Configure dumps
First, we want to make sure the computer is saving your dump files. Go to Control Panel -> System -> Advanced System Settings -> Startup and Recovery [Settings] Make sure that "Write Debugging Information" is set to Small Memory Dump (256kb) if it is not already.
Dump Files - Configure Windows to Create on BSOD
Next, make sure that the folder C:\Windows\Minidump exists. If not, create it (allow permission if asked). Make sure any dumps you want to analyze, whether yours or others', are in this folder. You can ZIP/RAR the files and send them to someone else to analyze as well.
Start up
Keep less stuff at the start-up. Only anti-virus, this helps avoid driver conflicts and improves time to log in to windows.
Performing a Clean Startup
Startup Programs - Change
Security App
Remove Avast! and replace with MSE. :info:
Uninstallers (removal tools) for common antivirus software
Microsoft Security Essentials and Malwarebytes are recommended from a strict BSOD perspective. They do not cause blue screens on the system as other AV products do.
Microsoft Security Essentials for Windows
MalwareBytes Free
Information
- :warn: Do not start the free trial of MalwareBytes, unselect that option when prompted.
- :tip: Update and make full scans with both separately.
Hard Drive/Storage
Post disk summary using CrystalDiskInfo software -
CrystalDiskInfo
:info: For how to upload a screenshot or file, read
here
Make a Hard Drive test from the mfg website:
Hard Drive Diagnostic Procedure
Disk Check
For errors on your Hard drive(s):
Disk Check
Virus check
Scan your system with the following:
Kaspersky TDSSKiller -
TDSSKiller Rootkit Removal Utility Free Download | Kaspersky Lab US
ESET online scanner -
Online Virus Scanner Eset
Windows Defender Offline
(optional)/in case above two show infection) -
Run Windows Defender Offline
System Temperature
Ensure that there are no heat issues, For monitoring heat of the system use
Piriform - Speccy or
Hardware Monitorhttp://www.cpuid.com/softwares/hwmonitor.html
Daemon Tools/Alcohol %
Daemon Tools (and Alcohol % software) are known to cause BSOD's on some Win7 systems (mostly due to the sptd.sys driver, although we have seen dtsoftbus01.sys blamed on several occasions). Please uninstall the program, then use the following free tool to ensure that the troublesome sptd.sys driver is removed from your system (pick the 32 or 64 bit system depending on your system's configuration):
DuplexSecure - FAQ
As an alternative many people recommend the use of
Total Mounter or
Magic ISO
Memtest86+
Run Memtest86+ for at least 8-10 passes. It may take up to 20 passes to find problems. Make sure to run it once after the system has been on for a few hours and is warm, and then also run it again when the system has been off for a few hours and is cold.
:info:
How to test and diagnose RAM issues with Memtest86+
Note
Pay close attention to part 3 of the tutorial in order to rule the faulty RAM stick out.
Tip
Do this test overnight.
