Many crashes, even after re-building half of the PC

[Kayleigh]

Hi everyone,

I brought an Acer Aspire M3641 about a year ago with the following specs:

- CPU Q660 Intel Core 2 Quad 2.4GHz
- 4GB DDR2 memory
- 640 GB HDD
- Blu-ray drive
- nVidia GeForce 7100
- Windows Vista 32 bit

I thought the PC would last a good few years with that spec, and didn't think I'd need to replace it for a while. Just after xmas I got lots of crashing and BSOD, then the power button broke, and I decided rather than buy a whole new PC I'd try and replace faulty parts. I couldn't re-install Windows Vista using the recovery disc as it kept crashing during the grey 'loading windows' screen. It would freeze up completely and I'd have to hold the power button to shut it down.

First I brought a 500GB western digital HDD and installed Windows 7, thinking Windows must be corrupt.. and it kept crashing when trying to install windows. Accessing BIOS information and anything before Windows was fine, just installing it on the new HDD proved a problem.

I took a stick of 512 MB DDR2 RAM from my old computer, and it worked fine, albeit very slowly. Thought I'd fixed the issue, so brought a brand new case for the computer (due to the power button being faulty on the original), and brought some new RAM. The new RAM is 4GB Crucial Ballistix with 800MHz DDR2 CL4 (the old stuff was CL5, no idea what specs the 512MB was), tried to replace the old ram as closely as possible.

Once I'd got the new RAM in, I checked the Windows panel and it said only 2.75GB was usuable, and I checked to see it was running okay, and the computer crashed. Nothing strenous, just being on firefox or installing something.

Decided maybe it wasn't getting enough power, or that one of the slots could be faulty, so I have brought a new power supply (X Power 580 watts) and am now running on one stick of RAM (2GB). Tried playing a low graphics game, Hospital Tycoon.. and the game crashes after less than 10 minutes of playing. I have also brought a new graphics card (the nVidia stuff was intregrated) so I'm now running ATI Radeon HD4850 1GB.

If this has been confusing, this is the computer's revised specs:

CPU - Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 - 2.4GHz
Motherboard - MSI nVidia MCP73PV
Memory - Crucial Ballistix DDR2 - 4GB (2 x 2GB) 800 MHz
Graphics Card(s) - ATI Radeon HD4850 1GB GDDR3 + nVidia GeForce7100
Hard Drives - Western Digital 500 GB + 640 GB
PSU - X-Power GTX Light 580 watts
Case - Antec nine hundred two
Cooling - 4 x fans (built into the case)

No idea whats wrong, really don't want to have to replace the motherboard and processor, could these be the problem, or is it RAM related..? Any ideas anyone? Could the motherboard be incompatible with all the upgrades? OR is it because I'm on Windows 7 32 bit not 64 bit?

Thanks for reading all of this, any help would be appreciated!

 

[DocBrown]

Sounds like you have a lot of good hardware here to work with. What version of win7 32bit is it & where did you get it? Have you run Memtestx86 on each ram stick one at a time. Do you have any mindump files you can attach here for one of our experts to analize ?

 

[Kayleigh]

I have found 3 minidump files.. and I'm running Windows 7 32 bit Professional. I got the copy from my University, so its a legitmate copy with its own product key etc. Not run the memory test yet, where can I find it?

 

[DocBrown]

Memtest here at Major Geeks

|MG| Memtest86 3.5 Download

We will get somebody to look at your mindumps

 

[usasma]

Running the dumps now....

 

[usasma]

3 memory dumps, 3 different errors, 3 different causes - this is (IMO) the start of a pattern that says it's a hardware failure.

I would suggest starting with these diagnostics:

H/W Diagnostics:
Please start by running these bootable hardware diagnostics:
Memory Diagnostics (read the details at the link)
HD Diagnostic (read the details at the link)

Also, please run one of these free, independent online malware scans to ensure that your current protection hasn't been compromised: Malware (read the details at the link)

If they don't show anything, then try this:

CHKDSK /R /F:
Run CHKDSK /R /F from an elevated (Run as adminstrator) Command Prompt.
When it tells you it can't do it right now - and asks you if you'd like to do it at the next reboot - answer Y (for Yes) and press Enter. Then reboot and let the test run. It may take a while for it to run, but keep an occasional eye on it to see if it generates any errors. See "CHKDSK LogFile" below in order to check the results of the test.

Elevated Command Prompt:
Go to Start and type in "cmd.exe" (without the quotes)
At the top of the Search Box, right click on Cmd.exe and select "Run as administrator"

CHKDSK LogFile:
Go to Start and type in "eventvwr.msc" (without the quotes) and press Enter
Expand the Windows logs heading, then select the Application log file entry.
Double click on the Source column header.
Scroll down the list until you find the Chkdsk entry (wininit for Win7) (winlogon for XP).
Copy/paste the results into your next post.

And then this:

Try this free video stress test: FurMark: Graphics Card Stability and Stress Test, OpenGL Benchmark and GPU Temperature | oZone3D.Net
Try this free stress test: http://www.mersenne.org/freesoft/

Summary of the BSOD's:

Built by: 7600.16385.x86fre.win7_rtm.090713-1255
Debug session time: Sun Feb  7 09:44:19.183 2010 (GMT-5)
System Uptime: 0 days 1:01:29.853
BugCheck C5, {1e53cc, 2, 1, 82b30067}
*** WARNING: Unable to verify timestamp for ccHPx86.sys
*** ERROR: Module load completed but symbols could not be loaded for ccHPx86.sys
Probably caused by : ccHPx86.sys ( ccHPx86+1c7ed )
DEFAULT_BUCKET_ID:  VISTA_DRIVER_FAULT
PROCESS_NAME:  symcdefsv5i32.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Built by: 7600.16385.x86fre.win7_rtm.090713-1255
Debug session time: Sun Feb  7 10:29:37.688 2010 (GMT-5)
System Uptime: 0 days 0:00:10.748
BugCheck 124, {0, 863fb8fc, 0, 0}
Probably caused by : hardware
DEFAULT_BUCKET_ID:  VISTA_DRIVER_FAULT
PROCESS_NAME:  System
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Built by: 7600.16385.x86fre.win7_rtm.090713-1255
Debug session time: Sun Feb  7 11:32:48.358 2010 (GMT-5)
System Uptime: 0 days 0:00:29.418
DEFAULT_BUCKET_ID:  VISTA_DRIVER_FAULT
PROCESS_NAME:  System

 

[Kayleigh]

Just running the memory test now.. all seems good so far. It's annoying because right now, the computer seems to be running fine. After a while or so it will just randomly freeze though and I'll have to force shut down and start it up again. The RAM is brand new so its annoying that it hasn't completely fixed the issue (although it's certainly helped).

Also, I've got Norton Internet Security 2010 installed, so it should be fully protected.

I will go through the other tests when this memory one is done Thanks for the help!

 

[Kayleigh]

Memory test has come out fine... have only done it for the 2GB thats in there though. I will try the HD diag now.

Just noticed the RAM says '2.0V' on it, couldn't seem to find settings to change the voltage in the BIOS, or to adjust the latency timings.. could this be the issue? Or do you think other hardware is at fault?

 

[DocBrown]

I could not find the timing spec for your computer. Some Brand Name computers have the timing locked in the Bios by default.

Features/Specifications: Main Specifications Product DescriptionAcer Aspire M3641-ED2200A - Pentium Dual Core E2200 2.2 GHzTypePersonal computerForm FactorMicro towerDimensions (WxDxH)14.6 in x 17.9 in x 7.2 inLocalizationUnited StatesProcessor1 x Intel Pentium Dual Core E2200 / 2.2 GHz ( Dual-Core )Cache Memory1 MB L2 cacheCache Per Processor1 MBRAM4 GB (installed) / 4 GB (max) - DDR2 SDRAMStorage ControllerSerial ATA ( Serial ATA-300 )Hard Drive1 x 500 GB - standard - Serial ATA-300Optical StorageDVD±RW / DVD-RAMCard ReaderYesMonitorNone.Graphics ControllerNVIDIA GeForce 7100Audio OutputSound card - 7.1 channel surroundNetworkingNetwork adapter - Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit EthernetOS ProvidedMicrosoft Windows Vista Home PremiumManufacturer Warranty1 year warrantyGeneralTypePersonal computerProduct Form FactorMicro towerWidth14.6 inDepth17.9 inHeight7.2 inLocalizationUnited StatesProcessorTypeIntel Pentium Dual Core E2200 / 2.2 GHzMulti-Core TechnologyDual-Core64-bit ComputingYesInstalled Qty1Max Supported Qty1Cache MemoryTypeL2 cacheInstalled Size1 MBCache Per Processor1 MBMainboardChipset TypeNVIDIA GeForce 7100 / nForce 630iData Bus Speed800 MHzRAMInstalled Size4 GB / 4 GB (max)TechnologyDDR2 SDRAMForm FactorDIMM 240-pinConfiguration Features2 x 2 GBStorage ControllerType1 x Serial ATA - integratedController Interface TypeSerial ATA-300StorageHard Drive1 x 500 GB - standard - Serial ATA-300Optical StorageTypeDVD±RW / DVD-RAMCard ReaderTypeCard readerSupported Flash Memory CardsCompactFlash Card type I, CompactFlash Card type II, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, Microdrive, MultiMediaCard, SD Memory Card, Memory Stick Duo, xD-Picture Card, Memory Stick PRO Duo, miniSD, RS-MMC, MultiMediaCardmobileMonitorMonitor TypeNone.Graphics ControllerGraphics Processor / VendorNVIDIA GeForce 7100Digital Video StandardHigh-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)Audio OutputTypeSound card - integratedSound Output Mode7.1 channel surroundCompliant StandardsHigh Definition AudioSpeaker(s)2 x right / left channelInput DeviceTypeMouse, keyboardKeyboardInterfaceUSBLocalization and LayoutEnglishMouseInterfaceUSBNetworkingNetworkingNetwork adapter - integratedData Link ProtocolEthernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit EthernetExpansion / ConnectivityExpansion Bays Total (Free)4 ( 3 ) x internal - 3.5" x 1/3H
2 ( 1 ) x front accessible - 5.25" x 1/2H
2 ( 2 ) x front accessible - 3.5" x 1/3HExpansion Slots Total (Free)1 ( 0 ) x processor
2 ( 0 ) x memory
2 ( 2 ) x PCI
1 ( 1 ) x PCI Express x1
1 ( 1 ) x PCI Express x16Interfaces1 x network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - RJ-45
1 x display / video - VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15)
1 x headphones - output - mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm
1 x microphone - input - mini-phone 3.5 mm
1 x display / video - HDMI
1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire)
1 x serial - RS-232 - 9 pin D-Sub (DB-9)
1 x mouse - generic - 6 pin mini-DIN (PS/2 style)
1 x keyboard - generic - 6 pin mini-DIN (PS/2 style)
6 x audio
8 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A ( 4 in front )PowerDevice TypePower supplyPower Provided300 WattOperating System / SoftwareOS ProvidedMicrosoft Windows Vista Home Premium - English / FrenchSoftwareAdobe Acrobat Reader, Acer Empowering Technology, Microsoft Works 8.5, McAfee Internet Security Suite (Trial), Acer GameZone, Acer Arcade Live, eSobi (OEM), Microsoft Office 2007 Home and Student Edition (60 days trial), NTI CD&DVD-Maker Gold (OEM)Manufacturer WarrantyService & Support1 year warrantyService & Support DetailsLimited warranty - 1 year

 

[Kayleigh]

The timings for the new RAM is 4-4-4-12.. I just can't see anywhere to input this in the BIOS. It gives me options of 32 64 and 128.. maybe some other lower settings and it's on 64.

Anyway, I just thought perhaps my game was crashing, so I popped the other 2GB back into the computer (so its now running on 4GB of new RAM again), started up Hospital Tycoon, put all the fans on a medium setting rather than low (thinking things could be overheating?) and it crashed after about a minute of playing. I forced shut down, started it back up and started playing with the keyboard, wanted to put the wrist rest on, and I got a very strange error come up on the screen. It was completely black, and I've taken a screenshot.. however, I started up firefox to upload it to the forum and the computer froze, AGAIN. I'm on my mac now, so I can't access the PC's files but it said something like the file was located in C:/Program Files/NOS/bin/gethelper.dll (as far as I remember!).

I'm guessing because it crashed it might have stored another couple of minidumps?

Just tried to restart to get the minidumps and error screenshot, got the error again, and it crashed on that screen. Photo attached

 

[Kayleigh]

sorry, photo attached here of the error.

 

[DocBrown]

Have you tried a repair install ?

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html

 

[Kayleigh]

I havent tried a repair because I have just been using the PC for a couple of hours trouble free. Running like normal browsing the web and installing software.

However when trying to play a game it freezes with the that picture on the screen and all i can do is reset/reboot.

Im confused as it worked perfectly then as soon as a game starts it freezes. Is this usual?

Thanks

 

[ickymay]

sorry, photo attached here of the error.

this View attachment 52752 is the adobe getplus helper , I suggest unninstall adobe and see if the error stops ?

if you only need a pdf reader simply use perfect pdf reader which is free and no bloat

Also, I've got Norton Internet Security 2010 installed, so it should be fully protected.

I will go through the other tests when this memory one is done Thanks for the help!

I would also suggest removing Norton completely and using something like MSE just for the purpose of eliminating Norton from the list of possible causes

 

[Kayleigh]

Just a quick update. I have re-installed adobe reader and that error message has gone...so one problem solved Would the anti virus really cause the computer to crash? I have downloaded GPUZ to check my graphics card temp and fan speed. At no load on GPU it is at around 30 degrees C and i dont see it shooting up so high it would crash after loading the game and running for 2 mins. I will try removing norton and i will let you know how it goes.

 

[Kayleigh]

Removed norton and it still crashes. The computer will load game and run for around 1-2 mins then just freezes on the game screen and no option but to reset/turn off at switch.

 

[ickymay]

Removed norton and it still crashes. The computer will load game and run for around 1-2 mins then just freezes on the game screen and no option but to reset/turn off at switch.

have you got the latest bios on your motherboard ?

have you checked the motherboard manufacturers website to see if your ram is on their supported list ?

 

[Kayleigh]

I honestly dont know. The motherboard give me no clues by looking at it for which manufacturer it is. When i went into bios i got found the mainboard name and it is MCP73PV. From googling this i found a motherboard on gateways website that looks idenctical and its called a Nvidia MSI MCP73PV. I have gone to MSI and there is no motherboard on there site that matches! On gateways site ther is a BIOS update to download but i dont want to download if its not right. The computer the motherboard is from is an Acer.

Also I have found no supported RAM lists...only the fact that it takes DDR2 533 / 667 / 800 SDRAM.

 

[ickymay]

I honestly dont know. The motherboard give me no clues by looking at it for which manufacturer it is. When i went into bios i got found the mainboard name and it is MCP73PV. From googling this i found a motherboard on gateways website that looks idenctical and its called a Nvidia MSI MCP73PV. I have gone to MSI and there is no motherboard on there site that matches! On gateways site ther is a BIOS update to download but i dont want to download if its not right. The computer the motherboard is from is an Acer.

Also I have found no supported RAM lists...only the fact that it takes DDR2 533 / 667 / 800 SDRAM.

its an MSI MCP73PV and theres a gateway site for driver and bios downloads, the latest bios listed is for the 18/08/2008 .....

please download and run CPU-Z select the mainboard tab and note down the bios version and date then compare it to bios version on the gateway site

while you have CPU-Z open go to the memory and speed tabs take screenshots of both and post them here please

please let us know if you are still getting crashes or freezes

 

[Kayleigh]

Brought a new processor and motherboard.. AMD Phenom 955 3.2GHz quad core, and Gigabyte motherboard, and the problem is now solved and I'm averaging a 7.3 windows score! So if you wish to close or lock the thread, feel free.

Thanks for all of your help.