Solved BSOD when playing certain games.

[kgiax]

Okay, I apologize for this, but I had previously typed up a VERY VERY lengthly post giving a lot of detailed information for my problem that got eaten by my horrible web browser, and now I'm extremely frustrated so I'm just going to try to sum this up as fast as I can. Sorry. If you need any more information just ask.

I get a BSOD while playing World of Warcraft on occassion. Most of the time the game simply crashes and Windows is fine (it crashes a lot). But there have been occassions that WoW will cause my computer to BSOD. The reason I'm looking for help here is because I need to know if this is just because the game itself is faulty or if my hardware/other software is causing me problems.

 

[Arc]

Make it sure that the firmware of KINGSTON SVP200S37A120G SSD is upto date.
Kingston SSDNow Drives

Daemon Tools, Alcohol 120% and Power Archiver Pro uses SCSI Pass Through Direct (SPTD), which is a well known BSOD causer. Uninstall Daemon Tools, at first. Then download SPTD standalone installer from Disk-Tools.com, and execute the downloaded file as guided below :

• Double click to open it.
• Click this button only:
• 
• If it is grayed out, as in the picture, there is no more SPTD in your system, and you just close the window.

Update your ATI/AMD display driver.
You can get it from the link in our forum, http://www.sevenforums.com/graphic-...alyst-video-driver-windows-7-a.html#post17671, or you may go to AMD Graphics Driver and Software and opt for Automatically Detect and Install the appropriate driver for your card.

During installation, you may opt for advanced installation, and install the display driver only, not the Catalyst Control Center.


Let us know the results.

 

[kgiax]

Make it sure that the firmware of KINGSTON SVP200S37A120G SSD is upto date.
Kingston SSDNow Drives

It appears that Kingston has not yet released any firmware updates for my SSD. Please note that while Windows is installed on my SSD, my games are installed on a separate HDD.

Daemon Tools, Alcohol 120% and Power Archiver Pro uses SCSI Pass Through Direct (SPTD), which is a well known BSOD causer. Uninstall Daemon Tools, at first. Then download SPTD standalone installer from Disk-Tools.com, and execute the downloaded file as guided below :

I have uninstalled Daemon Tools and verified the removal of SPTD using the standalone installer.

Update your ATI/AMD display driver.

My display driver is, according to AMD's autodetect software, also already up to date.

I will wait about one week and resume playing WoW in that time, to see if I get another BSOD now that SPTD is removed. If I do, I will post here along with the error report from the BSOD. If I do not BSOD, I will report that as well. I will continue to monitor the thread in this time, so if there are any other suggestions or advice, I will try those as well. Thank you for your help.

 

[Arc]

My display driver is, according to AMD's autodetect software, also already up to date.

Then try this link: http://www.sevenforums.com/graphic-...alyst-video-driver-windows-7-a.html#post17671 and get the latest WHQL. Autodetect failed to work here .....

 

[kgiax]

You were correct, autodetect failed to detect that I was not running the latest drivers. I have downloaded and installed all of the latest drivers from AMD. Thank you for that, I will keep in mind in the future to manually check for drivers instead of relying on autodetect.

Still no BSOD has occurred (although my game is still suffering from crashing, but that is beyond the scope of this forum). I will report back if I encounter another BSOD or freeze.

 

[Arc]

You are welcome
Now let the computer run with its normal load for say an week and let us know the situation.

For the game crash, you may start a new thread in Gaming - Windows 7 Help Forums where the game experts may have a look.

 

[kgiax]

Another BSOD has finally occurred, after several days. Occurred while playing WoW, as usual. Same error message on the BSOD. I have ran the SF diagnostic tool using Grab All and attached the .zip containing the latest .dmp to this post. Any help is appreciated.

 

[Arc]

Install DirectX End-User Runtime

Check if the Power Supply Unit (PSU) supplying adequate power to the computer or not.
eXtreme Power Supply Calculator
at least 30% more is safe for gaming.

Is the computer hot? Report us the heat of the computer after a couple of hours of your normal usage. Upload a screenshot of the summery tab of Speccy.

Stress test the Graphics Card using Furmark.
Video Card - Stress Test with Furmark

Set the BIOS to default, too.
How To Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS)

Let us know the results.
______________________________________
BSOD ANALYSIS:

*******************************************************************************
*                                                                             *
*                        Bugcheck Analysis                                    *
*                                                                             *
*******************************************************************************

Use !analyze -v to get detailed debugging information.

BugCheck 50, {fffff8e4161c3a68, 1, fffff80002db0147, 5}


Could not read faulting driver name
Probably caused by : dxgkrnl.sys ( dxgkrnl!DXGDEVICE::CreateAllocation+7c6 )

Followup: MachineOwner
---------

 

[kgiax]

Before I reply, I want to note that I have experienced another BSOD. This actually occurred right as I was reading your reply, before I even had the chance to do any of the troubleshooting methods you suggested. WoW was NOT running at the time. The only program running was my browser (Chrome). I received the same error message on the BSOD that I normally do. For this reason I have run the SF diagnostic tool again and attached the results.

Install DirectX End-User Runtime

This installation package detected that my current version was either newer than this one, or up to date.

Check if the Power Supply Unit (PSU) supplying adequate power to the computer or not.
eXtreme Power Supply Calculator
at least 30% more is safe for gaming.

The website gave me a recommended wattage of 385w. My current PSU is 630w.

Stress test the Graphics Card using Furmark.
Video Card - Stress Test with Furmark

I ran the test as specified in the link. My card's temperature leveled off at about 67C. I noticed no artifacting, nor did I run into any other problems during the test.

Set the BIOS to default, too.
How To Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS)

I have reset the BIOS to its default settings. However, my BIOS has the SATA controller set as IDE for default. My SSD requires AHCI, so I had to change this setting back to that. Other than that, all settings were left at default.

Is the computer hot? Report us the heat of the computer after a couple of hours of your normal usage. Upload a screenshot of the summery tab of Speccy.

This is the only thing I have yet to do. I decided to give you these updates now, and after posting this, I will go ahead and resume playing WoW, and then after a few hours, I will take a screenshot of Speccy and upload it here.

Thank you again for your help.

 

[kgiax]

Here is the screenshot of speccy after playing WoW for a few hours.

Thank you again for your time, all help and advice is appreciated.

 

[Arc]

All are good. Not finding any valid reason of display crash. Still, do there ......

Make it sure that your KINGSTON SVP200S37A120G is running with upto date firmware.

• Download svp200_503fw_win, for svp200s3 | Kingston Technology
• Support | Kingston

Next, Test your RAM modules for possible errors.
How to Test and Diagnose RAM Issues with Memtest86+
Run memtest for at least 8 passes, preferably overnight.

If memtest comes clean, 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. Post it following the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) Posting Instructions.

 

[kgiax]

Here are the results for the latest round of troubleshooting:

Make it sure that your KINGSTON SVP200S37A120G is running with upto date firmware.

• Download svp200_503fw_win, for svp200s3 | Kingston Technology
• Support | Kingston

I checked again to be sure, but it seems Kingston has not offered any firmware updates at all for my SSD on their site.

Next, Test your RAM modules for possible errors.
How to Test and Diagnose RAM Issues with Memtest86+
Run memtest for at least 8 passes, preferably overnight.

I ran it for 8 full passes and received no errors. Just to be extra safe, I also ran the bit fade test. It also fully passed, and gave no errors.

If memtest comes clean, 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.

I enabled Driver Verifier and played WoW for about 2 days. I did not receive any BSOD in this time.

However, something else very strange happened. The entire time I had Driver Verifier enabled, WoW did not crash ONE time. This is very unusual because even when I do not get a BSOD, WoW will still crash several times a day. So it was very strange for WoW to not crash at all for two days straight, while Driver Verifier was enabled. I have disabled Driver Verifier now though, and will let you know if WoW acts differently again.

 

[kgiax]

Another BSOD today. Dump is attached.

All help is appreciated.

 

[Arc]

Apparently this latest BSOD dump is silent, but there are some evidence of a file system malfunction.

fffff880`07094410  fffff880`01217680 Ntfs!NtfsCommonCleanupCallout
fffff880`070942e8  fffff880`010dd2ec fltmgr!FltpPerformPostCallbacks+0x3cc

It may be caused by various reasons like a physical storage device, cabling, BIOS, virus, or even antivirus.

At the same time, what the dump results is ....

*******************************************************************************
*                                                                             *
*                        Bugcheck Analysis                                    *
*                                                                             *
*******************************************************************************

Use !analyze -v to get detailed debugging information.

[URL="http://www.carrona.org/bsodindx.html#0x0000000A"]BugCheck A[/URL], {fffff70640000ecc, 0, 1, fffff80002c880d9}

[COLOR=Red]Probably caused by : memory_corruption[/COLOR] ( nt!MiUpdateWsle+2b9 )

Followup: MachineOwner
---------

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

So, what antivirus do you use? I am failing to point any out. But there are some programs who can cause those file system problems.

Start Menu\Programs\PeerBlock 
Start Menu\Programs\Spybot - Search & Destroy

You need to uninstall those, at least as a test. Also mention about your antivirus?

Scan the system for possible virus infection with the following programs.

• Anti-rootkit utility TDSSKiller
• Windows Defender Offline

Check for any available firmware updates for your KINGSTON SVP200S37A120G SSD.

• Support | Kingston

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.

Update Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller Driver as it is old.

fffff880`04242000 fffff880`042f5000   Rt64win7   (deferred)             
    Image path: \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\Rt64win7.sys
    Image name: Rt64win7.sys
    Timestamp:        Tue Jun 12 19:30:29 2012 (4FD74B7D)
    CheckSum:         000B8CFC
    ImageSize:        000B3000
    Translations:     0000.04b0 0000.04e4 0409.04b0 0409.04e4

Get the update from http://www.realtek.com.tw/downloads...d=5&Level=5&Conn=4&DownTypeID=3&GetDown=false, take the Win7 and WinServer 2008 R2 Auto Installation Program (SID:1568649).

** You have done there two earlier, but if all th above fail, we will have to do these again, test your RAM modules for possible errors.
How to Test and Diagnose RAM Issues with Memtest86+
Run memtest for at least 8 passes, preferably overnight.


If memtest comes clean, 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. Post it following the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) Posting Instructions.

 

[kgiax]

Okay so, there have been some successes and failures. A lot of stuff has happened, so let me go through it one by one.

So, what antivirus do you use?

Currently, I do not use an antivirus program.

But there are some programs who can cause those file system problems.

Start Menu\Programs\PeerBlock 
Start Menu\Programs\Spybot - Search & Destroy

You need to uninstall those, at least as a test.

I have uninstalled these programs.

Scan the system for possible virus infection with the following programs.

• Anti-rootkit utility TDSSKiller
• Windows Defender Offline

I scanned my system with both programs and both programs reported no infection on my system.

Check for any available firmware updates for your KINGSTON SVP200S37A120G SSD.

• Support | Kingston

This is actually the third time you've mentioned this, but each time you have I've explained that Kingston does NOT offer any firmware updates whatsoever on their site for my SSD at the moment.

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.

I have cleared the startup as you suggested.

Update Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller Driver as it is old.

I have updated my driver as you suggested.

So, after doing all of the above, I received another BSOD shortly after. The SF diagnostic for this BSOD can be found attached as BSOD.zip

Then, I moved on to the following step:

** You have done there two earlier, but if all th above fail, we will have to do these again, test your RAM modules for possible errors.
How to Test and Diagnose RAM Issues with Memtest86+
Run memtest for at least 8 passes, preferably overnight.

After running memtest86+ again, unlike before, I received errors during the test. So, I began troubleshooting my memory with memtest86+. The results were that one of the two memory sticks were bad. The other stick, and all of the motherboard slots, are okay. So, I am currently running my system with only the one good stick. The other stick has been sent off to the manufacturer for warranty replacement.

Now, this is what happened after I removed the bad memory. Two things happened:

First, WoW no longer has random crashes. WoW now seems to be stable, thankfully.

However, there is still a system issue. While playing WoW, even though WoW itself is now stable, my system crashed again. But this time, the crash was different. I did NOT receive a BSOD. Instead, the entire screen froze, and the whole system was unresponsive to everything. Even CTRL ALT DEL, and even the reset button on the computer, did not respond. There was also a buzzing noise coming from the speakers. I do not know if this crash resulted in a log dump, but I have still done a SF diagnostic just in case. I have attached this dump as Freeze.zip

All help with this issue is greatly appreciated, thank you.

 

[Arc]

No BSOD after 13.05.

Hopefully the RAM removal/replacement will solve your BSOD issue.

About the crashes/freezes during Steam session or gaming, I can say that it happens. Almost to everyone that I am experiencing. And what I am also seeing that there is no permanent solution. If you really want to play those games safely and successfully, use a high end gaming machine having more RAM, stronger GPU, bigger power supply and extensive cooling.

It may appear as a negative comment, but if you check the BSOD threads, at least 40% of them are related to steam games. And those dont have any permanent solution.

 

[kgiax]

Actually, World of Warcraft is NOT a Steam game, and I'm not running the Steam program while I play it either.

In any case, I will continue to monitor my system and will report again if a BSOD occurs. If no BSOD occurs after some time, I will come back and report that too.

 

[kgiax]

It's been long enough, and I haven't experienced any BSOD or game crashes. I will mark the thread as solved, with the solution being replacing bad RAM.

 

[Arc]

All the best

For any further issue (I wish for no more) let us know.