BSOD issue - Win 7 Home Premium 64bit

[SpaceDude]

About three months ago I had a brand new computer custom built for me. The computer has been having sudden BSODs for no reason that I could see since I originally got it. It seemed to have resolved itself for a while, but recently they started up again and I am trying to figure out how to best deal with this.

They happen both when I am actively using the computer as well as when the computer is simply idle. This is the full retail version of Windows 7 which was the original OS installed on this computer.

I'm attaching the file as directed in the posting instructions link. I'm not incredibly knowledgeable regarding computer hardware so I hope that I supplied all necessary information.

Thanks so much for any help!

 

[fimble]

Hi Spacedude

The majority of your dump files are showing this exact same error:

BugCheck 1A, {41287, 30, 0, 0}

Probably caused by : ntkrnlmp.exe ( nt! ?? ::FNODOBFM::`string'+42ba5 )

STOP 0x0000001A: MEMORY_MANAGEMENT
Usual causes: Device driver, memory, kernel

Run Memtest86+ overnight 7+ passes to check your memory.

RAM - Test with Memtest86+

From your latest dump 011211-33072-01.dmp file

Old driver:

L1C62x64.sys Wed Apr 01 06:09:17 2009 Atheros Ethernet Controller

 

[badkarma11]

Spacedude,

for what it's worth, if the above doesn't help, it might be the Atheros driver. I have a D-Link wireless ethernet card that uses an Atheros driver. It's a Vista driver (nothing newer available) and I have been having random BSODs as well. What do you use for a network/internet connection? Is it wireless or wired? I have similar issues (occasional BSODs and spontaneous reboots) and so far have narrowed it down to this driver. I'm going to disable the device tonight and see how that goes. Good Luck

 

[fimble]

Just re-read your post:

About three months ago I had a brand new computer custom built for me

Might be worth re-checking that your ram is seated properly.

@badkarma11. Try the link in 2nd post.

L1C62x64.sys Thu ‎Oct 21‎ ‏‎15:47:12 2010

 

[badkarma11]

Fimble,
Thanks, good find. I searched for a couple of hours last night and gave up

 

[SpaceDude]

Thanks for the help so far.

Well I completed 11 passes on the memtest program and it didn't find any errors. Of course upon booting into Windows I got those lovely BSODs a few more times So I'm attaching a new dump file in the event that there's something different here.

This may be a dumb question, but how am I supposed to install that Atheros driver? I downloaded the file but I can't figure out what I'm supposed to do with it.

Thanks again.

 

[SpaceDude]

Just re-read your post:

About three months ago I had a brand new computer custom built for me

Might be worth re-checking that your ram is seated properly.

Would the memtest program have returned errors if this was the issue?

 

[SpaceDude]

OK so I figured out how to install the Atheros driver. It seems so obvious to me now! I updated to bios as well.

However I am still having this issue. The weird thing is now the computer crashes on the welcome screen, before Windows even loads. Basically it will continue in this loop until I turn the power off and restart it like that. Following that it will boot into Windows and appear to run with no problems.

I'm attaching the latest dumps - no idea if there's anything new or productive in them, but hopefully it's a decent place to start. I'm also attaching a screen shot of the memtest program just so that I can feel confident that I'm reading it correctly and there are actually no errors.

I really appreciate your help, fimble.

 

[fimble]

All but one (the last, showing the same as post #2 again) of your most recent BSOD's are showing:

STOP 0x0000000A: IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL
Usual causes: Kernel mode driver, System Service, BIOS, Windows, Virus scanner, Backup tool, compatibility

They are all pointing to the file ataport.sys.

Your drivers are all looking good to me now.
The only thing I would say is that Norton AV has caused problems with some windows 7 systems.
I don't think this is your immediate problem here, but I would suggest uninstalling Norton using the Norton Removal Tool for the duration of your BSOD analysis.
Download Microsoft Security Essentials as its replacement.
Make sure your Windows firewall is on! When all is done and dusted you could then try Norton again.


L1C62x64.sys Mon Sep 27 07:36:23 2010

OK, so I figured out how to install the Atheros driver.

That you did. Good Job!!

I think it's time for me to bow out now. I know my limits.

You need a BSOD Master. Not a BSOD Grasshopper!

 

[SpaceDude]

Thanks for all the help, Fimble! I hope someone is able to step in and take your place.

I uninstalled Norton and installed the Microsoft Security Essentials program. Now the crashes seem quicker and worse then before. Frequently they occur before Windows even completes loading. I have also attempted to start the computer in safe mode and the crash occurs there as well.

I'm uploading my latest dump file.

 

[badkarma11]

Fimble,
for what it's worth, I can't find what Atheros chipset my card has, so I haven't changed the drivers.
Spacedude,
Good luck and God Speed