Constant BSODS, Issues booting, erratic Video Card Fan on boot, etc.

[aquitas]

Hopefully the dump files attached will be more telling than my explanation. This computer is a custom build that has been plagued with BSOD's and has had problems booting after a year of owning it. The symptoms seem so random to me that I haven't been able to pin down anyone one thing as the issue. I have swapped out at one time or another, every part in this build. Most recently there were several disc check errors and corrupted boot files. Thinking it was a bad harddrive and corrupted files that was causing corrupted video card drivers which would cause video card related BSOD's... I don't know. I'm lost. I would like help understanding what is wrong with my computer and what I can do to fix it. It doesn't seem to be a quick fix.

Attach are the dmp files and a few pictures of the most recent BSODs. After reformatting with a new harddrive yesterday, I recieved a BSOD today. After the BSOD, upon using the windows recovery function (i was prompted to use it), i recieved another BSOD, and then again the second time i attempted to boot up the computer.



current build:
OS:
w7 64

Video Card:
XFX HD-577A-ZNFC Radeon HD 5770 (Juniper XT) 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card

RAM:
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ

MOBO:
ASUS M4A78T-E AM3 AMD 790GX HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard

PSU:
Rosewill Stallion Series RD500-2DB 500W ATX12V Power Supply

CPU:
AMD Phenom II X2 550 Black Edition Callisto 3.1GHz Socket AM3 80W Dual-Core Processor HDZ550WFGIBOX

HDD:
Seagate Barracuda ST31000524AS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

 

[zigzag3143]

No DMPS 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.

If you are overclocking STOP


We could also use some system information, which you can get easily by running msinfo32.
To do that go to start>run>type msinfo32>enter

When it is finished running go to file>save>name it and upload to us here.


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.

 

[aquitas]

Thank you for replying so promptly. Sorry I am so slow to reply, I stepped out for a while thinking it would be a while before anyone got to my thread. I really do appreciate the help.

After reading your reply I did the following:

1. checked contents of \windows\minidump -- was empty
2. booted into safe mode with networking and checked contents of \windows\minidump -- again empty
3. followed the steps to enable minidumps (followed steps in your reply) -- they were not originally enabled
4. ran msinfo32 and saved results

Attached is the msinfo file. I'll wait for your reply, although I won't be on again until later tonight. Thank you again for your help and I hope you stick with me through this.

 

[zigzag3143]

Thank you for replying so promptly. Sorry I am so slow to reply, I stepped out for a while thinking it would be a while before anyone got to my thread. I really do appreciate the help.

After reading your reply I did the following:

1. checked contents of \windows\minidump -- was empty
2. booted into safe mode with networking and checked contents of \windows\minidump -- again empty
3. followed the steps to enable minidumps (followed steps in your reply) -- they were not originally enabled
4. ran msinfo32 and saved results

Attached is the msinfo file. I'll wait for your reply, although I won't be on again until later tonight. Thank you again for your help and I hope you stick with me through this.

No worried about when you reply. We are here to help you. We do need the DMP files so will have to wait for the next time the computer crashes.

 

[aquitas]

I'll be on my computer all weekend so if anything goes awry I'll post the dumps right away. Thanks again.

 

[zigzag3143]

I'll be on my computer all weekend so if anything goes awry I'll post the dumps right away. Thanks again.

Sounds like a plan and good luck.

 

[aquitas]

Alright, computer just crashed while playing a video game full screen, took several attempts to reboot. kept freezing at different stages. Attached is the dmp.

 

[aquitas]

my lucky night, here's another.

 

[aquitas]

alright here's all the dmps to date

 

[zigzag3143]

alright here's all the dmps to date

Three of these were blamed on readyboost. I would disable it to test

The 4th was Related to qwavedrv.sys Quality Windows Audio Video Experience (qWave) Support Driver from Microsoft Corporation.

This and most of the others drivers will be updated when you update to SP-1 which is an all around good idea.

Please run the System Update Readiness Tool (SURT) and then update to SP-1


32 Bit

Download: System Update Readiness Tool for Windows 7 (KB947821) [February 2012] - Microsoft Download Center - Download Details

64 Bit

Download: System Update Readiness Tool for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB947821) [February 2012] - Microsoft Download Center - Download Details


Now update to SP-1

Learn how to install Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1)

 

[aquitas]

I installed: 64 Bit

Download: System Update Readiness Tool for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB947821) [February 2012] - Microsoft Download Center - Download Details

And am updating to SP 1.

What is readyboost and how do I disable it?

 

[zigzag3143]

I installed: 64 Bit

Download: System Update Readiness Tool for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB947821) [February 2012] - Microsoft Download Center - Download Details

And am updating to SP 1.

What is readyboost and how do I disable it?

Ready boost is where you use a UBS flash drive as a fast dis. If you have ever used a USB thumb drive it probably asked you if you wanted to dedicate a portion to ready boost.

If you havent run a system file check it is an easy and quick way to verify the OS

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html

How to use the System File Checker tool to troubleshoot missing or corrupted system files on Windows Vista or on Windows 7

 

[aquitas]

The USB I have has not been plugged into my computer and I just checked to see if it is set up for readyboost and it is not. I also recently ran a theme patcher that modified three system files so that I can install custom windows themes so I am hesitant to run SFC /SCANNOW because I will undo the patchers work. After installing SP 1 and the other update you mentioned yesterday the computer has had no issues booting nor has it bluescreened. I'm going to give it a few days and see if we can rule out the SP 1 and the other patch being the issue if that's okay. I would like more info on checking the readyboost though if you think I'm not addressing that issue correctly.

 

[zigzag3143]

The USB I have has not been plugged into my computer and I just checked to see if it is set up for readyboost and it is not. I also recently ran a theme patcher that modified three system files so that I can install custom windows themes so I am hesitant to run SFC /SCANNOW because I will undo the patchers work. After installing SP 1 and the other update you mentioned yesterday the computer has had no issues booting nor has it bluescreened. I'm going to give it a few days and see if we can rule out the SP 1 and the other patch being the issue if that's okay. I would like more info on checking the readyboost though if you think I'm not addressing that issue correctly.

For more info we need more DMPs. Please upload any new ones. BTW simply changing those 3 files can cause these crashes.

 

[aquitas]

new one today

 

[JMH]

These crashes were caused by memory corruption/exception (Cx05) probably a driver.
Please run these two tests to verify your memory and find which driver is causing the problem.

* If you are overclocking anything reset to default before running these tests.
In other words STOP!!!

* If you have a Raid update its Driver.


Memtest.

*Download a copy of Memtest86 and burn the ISO to a CD using Iso Recorder or another ISO burning program. Memtest86+ - Advanced Memory Diagnostic Tool

*Boot from the CD, and leave it running for at least 5-7 passes.

Just remember, any time Memtest reports errors, it can be either bad RAM or a bad motherboard slot.

Test the sticks individually, and if you find a good one, test it in all slots.

Any errors are indicative of a memory problem.

If a known good stick fails in a motherboard slot it is probably the slot.

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



Driver Verifier

Using Driver Verifier is an iffy proposition.
Most times it'll crash and it'll tell you what the driver is.
But sometimes it'll crash and won't tell you the driver.
Other times it'll crash before you can log in to Windows.
If you can't get to Safe Mode, then you'll have to resort to offline editing of the registry to disable Driver Verifier.

I'd suggest that you first backup your stuff and then make sure you've got access to another computer so you can contact us if problems arise.
Then make a System Restore point (so you can restore the system using the Vista/Win7 Startup Repair feature).

In Windows 7 you can make a Startup Repair disk by going to Start....All Programs...Maintenance...Create a System Repair Disc - with Windows Vista you'll have to use your installation disk or the "Repair your computer" option at the top of the Safe Mode menu .

Then, here's the procedure:
- Go to Start and type in "verifier" (without the quotes) and press Enter
- Select "Create custom settings (for code developers)" and click "Next"
- Select "Select individual settings from a full list" and click "Next"
- Select everything EXCEPT FOR "Low Resource Simulation" and click "Next"
NOTE: You can use Low Resource Simulation if you'd like.
From my limited experimentation it makes the BSOD's come faster.
- Select "Select driver names from a list" and click "Next"
Then select all drivers NOT provided by Microsoft and click "Next"
- Select "Finish" on the next page.

If you are using win 8 add these
- Concurrency Stress Test
- DDI compliance checking

Reboot the system and wait for it to crash to the Blue Screen.
Continue to use your system normally, and if you know what causes the crash, do that repeatedly.
The objective here is to get the system to crash because Driver Verifier is stressing the drivers out.
If it doesn't crash for you, then let it run for at least 36 hours of continuous operation

Reboot into Windows (after the crash) and turn off Driver Verifier by going back in and selecting "Delete existing settings" on the first page, then locate and zip up the memory dump file and upload it with your next post.


If you can't get into Windows because it crashes too soon, try it in Safe Mode.
If you can't get into Safe Mode, try using System Restore from your installation DVD to set the system back to the previous restore point that you created.

Thanks to JGriff2 & Usasma.

Using Driver Verifier to identify issues with Windows drivers for advanced users

Driver Verifier

Using Driver Verifier (Windows Drivers)

 

[aquitas]

Ok. Ran a mem test - Passed.

Followed steps for Driver Verifier. I'm assuming now all i need to do is reboot and wait for it to crash and then locate (wherever it is) the dump file from the verifier once the computer crashes again?

Attached are the current dump files. (I may have done something incorrectly, the most recent crash was today 5/26/12 so if there is no record of a crash on that date in the .zip file then I didn't find all the dump files correctly.

 

[writhziden]

Security Software: ??? I recommend the following:

• Download and install Malwarebytes, update it, do not start the free trial, and then run a full scan. Also run a full scan with your antivirus software installed on your system. If you do not have antivirus software installed, see the http://www.sevenforums.com/system-s...-system-security-combination.html#post1732627 for better security steps and scanning tools. Make sure to update the security software before running the full scan with it.

Make sure to install security software. I recommend either of these:

• Microsoft Security Essentials - Free Antivirus for Windows coupled with Malwarebytes. Do not start the free trial of Malwarebytes. Just use the standalone version, update it, and scan your computer once a week with Malwarebytes and with Microsoft Security Essentials.
  
  
• http://www.sevenforums.com/system-s...-system-security-combination.html#post1732627

Your crashes indicate hard disk controller errors. Download and install the Chipset drivers for your motherboard from AMD Chipset Drivers, but do not install the RAID drivers or utility. Only install the chipset drivers.

 

[aquitas]

installed chipset last night. another crash today. while playing Diablo 3 the screen froze then filled with bars of different colors and the audio from the speakers kept repeating a loud high pitched noise from the game. BSOD 1a. Dump file attached. I also followed the directions in the previous post about using the verifier. I have disabled the verifier. My understanding is that because it was running during the crash, the dump file i have attached to this post has somehow been modified by the verifier. Is this correct? Or is the verifier creating a separate dump file that I should be looking for?

 

[aquitas]

It's now consistently crashing. Three times now while playing d3. No dumps.

edit: jitters/stutters/black display/fan on car stopping then starting/spins very fast when games open, slow when games minimized/crashes

after display crash some text is showing up highlighted in black (shown in attached picture)

sometimes when i hold down the button on the case to shut it down after a crash (it hasnt been posting bsod info) the computer restarts instead of shutting down. sometimes after windows login windows explorer takes thirty seconds to display, screen is black during those 30 seconds.