Solved BSOD, All pointing to memory issues, 0x000000de

[xphen0m]

Hello, for the past couple of weeks, I've been having BSOD crashes at least once every week. Sometimes while using my computer, sometimes while it's idle. The latest one happened a few minutes ago, which is why I'm here. I downloaded a program called Blue Screen View, and EACH AND EVERY BSOD point to a file called ntoskrnl.exe.

The two main errors I've been getting are "IRQL not less or equal" and "memory management". However, the one a few minutes ago stated "Pool Corruption in File Area", once again pointing to ntoskrnl.exe as the cause in BlueScreenView.exe.

Now, I'm beginning to suspect this is my RAM going bad. I say this because I remember when I upgraded to my RAM to 8 GB this past August, I had bought Patriot brand RAM sticks, but I should've read the reviews BEFORE buying it because lots of people were complaining of Patriot RAM failing. Can anyone offer any help to determine what I need to do? I know I need run memtest, and I will hopefully get a chance to do so soon.

I'm running on 8 GB RAM, Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit, Intel Core 2 Duo on a Dell Studio 540 desktop. Windows Vista was originally installed on this system, but I bought and installed Windows 7 over it in January '11. In August '11, I reinstalled as 64 bit when I upgraded my RAM. The system was purchased from Dell in December 2008.

Attached in one file are two DMP files from the two latest BSODs.

 

[Lemur]

Welcome to SF.

For an analysis, you will need to follow these instructions:

http://www.sevenforums.com/crashes-debugging/96879-blue-screen-death-bsod-posting-instructions.html

And you are certainly correct. Please run memtest86+ and let it make at least 7 passes.

 

[xphen0m]

Thank you. I will post the perfmon.html file a little later tonight, I managed to get the other files before I left. They are attached.

 

[Lemur]

Your Intel G43/G45 video driver (2009) needs to be updated.

Your Realtek network driver (2009) needs to be updated.

And run the memtest86+

 

[xphen0m]

As said earlier, here's the HTML file from the performance monitor report.

EDIT:

Question:

I know memtest stresses the CPU. However, whenever my CPU usage is at 100%, the PC fan kicks on and it is LOUD. I know it's dangerous to try this, but is there a way I could disable that fan JUST FOR THE MEMTEST? And then re-enable it afterward?

 

[Lemur]

If updating the drivers solves your problems, then there is no reason to run memtest86+ which, as the name implies, tests your memory. Otherwise, run memtest86+ and don't worry about the fan. I'm not aware of any dangers - plus you should be able to stress you hardware without worry. Otherwise, there is something wrong with your hardware. Do NOT disable your fan - for excessive heat IS a problem.

 

[xphen0m]

Okay, I did run MEMTEST as suggested, and it did find errors on the very first test. Now, I need to find which RAM module (or slot) is bad. Any suggestions?

 

[Lemur]

Remove all modules except one. Test, repeat for all modules individually (don't know if you have 4 x 2 or 2 x 4).

 

[xphen0m]

Eventhough I know I should've let each module pass more than once, I tested all the modules individually for one pass in each slot (e.i. stick 1 in slot 1, stick 2 in slot 2 etc) and none of them failed individually. I also tried (twice with testing two at a time) and still no fails. It only failed on the first test I conducted with all FOUR modules installed, during the first pass.

I'm going to try to test each stick tomorrow with multiple passes in just one single slot and see what that produces. Meanwhile, since the BSODs are happening more frequently, since I also have four modules, I removed one to see if I experience any problems. Then, if I do, I'll remove another, etc.

My PC's second fan has also been running at random recently, like twice or three times a day for about 1-2 seconds each.

This is getting tricky.

 

[Lemur]

Is your memory the same (exactly the same as far as manufacturer and specs) or is it mixed?

 

[xphen0m]

Everything is the same across all four modules. Specs, manufacturer and all. So far, I haven't had any strange issues since removing that one. Hopefully things stay that way.

 

[xphen0m]

Well, to update on the issue, almost a week after I did all the testing and took out the aformentioned RAM module, I haven't had ANY problems since. I will update on the first, and then mark as solved should I not experience any problems.