BSOD randomly during use.

[Widget1977]

Hi all,

My PC keeps getting BSOD's at random points during use though I'm thinking it could be hardware, but was hoping to get some expert advice before coming to that conclusion.

It started happening a while ago and created quite a few minidump files, though tonight I think I reset the CMOS (couldn't boot PC) & went into windows, the date/time were reverted back to 2002 & the minidumps were no longer there (even after adjusting the date/time back to normal)

I have 2x dumps at the moment & hope they are of some use. (attached). I had to add .doc to the end of the .dmp files. The upload manager wouldn't upload the standard .dmp file.

There's no specific point at which it would BSOD, sometimes PC would just lock up without the BSOD screen showing up. Could happen within minutes of turning on, or an hour+ after. Could be watching a movie or surfing the net.. or just sitting there.

Hope this helps,

Regards,

 

[Anthony]

Follow this to speed up your problem: http://www.sevenforums.com/crashes-debugging/96879-blue-screen-death-bsod-posting-instructions.html

Thanks

 

[Widget1977]

Hi all.

Attached if a Full-Grab ZIP file. Also, earlier this morning my PC BSOD again though didn't seem to leave a minidump when I looked. I noticed the BSOD did make mention of NTFS.SYS. Afterwards, the PC wouldn't load into windows (corrupt bootmng file I think), but it loads in now. (possibly windows repair fix)

Regards,

[edit] I jsut had another BSOD, so I've just edited/uploaded the minidump file here. PC was sitting idle with Firefox open and 'sevenforums' loaded.

 

[karlsnooks]

widget,
Where was the minidump file located?

The SF diagnostic program will ALWAYS grab dumps which are in the correct location.

 

[Widget1977]

widget,
Where was the minidump file located?

c:\windows\minidump

the first ZIP was a full grab with SF, the second zip was just the latest minidump file created after the latest bsod, I didn't bother with the sf as all hardware was the same and pc wasn't rally doing much. (I can grab a fresh full sf if you like though)

 

[karlsnooks]

A fresh full grab is better because then all is together in one file.
Thanks,
karl

 

[Widget1977]

Hey Karl,

Latest Full SF Grab attached.

Regards,

- Widget

 

[karlsnooks]

Widget,
Your first order of business is to fully and completely update your Win 7.

When you are finished with the following procedure, I'll give you a script to run which will show what was installed and what was not installed(and that list should be empty!)

UPDATING YOUR WIN 7
1. ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE ALL UPDATES
WIN | type WINDOWS UPDATE | ENTER |
Change settings (left-hand column) |
checkmark all four of the boxes | OK button

Approve any dialog boxes presented. Let Windows install any update features.

WIN is the key with the Microsoft flag on top.

2. INSTALL CRITICAL UPDATES
Check for Updates (left-hand column)
Install ALL critical updates.
Restart your computer (even if not prompted)

Repeat this procedure until there are no more critical updates.

DO NOT TRUST the “Windows is up to date” in center of dialog. until you see that TWICE IN A ROW!

3. INSTALL IMPORTANT UPDATES
Use the “critical update” procedure until all important updates are installed.

4. INSTALL OPTIONAL UPDATES
Under Optional updates you will be presented with:
a) Microsoft Bing Desktop which is of questionable value
b) a list of about 34 language updates.

You can hide those updates so that aren't continually notified of those updates.
When you click on 34+ optional updates are available, then you
a) highlight all of the language updates,
b) right-click anywhere in the highlighted list.
c) click on Hide Updates,
d) OK button.
Install ALL other Optional Updates.
Use the “critical update” procedure.

UPDATE GOLDEN RULES
Install ALL, yes, ALL updates.
This is Win 7 and not Vista or XP (eXPired).

UPDATE IS HUNG –TAKING FOREVER
Hung is very doubtful unless you interrupted updates.

CTRL + SHIFT + ESC key combo will pop-up the Task Manager.
Lo and behold, Windows Update is still running!

You hold down the CTRL and SHIFT keys.
While holding them down, tap the ESC key once.

 

[Widget1977]

Hey,

I've installed all the updates. Though there are 2x remaining.. Silverlight & software removal tool, both which I don't use. Are these necessary ? as I use Firefox (which is fine with all my media streaming), & ccleaner/malwarebytes to clean my system.

 

[karlsnooks]

Despite what you think:
You need both of those, especially the malicious software removal tool.
Your idea of cleaning is interesting.

I give you a link:
Understanding Microsoft Anti-Malware Software 2012 ~ Security Garden

Now after you have completed the installation of those two which you think you don't need, let me know.

This is Win 7 and not eXPired. Don't ever, ever 2nd guess Microsoft. Install the updates they offer you.

Install the priority, the important and the optional updates with the exception of the Bing Desktop.

 

[Widget1977]

Hey,

Updates all done.

 

[karlsnooks]

Run following script.
Will place InstalledUpdates.txt and NotInstalledUpdates.TXt on your Desktop. Upload these as attachments to your next post.

# ************************************************************
# Places InstalledUpdates.txt on your DESKTOP
# Places NotInstalledUpdates.TXT on your DESKTOP
#
# Hidden updates are ignored.
# ************************************************************

Try
{
   $error.clear()
   $file = "$env:userprofile\Desktop\InstalledUpdates.TXT"
   If (test-path -path $file) {del $file}
   $update = new-object -com Microsoft.update.Session
   $searcher = $update.CreateUpdateSearcher()
   write-host "`n`n Patience. I'm slowly, but steadily working on fetching the list of installed updates.`n`n"
   $pending = $searcher.Search("IsInstalled=1") 
   foreach($entry in $pending.Updates) {
     IF ($entry.IsHidden -ne $true) {
       "Title: " + $entry.Title | Out-file -append $File
       "Downloaded? " + $entry.IsDownloaded | Out-file -append $File
       "Description: " + $entry.Description | Out-file -append $File
       foreach($category in $entry.Categories) {
           $d + "Category: " + $category.name | Out-file -append $File }
       "" | Out-file -append $file } }
   If ((Test-Path -path $file) -eq $false) {"No updates have been installed." | Out-file $file} 
# Now to check the uninstalled updates that aren't hidden
   $file = "$env:userprofile\Desktop\NotInstalledUpdates.TXT"
   If (test-path -path $file) {del $file}
   $update = new-object -com Microsoft.update.Session
   $searcher = $update.CreateUpdateSearcher()
   write-host "`n`n Patience. I'm slowly, but steadily working on fetching the list of uninstalled updates.`n`n"
   $pending = $searcher.Search("IsInstalled=0") 
   foreach($entry in $pending.Updates) {
   IF ($entry.IsHidden -ne $true) {
       "Title: " + $entry.Title | Out-file -append $File
       "Downloaded? " + $entry.IsDownloaded | Out-file -append $File
       "Description: " + $entry.Description | Out-file -append $File
       foreach($category in $entry.Categories) {
         $d + "Category: " + $category.name | Out-file -append $File }
       "" | Out-file -append $file } }
   If (-not(Test-Path -path -$file)) {"There are no uninstalled updates which are unhidden." | Out-file $file} 
}
Catch { "Unable to fetch update list from Microsoft site" }
Finally { "End of script"; EXIT }

EXIT
EXIT

# **********************INSTRUCTIONS**************************
# STEP 1 ** RUN POWERSHELL AS ADMINISTRATOR ******************
# ************************************************************
#
# WIN key | type POWERSHELL | do NOT hit ENTER |
# in the PROGRAMS list, right-click on WINDOWS POWERSHELL |
# choose "Run as administrator" |
# Click on the YES button (if such appears)
#
# WIN key = key with Microsoft log on top
#
# for the guru:
# WIN | type POWERSHELL | CTRL+SHIFT+ENTER key combo | ALT+Y keycombo
# ************************************************************
# STEP 2 ** COPY AND PASTE ***********************************
# ************************************************************
#
# COPY the script using CTRL+C,
# COPY every line of script down thru both EXIT statements
#
# PASTE into Powershell
#----Right-Click at the PowerShell Prompt
#----(Ctrl+V does not work)
#
# Start copying with first script line without a # at start of the line
# Note: Actually, you can paste the entire file if you rather
#-------Lines starting with a # are ignored by PowerShell
# ************************************************************
# STEP 3 ** SCRIPT OUTPUT & SCRIPT PURPOSE *******************
# ************************************************************
# --The script output and purpose is given at the very front of the script
#
# --The script output and purpose is given at the very front of the script
#
# ************************************************************
# ***************** NOTE - POWERSHELL VERSION*****************
# if you receive this error msg:
#--The system can not find the path specified
# you may need to update your PowerShell
# you must be using Powershell 2.0 or later.
#
# To determine your Powershell version:
#---Run PowerShell
#---enter $host.version
#---you should see at least:
# Major Minor Build Revision
# ----- ----- ----- --------
# 2......0......-1.....-1
#
# If you do not see the above, update your Vista/Win 7.
# ************************************************************
# *************** NOTE - EXECUTION POLICY*********************
# If you haven't set the execution policy, you may need to:
#---Run PowerShell
#---enter SET-EXECUTIONPOLICY -EXECUTIONPOLICY REMOTESIGNED
# ************************************************************