Solved BSOD randomly (0x000000F4)

[Correro]

Hello,

I'm having problems with my laptop, with some random BSOD. The system spec are:

Packard Bell Easynote TS45HR
Intel Core I5 2430M
Nvidia Geforce 540M 2GB VRAM
750 GB HDD
4 GB DDR3 ram

Windows 7 home premium OEM (I have no win7 disk or driver...).
Antivirus: MSE


I have got 2 BSOD during this week, without doing nothing special (searching in the internet with chrome) with the following error:

--------------
A problem has been detected and windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer (etc).

Technical information:

*** STOP: 0x000000F4 (0x0000000000000003, 0xFFFFFA8009455780, 0xFFFFFA8009455A60, 0xFFFFF80002FD8F40)

Collecting data for crash dump ...
Initializing disk for crash dump ...
---------------

I did not try ctrl alt del combination, I just did not thought about it and press the on/off buttom.

After each BSOD the laptop restart normally; it is brand new (only two weeks).
I don't know what it can be, and I will be grateful to any idea/opinion regarding this problem.

At the moment of writing this post, windows is downloading an actualization, I don't know if it is relevant.

Please find attached to this post the "system health report" and the folder "windows NT6 BSOD".

Thanks in advanced,

Correro

 

[JMH]

We do need the DMP file as it contains the only record of the sequence of events leading up to the crash, what drivers were loaded, and what was responsible.

If you are overclocking STOP

You may be able to get the DMP files without crashing by booting into safe mode (F8) with networking.

To enable us to assist you with your computer's BSOD symptoms, upload the contents of your "\Windows\Minidump" folder.

The procedure:

* Copy the contents of \Windows\Minidump to another (temporary) location somewhere on your machine.
* Zip up the copy.
* Attach the ZIP archive to your post using the "paperclip" (file attachments) button.
*If the files are too large please upload them to a file sharing service like "Rapidshare" and put a link to them in your reply.

To ensure minidumps are enabled:

* Go to Start, in the Search Box type: sysdm.cpl, press Enter.
* Under the Advanced tab, click on the Startup and Recovery Settings... button.
* Ensure that Automatically restart is unchecked.
* Under the Write Debugging Information header select Small memory dump (256 kB) in the dropdown box (the 256kb varies).
* Ensure that the Small Dump Directory is listed as %systemroot%\Minidump.
* OK your way out.
* Reboot if changes have been made.

 

[Correro]

Thank you for answer JMH

I follow this steps:

-------------
To ensure minidumps are enabled:
Quote:
* Go to Start, in the Search Box type: sysdm.cpl, press Enter.
* Under the Advanced tab, click on the Startup and Recovery Settings... button.
* Ensure that Automatically restart is unchecked.
* Under the Write Debugging Information header select Small memory dump (256 kB) in the dropdown box (the 256kb varies).
* Ensure that the Small Dump Directory is listed as %systemroot%\Minidump.
* OK your way out.
* Reboot if changes have been made.
---------------------------------------

but I do not found any Minidump folder at the windows folder. I have enable the option to "see hidden folders and files", but there is no such a folder in my laptop

I search "minidump" in the start search box, and I found this file:

$_WMIC_recoveros

I open it with the note pad and shows:


AutoReboot=FALSE
Caption=
DebugFilePath=%SystemRoot%\MEMORY.DMP
DebugInfoType=3
Description=
ExpandedDebugFilePath=C:\Windows\MEMORY.DMP
ExpandedMiniDumpDirectory=C:\Windows\Minidump
KernelDumpOnly=FALSE
MiniDumpDirectory=%SystemRoot%\Minidump
Name=Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium |C:\Windows|\Device\Harddisk0\Partition3
OverwriteExistingDebugFile=TRUE
SendAdminAlert=FALSE
SettingID=
WriteDebugInfo=TRUE
WriteToSystemLog=TRUE




AllocatedBaseSize=3947
Caption=C:\pagefile.sys
CurrentUsage=0
Description=C:\pagefile.sys
InstallDate=20110918151726.554408+120
Name=C:\pagefile.sys
PeakUsage=0
Status=
TempPageFile=FALSE


-----------------------
is this what is needed? if not, please help me to find the minidump folder, because there must be something that im doing wrong...

By the way, I have had another BSOD just 10 minutes ago, this time the technical information was 0x0000007A

When the Blue screen shows this:

Collecting data for crash dump ...
Initializing disk for crash dump ...

I freeze completely. I try to rebbot with Ctrl+alt+del but it did not work, so I reboot using the power buttom.

I was performing a virus scan with the mse.

Thanks a lot for your help,

Correro

PD: I have no idea, but... a humble guess: maybe the hard disk stop working and the SO do not write the minidump folder. I have no idea about this things, just a guess...

 

[JMH]

* There are several reasons that may prevent you from having a DMP file in the usual places.

If you control panel is not configured for small dump you probably will then find it in C:\windows and it will be called MEMORY.dmp. It will overwrite every crash.

Other reasons are if you have UAC turned off, if you have a small page file, or a page file on a different HD than the OS.

* Suggest you also run a Check Disk. {Option 8}
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/433-disk-check.html

 

[Correro]

Hello again, I have been working on your suggestions:

---------------
* There are several reasons that may prevent you from having a DMP file in the usual places.

If you control panel is not configured for small dump you probably will then find it in C:\windows and it will be called MEMORY.dmp. It will overwrite every crash.

--> I already change the configuration with the steps mentioned above (this is: * Go to Start, in the Search Box type: sysdm.cpl, press Enter.
* Under the Advanced tab, click on the Startup and Recovery Settings... button.
* Ensure that Automatically restart is unchecked.
* Under the Write Debugging Information header select Small memory dump (256 kB) in the dropdown box (the 256kb varies).
* Ensure that the Small Dump Directory is listed as %systemroot%\Minidump.
* OK your way out.
* Reboot if changes have been made.)

--> I made a new folder in C:/Windows, called "Minidump" because I read that if you do not have the folder windows will not create the minidump file. <-- is this correct?

Other reasons are if you have UAC turned off, if you have a small page file, or a page file on a different HD than the OS. <-- I have the UAC as it comes with windows 7, i did not touch it at all.

Regarding the small page file... What means that?

Last but not least, I have only one HD.

I am still with no clue about where the minidump or the MEMORY.dmp could be located.

* Suggest you also run a Check Disk. {Option 8}
http://www.sevenforums.com/crashes-debugging/tutorials...isk-check.html --> 8. To Scan and Automatically Attempt to Fix Errors and Recover Bad Sectors --> The disk was in use, so the program scheduled the check disk after re-inizialization. I have finish it right now, without errors (I have done a picture, but since its shows no error I don´t see the point to upload it).

Any other suggestion about the minidump file or a program to know why the BSOD is happen?

Thank you!

Correro

 

[Correro]

I try to run the MSE and again I get a BSOD. This time I get something new:

Collecting data for crash dump ...
Initializing disk for crash dump ...

physical memory dump FAILED with status 0xC0000010
contact your system admin or technical support group for further assistance.

I take a look to the minidump folder (the one which I made as I said above) and its empty.

Is the new information giving some light on the reason of the BSOD?

Another info that might be relevant: my version of win7 home premium OEM is 64 bits, maybe thats why I can not find any minidump folder...

Thanks

Correro

 

[zigzag3143]

In you first post it shows this. DMP files cant be written without a pagefile. I would enable it

 

[Correro]

Thank for you reply zigzag3143

How I enable it?


Should I Edit pagefile.sys and changing the "0" for "1" in "CurrentUsage=0" and PeakUsage=0" ?


I think I found how to enable it, here: http://www.ehow.com/how_8370160_change-pagefilesys.html

I put 32 for minimum size and 3800 for maximum, I hope this is how to enable/create the pagefile.

What I should do now? wait for another BSOD?

I am sorry for so many questions, and grateful for the answers

Correro

 

[zigzag3143]

Thank for you reply zigzag3143

How I enable it?


Should I Edit pagefile.sys and changing the "0" for "1" in "CurrentUsage=0" and PeakUsage=0" ?


I think I found how to enable it, here: How to Change Pagefile.Sys | eHow.com

I put 32 for minimum size and 3800 for maximum, I hope this is how to enable/create the pagefile.

What I should do now? wait for another BSOD?

I am sorry for so many questions, and grateful for the answers

Correro

The range should be set to allow for the entire amount of ram you have (4 gigs?) so increase the 3800 to something bigger than 4096

 

[Correro]

Done!

I set the range min 32 and max 4500.

I will restart the laptop now and will run the antivirus to see if the BSOD is triggered (2 of 4 times pop up with the mse antivirus) and a minidump is generated.

Thanks again!

 

[zigzag3143]

Done!

I set the range min 32 and max 4500.

I will restart the laptop now and will run the antivirus to see if the BSOD is triggered (2 of 4 times pop up with the mse antivirus) and a minidump is generated.

Thanks again!

My pleasure and good luck

 

[Correro]

I got another BSOD, and still no minidump folder or memory.dmp file.


I will try to get a refund from the seller or a new laptop, since I bought it just 9 days ago im still on time for refund. Today I hate computers.


JMH and Zigzag3143, thank you very much, you are the best!


I will tell you tomorrow if I get the refund or what...


Regards,


Correro

 

[JMH]

I got another BSOD, and still no minidump folder or memory.dmp file.


I will try to get a refund from the seller or a new laptop, since I bought it just 9 days ago im still on time for refund. Today I hate computers.


JMH and Zigzag3143, thank you very much, you are the best!


I will tell you tomorrow if I get the refund or what...


Regards,


Correro

A new computer should not be presenting with the problems you have listed - & we volunteers should not be putting at risk the rights,YOU, the consumer has under that warranty...
Attempting any subsequent hardware troubleshooting steps may, in some cases, void your warranty.

Yes, seek further advice asap.
Under Warranty terms a duty of care applies.

Good luck!

 

[Correro]

Hello,

I got a new one at the store, so problem solved!

Once again, thanks, even when I was unable to find/to config the dump files, every experience is good. I will keep reading around the forum, to learn a bit more with the experiences and issues of others.

All the best,

Correro

 

[zigzag3143]

Hello,

I got a new one at the store, so problem solved!

Once again, thanks, even when I was unable to find/to config the dump files, every experience is good. I will keep reading around the forum, to learn a bit more with the experiences and issues of others.

All the best,

Correro

Good luck and good job

Ken

 

[JMH]

Hello,

I got a new one at the store, so problem solved!

Once again, thanks, even when I was unable to find/to config the dump files, every experience is good. I will keep reading around the forum, to learn a bit more with the experiences and issues of others.

All the best,

Correro

Terrific news.
Yes keep learning...
All the best to you to.
Safe surfing!

 

[JohnnyT]

BSOD resolved

Hi,

I was experiencing random blue screen and crashes which were increasing in frequency. Sometimes a minidump was created but at other time the dump attempt failed. Over a few days, various drivers were identified as the problem. During troubleshooting, I did all the basic stuff - malware sweep, turned on Verifier, SFC, checkdisk, review event logs, validate memory, etc. It finally occurred to me that the machine felt a little warm as it sat on my lap. I verified that the CPU fan was running - there was a hot stream of air flowing out of the exhaust ports. Nonetheless, I blew a stream of compressed air through the ports and a puff of dust was expelled. From that moment, the machine ran cooler and the blue screens stopped. It has been a few hours now and the machine seems stable. I believe that the unpredictability of the crashes was a function of heat build up.