0x000000A STOP error upon boot after BIOS update

Guys,

I wasn't quite sure where to post this question, but since I suspect it's related to the recent BIOS update of my Asus Rampage Extreme from 0404 to 1202, the hardware forum seemed right.

Basically, I did two things at the same time. I had updated my chipset drivers and during the post-install reboot, I updated the BIOS. Upon booting, I noticed the Windows boot process begins (the W7 logo formulates), but before I make it to the login prompt I see the dreaded BSOD with a 0x000000A STOP error.

At first I thought it was the chipset driver, as I have never had any issues with BIOS upgrades before. So I focused there. I was able to use the System Repair function a few times to complete two separate system restores to help ensure the chipset driver had been rolled back. No dice. Still getting the same error just before login.

Next I actually used my Acronis recovery software to restore the entire C: volume to its state on Saturday afternoon when I took the last full backup. The restore completed successfully. The error persists.

Now what? The BIOS is set to factory defaults! I may have to toy around with some settings? Or do you guys think this is a Windows software issue and not related to the BIOS or hardware?

I saw this article on the Vista forums that seemed similar to my situation but I'm pretty sure this "bug" was fixed with Windows 7.

Vista x64 Stop 0x0000000A - Vista Forums

BTW, I'm running W7 Enterprise x64 with 8GB RAM.

Thanks in advance!
B

BIOS updates commonly revert settings to default.

When you updated the chipset driver and the BIOS concurrently - you changed the reader (chipset driver) and the book (BIOS) at the same time. Unwise.

Since you restored an image, it is logical that you should modify the BIOS to your desired settings. Boot and test for stability. Apply chipset driver update.

Please note: Some chipset driver updates require the re-installation of all other device drivers. Changing the way the mobo is addressed sometimes requires advising the mobo components about that change.

I was running at default BIOS settings before, I'm not an OC'er. I guess I should just poke around in the BIOS?

TIA...

BIOS settings are not limited to overclocking. Some BIOS's do not include any overclock settings. Of course, your Asus BIOS does include these, but is not limited to them.

Default settings in BIOS version 1 may be different than default settings in BIOS version 2. Asus does provide a limited description of changes in each BIOS history, but it is not always useful or complete.

A typical requirement in Windows 7 is proving to be a need to adjust voltages on the NorthBridge, and sometimes for the RAM. Do not confuse this need with overclocking - and I am not saying that you will need to. But I would bet a dollar that you should with 8GB RAM. At least a single bump or two.

A trick that works for some - Install Win7 with only two RAM sticks attached. Attain stability (drivers, updates, etc) Insert remaining RAM.

Check your BIOS for any apparent requirements for your particular system. For instance, if you use eSATA drives, ensure that you have AHCI enabled for the appropriate controller. Ensure that PAE is enabled.

Also, I advise that you disable any and all onboard devices that you do not use. And do not Reserve IRQ for VGA, disable Legacy USB , et cetera.

I took someone's advice and tried to reinstall Windows 7. Their thought was if I could get the install to go, then it was a Windows software issue. Well I did get it to go, sort of. The install froze at the last part where it said "Setup is now restarting your computer". I had to manually reset it, but then the OS came up fine.

Still, because the OS installed onto the system, I figured, "this must be a Windows issue so I'm going to put my known good image back on the PC". After doing that, I got the same blue screen again.

So then I figured I would reinstall a clean version of Windows 7, and just start from scratch. If I was able to do before reimaging, I should be able to get the system back online and start reinstalling drivers and applications, one by one.

Unfortunately, the W7 install froze at an earlier point in the Setup process this time, on the screen where it lists the five or six main steps of the process. It was frozen on the last one "Completing Installation of Windows" or something similar to that. I gave it a good 8 hours before giving up on it.

So I guess I'm convinced now, the BIOS needs to be adjusted or possibly rolled back. I was actually perfectly happy with my PC on the older BIOS. I probably should have left it alone, same with the chipset drivers. All was working fine. I was just being anal about having the latest and greatest software running my computer.

So I guess now I'll go back and try some of your suggestions, though I'm not sure I quite follow the ones about increasing voltage. Just don't know by how much? And you're recommending to remove three of my 2GB RAM DIMMs so I only have 2GB in there, correct? Even though it was installing fine with 8GB for my previous two Vista 64-bit installations and previous two W7 64-bit installations, right?

What do you think about rolling back my BIOS?

Only an examination of your BIOS change/hidtory log can reveal if a rollback is needed.

Windows 7 is not Vista. The simplest test is to remove the RAM and install. Add the RAM back.

If the above trick works, then a voltage boost is a possible solution - a known fix for many Asus boards.

ALWAYS adjust voltage settings conservatively. One step each time to test.

Got it so your advice is to install Windows 7 with one 2GB stick. If it works without a hitch, I can assume it's a power issue to the memory. So then I put in the other three sticks, and then automatically increase voltage of the RAM, or the NB?

Thanks...

shdowflare said:

Got it so your advice is to install Windows 7 with one 2GB stick. If it works without a hitch, I can assume it's a power issue to the memory. So then I put in the other three sticks, and then automatically increase voltage of the RAM, or the NB?

Thanks...

Where the solution is working, adjustments were made to both. Do NB first, though, and test. One bump. If it fails, lower the NB to default and bump RAM one step.. If it fails, bump NB and RAM one single step above default.

You may have to adjust either one of them by more than one step upward, but I doubt it.

While this is a known fix, no one is saying that the correct balance is easy to find. You fortunate to have such a nice board - it will readily accomodate the increased needs of Win7.

Just BE CONSERVATIVE.

Thanks a ton guys! Should I put that known good OS image back on there and start toying with these options? Or should I try the Win7 setup while adjusting them?

TIA,
B