Chkdsk runs everytime I restart

gregrocker said:

You clearly have RAM errors and now need to determine which stick and/or slot.

gregrocker said:

You clearly have RAM errors and now need to determine which stick and/or slot.

Not following the logic above.

I ran tests to prove I have no RAM errors, both the 2GB alone and with 6 GB inatalled. 7 passes done for each scernario. All of the 6GB of RAM is proven to be good ( or as good as the test anyway).

SP1 did not work with 6GB but it did work with 2GB.

The logical conclusion is that the mass production version of SP1 and its hotfixes simply do not work on 100% of all the hardware scenerios in the world.

The logical conclusion is NOT that I 'clearly have RAM errors". Per memtest6, I would say I clearly do not.

Dave76 said:

1) Test the 6GB (3X2GB) Dell Nanya RAM first.
If no errors,
2) Then pull the 6GB (3X2GB) out.
3) Install the 12Gb (3X4GB) Kingston RAM and test with memteset86+ for a full 7 passes. ......
If there are no errors,
4) Install all 18GB RAM (3X2GB and 3X4GB) and run memtest86+ for a full 7 passes, this will take a long time to complete.

Thanks, and understood.


0) Test the 2GB (1X2GB) Dell Nanya RAM - DONE - no errors found
1) Test the 6GB (3X2GB) Dell Nanya RAM - DONE - no errors found
If no errors,
---------------------
2) Then pull the 6GB (3X2GB) out. TO BE DONE
3) Install the 12Gb (3X4GB) Kingston RAM - TO BE DONE
Install all 18GB RAM (3X2GB and 3X4GB) - TO BE DONE

the mass production version of SP1 and its hotfixes simply do not work on 100% of all the hardware scenerios in the world

I can vouch for the same conclusion. Another typical example is the .NET mess - if any of the innumerable .net hotfixes (for versions 1, 2, 3 and/or 4) mess up, there is no sure way to fix them. Thousands of threads in forums are dealing with this. Microsoft has even developed dedicated cleanup utilities, but they didn't help me much on several occasions.

As I see it, Windows and hardware have evolved to such incomputable complexity that I am willing to accept any crazy theory as to why SP1 fails on some systems, like in your case. While some think it's the lack of or the excessive amount or the specific brands of RAM, I personally would incline towards the specific motherboard at hand. My experience is that OEM motherboards or motherboards in OEM boxes are quite different than the garden variety ones you can buy in a store.

mediaman09 said:

gregrocker said:

You clearly have RAM errors and now need to determine which stick and/or slot.

Not following the logic above.

I ran tests to prove I have no RAM errors, both the 2GB alone and with 6 GB inatalled. 7 passes done for each scernario. All of the 6GB of RAM is proven to be good ( or as good as the test anyway).

SP1 did not work with 6GB but it did work with 2GB.

The logical conclusion is that the mass production version of SP1 and its hotfixes simply do not work on 100% of all the hardware scenerios in the world.

The logical conclusion is NOT that I 'clearly have RAM errors". Per memtest6, I would say I clearly do not.

I am reading error column to show 8 errors, but it may in fact be 0 in that fuzzy screenshot. Sorry if so. Let Dave guide you.

Aplogies for the pics - I could not do the noraml screenshot as there is no way to do that while memtest6 its running and i dont it has nay featires to send to file or printer. Had to take a real pic with a camera of dthe screen. Clicking on posted the thumbnaill was quite readable for me, but I can see wher it could have been mis-read. I ssubsequenlty posted text to show no errors. Anyway, sorry for any confusion.

All memory inidcated no errors after 7 passes with memtest6.

Main point was I could only install Sp1 with 2Gb; could not install it with 6GB.

Final summary of results:

• OEM HD + OEM DVD + FULL MEM = WIN 7 INSTALL SUCCESS BUT BUT CHKDSK ISSUES ON UPDATES
• OEM HD + SYS RECOVER DVD +FULL MEM = WIN 7 INSTALL SUCCESS BUT FAILS ON UPDATES
• NEW HD + OEM DVD + FULL MEM = FAILS TO INSTALL
• NEW HD + ULTRA ISO USB INSTALL + FULL MEM = FAILS TO START INSTALL
• NEW HD + IMGBURN/UNIV USB INSTALL + FULL MEM = FAILS TO COMPLETE INSTALL
• NEW HD + IMGBURN/UNIV USB INSTALL + 2GB DELL RAM = INSTALL SUCCES INCL 94 WINDOWS UPDATES
• NEW HD + IMGBURN/UNIV USB INSTALL + 6GB DELL RAM = CONTINUED SUCCESS UNTIL SP1, WHICH FAILED TO LOAD
• NEW HD + IMGBURN/UNIV USB INSTALL + 2GB DELL RAM = COMPLETED SP1 UPGRADE SUCCESSFULLY

Findings ( my take) :

FINDING #1 : From posts 66 to date, all troubleshooting, testing and install steps had between 2 GB and 6 GB of Dell RAM installed. A brand new hard drive was used. Both DVD and USB installs were attempted. In the end, SP1 only installed with 2GB installed, and not with 6GB. All memory has passed the mmetest6 test. My personal conclusion: SP1 does not work well on some hardware unless memory is pulled back to 2Gb. That statement was made many times is this thread.

FINDING #2: Post 1 to 65 had full ram installed (6 Gb DELL and 12 GB Kiinston) . Memory is compatible by Dell, Kinston and Vendor. Once I was back in business, I pulled out the 6GB and systematically tested, in the same slots, the KINGSTON ram, just to make sure. Stick 1 passed, stick 2 passed, and stick 3 did NOT pass. I as actaully thrilled to have found it. Clearly, the bad stick could indeed have the sole cause, or continued to the cause, of event in posts 1 to 65. This does't detract from FINDING 1, which had nothing to do with Kingston memory.

Status

I have since called Kingston 1-800 and they were amazing. Lifetime warranty, no questions asked, - all they wanted was a e-copy of the bill which I mailed while on the phone with them. they held on until they got it, read it, issued an RMA and a new stick in on the way to me. Once I test it , I return the old one back to them via supplied instructions. Nice!

While I wait fir it, I have 5 of 6 sticks installed (14GB in total), with memtest6 running . all good. Once I see 7 passes, I will then resume the post-SP1 updates, set up my backup strategy, and hopefully get use of that machine again.

Many thanks again to all who assisted here.

Kingston may have the best tech support in the business, from right down the street in Huntington Beach, California. They back their RAM for life and will stick with you troubleshooting any issues for as long as it takes. Glad you found this out and now have them on the case.

Dave76 said:

Glad to hear you found the culprit, Ram testing is a long process. Still would like to find the reason why SP1 doesn't want to install. Let us know how it's going.

Ya, re Finding 2, glad I found the bad stick as well. FedEx came Friday but nobody home, so I'll get it Monday.

Re Finding 1, why SP1 installs only with 2GB but not more, cant help ya there... that issue is not unique to me, as you noted in post 70, :

Dave76 said:

"We have seen RAM cause many installation issues. If you are having any OS installation issues, take out all but one RAM card, 2GB RAM is good to install your OS with.".