Solved BSOD - Stop 0x000000F4 every ~45-50mins

[Johnkhs]

Hello all,

BSODs started January 15th, no software updates or hardware installations within 24hrs of first BSOD.

Running a custom build that has been stable for years.

Ran rootkit/adware/virus scan, didn't turn up anything.

Wiped and Reinstalled Windows 7 (I don't use the internal hard drive for anything but running my OS and local files like drivers and antivirus programs)
BSOD persisted figured it was probably a hardware issue.
-Ran Memtest86+ utility no errors
-Ran CrystalDiskInfo, S.M.A.R.T. read no memory errors
-Checked RAM integrity
-Updated GPU Driver to latest version.

please find attached .zip as per posting instructions.

Thank you in advance for your time.

 

[BorisTheAnimal]

Hello John.

I did not see any dump files in your upload, could you please open up explorer and in the search bar write this: "%SYSTEMROOT%/minidump" (without quotes) and press enter and if you see any files there please upload them here, if not please follow this guide:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/174459-dump-files-configure-windows-create-bsod.html

Cheers Boris

 

[Johnkhs]

Hi Boris,

Sorry for taking this long to reply.

I've been trying to get windows to create the minidump file, so far without success.

I've installed the REG file and will have to let my computer run for another 45 minutes (I tried changing the settings in Startup and Recovery)

It's getting late here so I'll update you tomorrow with the results.

Also, not sure if it is pertinent but on one of the restarts it refused to load windows 7 (it stayed in bios). Loaded windows after an additional restart.

 

[Johnkhs]

Hi Boris,

I can't get my computer to create a minidump file.

I've tried the suggestions on the forum on getting windows 7 to create them.

However, now that I've installed the REG file my computer no longer loads a BSOD but continues to freeze up after ~45mins of activity/inactivity.

I'm thinking I'll need to do another clean install of windows but I know that doesn't fix the BSOD.

Any suggestions?

 

[BorisTheAnimal]

Hi John.

Have you tried running sfc /scannow from elevated command prompt?

Could you also update your system specs, like do you know your motherboard make and model?

Cheers /Boris

 

[Johnkhs]

Hi Boris,

I have run sfc /scannow from an elevated cmd prompt. It returned with no integrity violations.

I'm running an "Asus P8Z68-V Gen3" mobo, my chipset drivers are up to date. I however haven't updated the BIOS as I don't want to brick my computer should it crash.

Another thing that happens after the BSOD is that when my computer auto resets after the BSOD I get kicked to BIOS and it won't restart windows until I do a hard restart of my computer. Probably why I don't see a minidump being created...

Anything thoughts?

Thanks again,

 

[Golden]

0xF4 is often associated with a hardware error at the disk level. Faulty disk hardware is also one reason why minidump files aren't written.

Run the DOS version of the Generic Long Test of SeaTools to check the disk hosting C:

Search our Tutorial section for the SeaTools tutorial.

 

[Johnkhs]

Hello Golden,

First generic long test it passed the long test part and failed the short...but my drive stopped responding altogether.

So I ran the tests twice more after a hard restart (I had been running my computer for a bit at the time of the last test. It passed both long and short, both times.

So something is making my Solid State (M4-CT064M4SSD2) fail at a seeming set interval.

My temperatures are well within acceptable (40C).

 

[Golden]

Does Intel provide some sort of software with the SSD? Something like Samsung Magician which comes with Samsung SSD's?

 

[BorisTheAnimal]

Hello Golden,

First generic long test it passed the long test part and failed the short...but my drive stopped responding altogether.

So I ran the tests twice more after a hard restart (I had been running my computer for a bit at the time of the last test. It passed both long and short, both times.

So something is making my Solid State (M4-CT064M4SSD2) fail at a seeming set interval.

My temperatures are well within acceptable (40C).

Here you go laddie:

Crucial.com - SSD support

Your model is under legacy support so there might be a good chance that you already have it at it's latest firmware.

Does Intel provide some sort of software with the SSD? Something like Samsung Magician which comes with Samsung SSD's?

He doesn't have an Intel SSD, it's a Crucial one.

 

[Golden]

Ah my mistake....Crucial it is. I wonder if that software has some diagnosis it can run on SSD.

 

[BorisTheAnimal]

Ah my mistake....Crucial it is. I wonder if that software has some diagnosis it can run on SSD.

Not any that I know of. I had a MX100 and I changed exactly because of this.

CrystalDiskInfo seems to be a good utility:

CrystalDiskInfo - Software - Crystal Dew World

 

[Johnkhs]

Well Gents...

Looks like that was it.

My firmware is up to date and I haven't experienced a BSOD or hang.

Just wanted to thank you both I appreciate it.

I'll be back if I get another one but so far so stable

 

[Golden]

 

[BorisTheAnimal]

Johnks nice to hear you got it fixed, lets hope for the best but prepare for the worst!