0x000000A STOP error upon boot after BIOS update

[shdowflare]

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

 

[Antman]

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.

 

[shdowflare]

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...

 

[Antman]

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.

 

[shdowflare]

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?

 

[Antman]

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.

 

[shdowflare]

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...

 

[Tews]

I would add them one stick at a time, to rule out possible parity problems...

 

[Antman]

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.

 

[shdowflare]

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

 

[Antman]

To the extent that your known good is valid, use it. Less time on task, stable ground.

 

[shdowflare]

Yes it appears to be a known good image. I loaded it and tried the following so far:

Disabled HD audio
Disabled Marvell IDE/SATA controller
Disabled VIA 1394

I then took out all but one 2GB RAM stick and got the same error. I am about to try re-flashing back to BIOS 0501. I was on 0404 previously but can't download it from the Asus website.

So I stuck all the RAM back in and was getting ready to rollback the BIOS.

Thoughts?

 

[Antman]

Apologies for the delay. Moving from Tyson's Corner to Ashburn.

It might be prudent to run MemTest on all sticks for a day. Some voltage adjustments (not an OC) may be in order.

 

[shdowflare]

Well, here's a quick update for you all. I downflashed back to 0404 and still no boot. So I reinstalled W7x64. It went perfectly smooth with no hitches. So after getting into W7, I used Windows to make an image of itself and built a bootable W7x64 repair disc. Now I've got a known good image.

So I went and attempted the 1202 upgrade again. After doing a CPR CMOS reset, the PC booted and told me BIOS values were invalid, asking to hit F2 for defaults, which I did. Then, low and behold, I went into W7 without the BSOD!

However, I still have lots of drivers to load and am especially concerned about two things:

First of all, which chipset driver should I install? I mean, Asus' website provides older X48 chipset drivers for Vista x64. They seemed to run my PC fine for the last year or so. Or to I go and install the latest Intel X48 drivers that I tried to install before, which may or may not have incapacitated my OS? Any recommendation?

Secondly, you are 100% accurate about the memory voltage. I researched my RAM Dimms last night and found this information on the manufacturer website:

All Modules are tested in two module kits. Due to additional bus load, four module configurations may have to be run at lower frequency and relaxed latencies for stable operation. Test specifications are based on dual core CPUs only. If quad core CPUs are used, higher bus thresholds and core arbitration may necessitate lowering the memory frequency below tested specs.Test specifications are based on dual core CPUs only. If quad core CPUs are used, higher bus thresholds and core arbitration may necessitate lowering the memory frequency below tested specs.

** OCZ EVP (Extended Voltage Protection) is a feature that allows performance enthusiasts to use a VDIMM of 1.95V without invalidating their OCZ Lifetime Warranty.

Source: (OCZ Technology | Products | Memory | OCZ DDR3 PC3-16000 Platinum 4GB Edition)

I am running two pairs of the 4GB kits, as well as a quad-core CPU. So should I play with the RAM settings and adjust them as the manufacturer recommends above, even though W7 is up and running fine? I'm guessing I should or I'll have issues down the road....

Thanks!
B

 

[Antman]

No two systems are identical. You can have all the exact same components, but you still have two different systems that will behave differently.

As your system currently presents itself as working, I would allow it the chance to prove itself stable or unstable - adjusting the voltage(s) as required and in accordance with published specs. Increases in voltages = increases in required air flow/cooling.

Be conservative.

 

[shdowflare]

Got it, so don't adjust anything unless I start having "issues"? And if/when I do start adjusting, just follow the manufacturer recommendation. Is that what you're saying?

Also, I am going to take your advice and run Memtest for an entire day, as you previously recommended. I believe I read elsewhere that it's always good to do that after a BIOS flash.

Lastly, is it advisable to use the latest Intel X48 chipset drivers or should I stick with what Asus published. FYI, Asus still has not published W7 (x86 or x64) drivers for the Rampage Extreme, and I've heard no plans to do so, despite having released them for other similar Asus Rampage platforms.

Thanks Antman!

 

[shdowflare]

Another thought I had... if I do start increasing voltages, I will probably think about switching to a liquid cooling system, since the board has a nice H2O-ready fusion block system that facilitates distribution of coolant across the NB, SB, and CPU. Just need to pick a good cooling reservoir/pump to give it life. Even with 11-12 fans already running in the case, it still runs a bit warm. I've got it packed to gills with power-hungry components!

 

[Antman]

I love my CoolIt Eliminator and will upgrade to a Freezone option (pending development) on my next rig.

The CoolIT Eliminator CPU Cooler Review - The Eliminator - Water Cooling and TEC Technology Combined - Legit Reviews

 

[shdowflare]

Got it, so don't adjust anything unless I start having "issues"? And if/when I do start adjusting, just follow the manufacturer recommendation. Is that what you're saying?

Also, I am going to take your advice and run Memtest for an entire day, as you previously recommended. I believe I read elsewhere that it's always good to do that after a BIOS flash.

Lastly, is it advisable to use the latest Intel X48 chipset drivers or should I stick with what Asus published. FYI, Asus still has not published W7 (x86 or x64) drivers for the Rampage Extreme, and I've heard no plans to do so, despite having released them for other similar Asus Rampage platforms.

Thanks Antman!

Any comments on these thoughts, Antman?

 

[Antman]

...don't adjust anything unless I start having "issues"? And if/when I do start adjusting, just follow the manufacturer recommendation. Is that what you're saying?

Yes.

Also, I am going to take your advice and run Memtest for an entire day, as you previously recommended. I believe I read elsewhere that it's always good to do that after a BIOS flash.

Not a bad idea. It is not unheard of for a BIOS update to include bad settings or code.

Lastly, is it advisable to use the latest Intel X48 chipset drivers or should I stick with what Asus published.

I would use the latest drivers provided by Intel for the chipset. You MUST read the release notes on the Intel site, though. Sometimes, a driver update will appear to include your gear but it may not. The affected chipsets are listed in the release notes.

Any comments on these thoughts, Antman?

No, not really.