Solved BSOD, Bug Check Code x 0x00000124. Please help understand dump file

[woodmin]

I am new to this. Please help understand the reason for BSOD (file attached).

Note: this is an edit of initial message with details updated.

1. I had original Windows 10 installed on my Intel NUC PC and was getting very frequent BSODs. Updated all drivers. It did not help.
2. Then I installed Windows 7 x64 with driver updates from Intel instead. BSODs appeared again. The same 0x00000124. Not so often as on Windows 10 but still.
I have to admit I installed Windows 7 x64 from CD version I found on torrent site just to test if it brakes the same as my original Windows 10. Of course the guys on the forum refused to look into the Dump files because of PID mismatch.
3. So finally I bought an original Windows 7 x64 PRO instead. BSODs again. Anyway it was worth it as at least it BSODs less often than Windows 10.

But the problem remains and it is probably hardware.
But no idea what to look for - processor, RAM?

Could anyone please look into the dump file and advise?
Attached the latest version.

 

[axe0]

Please read BSOD Posting Instructions

 

[woodmin]

Edited the original question according to requirements

I just edited the original question according to forum requirements (added relevant ZIP file). Thank you!

 

[axe0]

You are running an Acer Product ID (PID) on an Intel board.
This makes your installation counterfeit.
Troubleshooting a counterfeit installation is useless as it is not known what has been modified to your system.
A counterfeit installation contains heavily modified code which causes the system to behave in unexpected ways.
For this reason, analyzing counterfeit systems is unreliable and most analysts won't try it.

OS Configuration:          Standalone Workstation
OS Build Type:             Multiprocessor Free
Registered Owner:          User
Registered Organization:   
Product ID:                [COLOR="Red"]00426-OEM-8992662-00006[/COLOR] <-- Acer PID on Intel board
Original Install Date:     4/11/2016, 10:22:32 AM
System Boot Time:          4/27/2016, 5:04:14 PM
System Manufacturer:       INTEL

I recommend to install a genuine copy of Windows.
If, after you have installed a genuine copy of Windows, you still get BSOD's we'll be happy to assist you.

 

[woodmin]

I just made changes to my my Windows 7 installation and edited the original question according to the last comments. Please help!

 

[axe0]

Could you elaborate what you mean with 'I just made changes to my my Windows 7 installation', what changes did you made?
If the changes you made are only changing the activation > that won't be enough.

 

[woodmin]

I brought the PC to authorized computer service. They formatted and installed a completely fresh Windows 7 on it.

 

[axe0]

Please go to Genuine Microsoft Software and verify your activation, please make a screenshot of the result and post it so I can see it too.

Experience learns that tech support shops install counterfeit installations to be cheap so I want to be sure about it.

 

[woodmin]

Here it goes. Did not find a way to switch the language. But I guess the view is familiar.

 

[axe0]

I have 1 final question for now, from what source is the installation media of your current installation? If it is from the torrent you downloaded then there is a chance of malware and in that case I would suggest to do (again) a clean install of Windows 7 using a different installation media that isn't infected. Malware can affect a system in unknown ways and causes many problems, to ensure we don't get any trouble with malware a clean installation (with a full format) would be required.

 

[woodmin]

I called the computer service and they confirmed: The dump files that are attached are from Windows 7 Pro installed from clean original installation CD after full repartition and reformat of PC disk. So to my understanding there is no chance of malware or residues of earlier "dirty" Windows 7 installation.

 

[axe0]

Alright, good to know
Please follow below instructions.

STOP 0x124 Troubleshooting

Read carefully before proceeding.

   Warning

If you're overclocking your system, revert back to stock clocks now.

   Note

Test the system once the overclock is removed before continuing with the steps outlined below.

Part One: CPU Stress Test
Part Two: MemTest86+ RAM Diagnostic
Part Three: Hard Drive Diagnostics
Part Four: GPU Stress Test

ONE

 CPU TEST

Run Prime95 and/or IntelBurnTest to stress test your CPU. Prime95 - Stress Test Your CPU - Windows 10 Forums & http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/220743-cpu-stress-test-using-intelburntest.html

   Warning

Your CPU temperatures will rise quickly while under this stress test. Keep a keen eye on them and abort the test if overheating occurs.

Make a photo of the result and post it.

TWO

 RAM TEST

Run MemTest86+ to analyse your RAM. MemTest86+ - Test RAM - Windows 7 Help Forums

   Note

MemTest86+ needs to be run for at least 8 complete passes for conclusive results. Set it running before you go to bed and leave it overnight. We're looking for zero errors here. Even a single error will indicate RAM failure.

Make a photo of the result and post it please.

Addition:
If errors show up you can stop the test, remove all sticks but 1 and test this single stick in each slot for 8 passes or until errors show, switch sticks and repeat.
If errors show up and you see them a lot later, no problem, the errors don't affect the test.

THREE

 HDD TEST

Run SeaTools to check the integrity of your HDD. SeaTools for DOS and Windows - How to Use - Windows 7 Help Forums
Run following tests

1. Short Drive Self Test
2. Short generic
3. Long generic

If the short generic fails, no need for the long generic.

   Note

Do not run SeaTools on an SSD as the results will be invalid.

Post screenshots/photos of the test results

Run chkdsk
Disk Check - Windows 7 Help Forums

Run HDTune to

• scan for errors, no quick scan but full scan
• check the health,
• benchmark.

It may take some time, but please take the time you need to perform it properly.
When above is done please make screenshots of the following

• the error scan,
• the health,
• the benchmark incl. following
  • transfer rate,
  • access time,
  • burst rate,
  • cpu usage.

FOUR

 GPU TEST

Run Furmark to stress test your GPU. FurMark - GPU Stress Test - Windows 7 Help Forums

   Note

Run Furmark for around 30 minutes.

   Warning

Your GPU temperatures will rise quickly while Furmark is running. Keep a keen eye on them and abort the test if overheating occurs.

Make a photo of the result and post it.

 

[woodmin]

Test Results

Hi,
I ran all the tests except MemTest - I work remotely now and have no physical access to the machine. So I can't plugin USB stick and run the test.
However I hope that the other test will be enough for initial diagnose.

1. SSD Test - seems OK.
2. GPU Test - seems OK.
3. CPU Test - fails even on Standard load. Seems like CPU overheats and thus becomes unstable (?).

I read about NUC getting noisy as the fan tries hard to cool it down. But at least it cools the CPU down.
In my case I tried to put the fan into max RPM mode through BIOS, but even that does not help. Still giving "unstable" result under test load.

Should I 1) put the thing into other case with better cooling, b) change/return the thing under warranty (would not want to as generally it is a cool small machine if not the stability issues)?
And what do I say to the seller: is CPU just overheating or it is faulty? What do those errors in Intel Burn Test results mean?

Sorry for a lot of newbie questions, but I am just confused. Thank you for your help and advice!

 

[axe0]

The CPU is overheating what can eventually cause hardware damage on the CPU.
What cooler do you use and when was the last time the thermal paste was replaced?

 

[woodmin]

I bought and started using the PC (brand new) in January. So thermal paste was not replaced. The cooler is stock.
I will probably try to replace the case and come back with the results.

 

[woodmin]

Changed original NUC5i7RYH case to Akasa Plato X Slim Fanless Chassis

It took some time but finally I ordered and changed original NUC5i7RYH case to Akasa Plato X fanless case. Overheating and stability issues were all immediately solved! It was hard to believe that fanless case can be better than the original one with fan. Even on very high IntelBurn load CPU remained below the critical temperature threshold and was reported stable.
So if you are like me and struggling with overheating NUC5i7RYH spitting BSODs every few days, just buy Akasa Plato X - it really works.
Thank you axe0 for all the help in figuring out the problem!

 

[axe0]

You're welcome

Glad I could help.