BSOD Random times

[LVDFW]

Getting random BSOD's. Though it seems to happen most often when I'm doing more than one thing on the computer and switching programs and/or windows.

I have attached the dump file.

Thanks

 

[Arc]

Those are memory management (0x1A) BSODs but the dumps are not very specific about the probable cause.

In general a stop 0x1A is memory related issue. That means either the physical RAM or a driver passing bad info to the memory. Let us test both the options.

Test your RAM modules for possible errors.

How to Test and Diagnose RAM Issues with Memtest86+
​

Run memtest86+ for at least 8 consecutive passes.

If it start showing errors/red lines, stop testing. A single error is enough to determine that something is going bad there.

If it does not show any error, enable Driver Verifier to monitor the drivers.

Driver Verifier - Enable and Disable
​

Run Driver Verifier for 24 hours or the occurrence of the next crash, whichever is earlier.

   Information

Why Driver Verifier:
It puts a stress on the drivers, ans so it makes the unstable drivers crash. Hopefully the driver that crashes is recorded in the memory dump.

How Can we know that DV is enabled:
It will make the system bit of slow, laggy.

   Warning

Before enabling DV, make it sure that you have earlier System restore points made in your computer. You can check it easily by using CCleaner looking at Tools > System Restore.

If there is no points, make a System Restore Point manually before enabling DV.

   Tip

• If you fail to get on the Desktop because of DV, Boot into Advanced Boot Options > Safe mode. Disable DV there. Now boot normally again, and try following the instruction of enabling DV again.
• If you cannot boot in Safe mode too, do a System Restore to a point you made earlier.

Let us know the results, with the subsequent crash dumps, if any.

   Information

* Before enabling verifier, free up the startup. Windows does not need any other program to auto start with it, but the auto start programs often conflicts and causes various problems including BSODs.

1. Click on the Start button
2. Type “msconfig (without quotes), click the resulting link. It will open the System Configuration window.
3. Select the “Startup” tab.
4. Deselect all items other than the antivirus.
5. Apply > OK
6. Accept then restart.

 

[LVDFW]

Thanks for the reply. My better half just gave me a honey-do list a mile long. I will get to your suggestions this weekend.

 

[Arc]

Thanks for the reply. My better half just gave me a honey-do list a mile long. I will get to your suggestions this weekend.

 

[LVDFW]

Sorry again for my delay. Finally had time to work on this. Ran the test in step #1 and it did show some errors.

From here how can I troubleshoot which stick is bad? Is it best just to replace all of them?

Thanks

 

[Arc]

Sorry again for my delay. Finally had time to work on this. Ran the test in step #1 and it did show some errors.

From here how can I troubleshoot which stick is bad? Is it best just to replace all of them?

Thanks

Now follow the "Part 3: If You Have Errors:" of How to Test and Diagnose RAM Issues with Memtest86+

Errors/red lines means one or more RAM is faulty. But the fault may occur due to a faulty DIMM slot, too, which is a motherboard component. Using memtest86+, you can discriminate between a faulty RAM and a faulty motherboard.

How? Say you have two RAM sticks and two DIMM slots. You obtained errors at the test with all RAM sticks installed. Now, remove all the sticks but one. Test it in all the available slots, one by one. Continue the same procedure for all the available sticks.
How to make the inference that is it a RAM issue or it is a motherboard issue? Suppose you have got the result like that:

test|Slot1|Slot2
RAM1| Error | Error
RAM2|Good|Good

It is a RAM, a bad RAM.

But if you have got a result like that:

test|Slot1|Slot2
RAM1| Error |Good
RAM2| Error |Good

It is a motherboard issue. The particular slot is bad.

If it is a bad RAM, you need to change the RAM. Take the other existing (good) RAM to the shop and get one of the exactly same specification. The best is, get a totally new RAM KIT.

If it is a bad slot, it is a motherboard issue. But changing the motherboard needs a preparation for most of us; so dont populate that slot for the time being.