the most recent software for the new one clean?

What do you mean the card is "similar"? if it is a Radeon HD 6950, then the driver will be the same for all of the cards (despite the few differences between cards).

Here is the website: AMD Radeon click on the support tab and either automatically scan for the right driver or select the right one for your card. Make sure you remove every previous graphical software before you do this. Can remove via control panel, and you might even search for the folder that the previous software installed to, and delete it just in case there is any extra bits left over.

It could be a faulty card, you never know. If you still are having problems, try another card if you can (with removing previous software and updating the "new" card, once more).

 

[homer15908]

Sorry for the confusion. The card is a 6950 2gb, but if you follow the link, the card on newegg has a red shroud and heatpipes, and 2 fans. My card has the reference shroud, no heatpipes, and 1 barrel fan.

On two reinstalls, I used driver cleaner to make sure all drivers were wiped before I installed a new card.

on two other reinstalls, I did not use driver cleaner, removed drivers from uninstalling the software, and installed a new card.

I'm so frustrated, since I get this error no matter what settings or changes I make. I've swapped the vid card for an older working card that I've never had problems with.

I was frustrated even more when the new motherboard didn't solve the issue. I've been using the computer as much as possible, and no bsod's yet. The computer crashes constantly with the display driver, but no bsod.

 

[DustSailor]

Did you try my suggestions? If you do, that further helps me understand the problem, and until you do, I cannot offer any more advice (but if you do get a BSOD, Zigzag will likely help you out with it).

 

[homer15908]

@DustSailor
I just uninstalled my ccc, and swapped cards with an ati 4850 512mb.

I'll see if I can stress it out a bit and get the same results.

I did update with latest drivers on amd's site. wish me luck.

 

[DustSailor]

Alright, good luck homer. Also, I wanted to say that 3rd party programs sometimes cause more problems than they solve. I wouldn't use a driver cleaner ever, as windows will do just fine if you uninstall and delete the folders. Aggressive software can be harmful. I also would stear clear of registry cleaners and the like unless you are quite advanced and comfortable in your knowledge of computers.

Also try an sfc /scannow by typing that exact phrase in an elevated command prompt to check your system real quick, and wait for it to complete. Let me know what it says

 

[homer15908]

Thanks again for your replies dustsailor,

I understand some people like driver cleaner, or programs that are similar, and others dont like using it at all. Thats why on half of the windows installs I didnt use it, seeing if any changes happened.

I ran scf /scannow a couple of times, but not on this install. I'll run it in a few minutes

Since I've put in the 4850, no issues yet.

I also put in the 6950 into my older computer, and I got the same errors when using a web browser and loading certain games. It looks like I'll have to rma that card, and pick up another.

I think the reason I was getting the same error on the nvida gt 240 is because of a couple of things: I wasnt able to set my ram timings properly on the previous motherboard; the gt 240 is known to get this error by many when the issue is searched for in google; and the other reason escapes me lol.

I'll post back with results of the sfc /scannow elevated

 

[homer15908]

I uploaded a screenshot of the command prompt. It didn't find any integrity violations.

 

[DustSailor]

Alright good on the scan. Are you overclocking? If you are, reset everything back to "auto" and see if that does anything to help the situation. If it does, that is your problem. Why do you think your RAM's timings are wrong?

 

[homer15908]

everything is stock clocks. I'll consider an overclock a couple years down the line.

On my other motherboard, the memory settings wouldn't stick to 9-9-9-24 2t 1600 1.5v.

Even setting it to xmp or manual, it wouldn't stick

With this motherboard, It set the settings just fine now.

 

[DustSailor]

any update on this Homer? I think I've run out of ideas...