BSOD probably due to one/some/all Firefox/Flash Player/Laptop Speakers

[SKG]

Few (stupid) questions: 1> While its all incomprehensible to me, do all the four dump files say the same thing? 2> I don't have an empty pen drive and my CD/DVD burner doesn't work. Is there a normal executable version for this file? 3> Can i work on my laptop while Memtest is going on? Thanks SKG.

 

[essenbe]

No on all accounts. I only looked at 1 dump file. Google+ is a pain and wants to publish it in order to open and look at it. So, I just looked at one. It sure would be easier if you could upload it here. Memtest has to be booted from, either a CD or a USB and you cannot use the computer while it is running because it runs from ram.

 

[SKG]

Sorry about the attachment thing, but for some reason it's just not working for me here, so had to share it on G-Drive. & even if i'm not using the laptop, how can i run Memtest if USB & CD/DVDs are not an option for me? Is there a program which will run from the hard-disk on booting, like one of those BIOS tests? i'm not sure about what i'm saying in the last part of the previous sentence, but i hope you guys do.

 

[essenbe]

A USB drive can be bought for $3 (US). There is no other option that I know of.

 

[SKG]

haha! the cost wasn't the consideration.. anyway, i'll see what i can do... but it can't be done before morning here... that's more than twelve hours from now... anything else that can be done by me/you before then?

 

[essenbe]

Not really. The dump file lists hard drive and Memory errors. Either one can cause the other, so both tests need to be run. There is a seatools installable test, but it is not as good as the bootable one. You will get a better test when the drive you are testing is not in use.

 

[SKG]

Just to confirm: Is this the test I have to run? & is a 4GB (3.80 GB) USB sufficient to run the test? http://www.memtest.org/download/5.01/memtest86+-5.01.usb.installer.zip Also, 1. when you ask me to boot from the USB, how do i do it? 2. my RAM's 3GB, so how much time will it take to run the test? 3. since you have asked me to let it run all night, i'll do so. but what if there's an error? i ask because you have also asked me to stop the test if there's an error. so do i also have to stay up along with Memtest?

 

[essenbe]

Run it for 8 complete passes. I don't know how long that will take. Not that long, to me. My other rig with 8 GB takes 9.5 hours to run 8 passes. so I would suspect, as just a guess, 3 GB would take 4 hours or so. If you get an error, stop the test. Even 1 error is a failure. It appears that is the correct test, just make sure it comes from the link the instructions I gave. There is a ZIP ISO file that you have to Burn to a CD drive and an auto USB installer that will install it on a USB drive. Either one is fine. You can do one of 2 things. All computers have a one time boot menu key, that will allow you to select which device to boot from. Just use the up/down arrow keys to select the device and press enter. It is a different key for almost every manufacturer. Or you can insert the USB, go into bios and change the boot order and make the USB or DVD the first boot device and the hard drive second boot device. After the test, just change it back.

 

[Golden]

I agree with Steve - RAM and the DISK must be checked using the recommended tools and method outlined.

 

[SKG]

Memtest still running after nearly 12 hours

Its been running since yesterday night and still is. I think 8 passes are complete. It says "Passes: 8" as far as I can remember. I can't give the other details as I am not near my computer and I can't recall all the information on-screen. No errors found till now, but it is still running. Do I stop the test? Will it stop by itself?

 

[Golden]

When it ticks over onto Pass 9 then stop the test - it won't stop by itself. Afterwards proceed with SeaTools.

 

[SKG]

Had run more than 11 passes by the time I stopped it. No errors found. Now what? Which one of the Seagate Tools do I use- Windows or DOS? I would prefer the Windows version, as I would like to keep working as well (MS Word & Powerpoint mostly). Can I do that?

 

[essenbe]

With the windows one I believe you can, but the DOS one will give you a more accurate test. It's always a better test when the drive you are testing is not in use bu something else as well.

 

[SKG]

In that case, how long will each take to run?

 

[essenbe]

I really have no idea. The short test should be pretty quick, the long test can be a hour or two at the most I would think.

 

[SKG]

I ran the SeaTools Windows version. These are the results: Long Generic - FAIL SMART Check - Pass Short Drive Self Test - Pass Short Generic - Pass Now what?

 

[SKG]

What do I do next?

 

[essenbe]

Personally I would replace the hard drive. The failure of the long test indicates your hard drive is failing. Then do a full reinstall of Windows. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html

 

[SKG]

Wow! Okay, if you think there's no other recourse then I'll get it done next week. Guess I have to keep taking regular backups till then. Any other suggestions?

 

[essenbe]

Yes, get an SSD. It will be the best upgrade you have ever done to a computer. I have 14 of them, and will never own a computer without one.