Solved BSOD while playing certain games

[Bruhmis]

Your XBox USB wireless controller drivers are out of date. Please update them here: Software Downloads: Xbox 360 Wireless Controller for Windows


Remove all ASUS utilities software through Start Menu -> Control Panel -> Uninstall a Program.

that's what I already have. I downloaded it anyway and it says it can't install because I already have it. I just got another BSOD which was apparently caused by wdf0100.sys

 

[writhziden]

You said in your first post that you ran Memtest86+. How many passes did you run it for? I am thinking we should test RAM and drivers for any issues.

• If you are overclocking any hardware, please stop.
  
  
• Run the boot version of Memtest86+ paying close attention to Parts 2 and 3 of the tutorial. Also, in case Memtest86+ misses anything and comes up with no errors, run the extended version of the Windows Memory Diagnostics Tool for at least five passes. These you may want to run overnight since they take a long time to complete (run them an hour before bed each of the next two nights and check before going to sleep that they are still running).
  
     Warning

  Before you proceed with the following, answer these two questions: Are you still under warranty? Does your warranty allow you to open up the machine to check hardware? If you are unsure of the answers to these questions, contact your system manufacturer. :warn:WARNING: The steps that follow can void your warranty!!!
  
  For Part 3: If You Have Errors: If you swap any memory components, follow these steps for ESD safety:
  1. Shut down and turn off your computer.
  2. Unplug all power supplies to the computer (AC Power then battery for laptops, AC power for desktops)
  3. Hold down the power button for 30 seconds to close the circuit and ensure all power drains from components.
  4. Make sure you are grounded by using proper grounding techniques, i.e. work on an anti-static workbench, anti-static desk, or an anti-static pad. Hold something metallic while touching it to the anti-static surface, or use an anti-static wristband to attach to the anti-static material while working. If you do not have an anti-static workbench, desk, or pad, you can use your computer tower/case by finding a metal hold in it, such as a drive bay.
  Once these steps have been followed, it is safe to remove and replace components within your computer.
  
  
• An underlying driver may be incompatible\conflicting with your system. Run Driver Verifier to find any issues. To run Driver Verifier, do the following:
  
  a. Backup your system and user files
  b. Create a system restore point
  c. If you do not have a Windows 7 DVD, Create a system repair disc
  d. In Windows 7:

  • Click the Start Menu
  • Type verifier in Search programs and files (do not hit enter)
  • Right click verifier and click Run as administrator
  • Put a tick in Create custom settings (for code developers) and click next
  • Put a tick in Select individual settings from a full list and click next
  • Set up the individual settings as in the image and click next
    View attachment 216694
  • Put a tick in Select driver names from a list
  • Put a tick next to all non-Microsoft drivers.
  • Click Finish.
  • Restart your computer.

  
  If Windows cannot start in normal mode with driver verifier running, start in safe mode. If it cannot start in safe mode or normal mode, restore the system restore point using http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/700-system-restore.html OPTION TWO.
  
  If you are unable to start Windows with all drivers being verified or if the blue screen crashes fail to create .dmp files, run them in groups of 5 or 10 until you find a group that causes blue screen crashes and stores the blue screen .dmp files.​
  The idea with Verifier is to cause the system to crash, so do the things you normally do that cause crashes. After you have a few crashes, upload the crash reports for us to take a look and try to find patterns.
  
  When you are ready to disable Verifier: Start Menu -> All Programs -> Accessories -> Right click Command Prompt -> Run as administrator -> Type the following command and then Enter:
  verifier /reset​
  -> Restart your computer.

 

[Bruhmis]

You said in your first post that you ran Memtest86+. How many passes did you run it for? I am thinking we should test RAM and drivers for any issues.

• If you are overclocking any hardware, please stop.
  
  
• Run the boot version of Memtest86+ paying close attention to Parts 2 and 3 of the tutorial. Also, in case Memtest86+ misses anything and comes up with no errors, run the extended version of the Windows Memory Diagnostics Tool for at least five passes. These you may want to run overnight since they take a long time to complete (run them an hour before bed each of the next two nights and check before going to sleep that they are still running).
  
     Warning

  Before you proceed with the following, answer these two questions: Are you still under warranty? Does your warranty allow you to open up the machine to check hardware? If you are unsure of the answers to these questions, contact your system manufacturer. :warn:WARNING: The steps that follow can void your warranty!!!
  
  For Part 3: If You Have Errors: If you swap any memory components, follow these steps for ESD safety:
  1. Shut down and turn off your computer.
  2. Unplug all power supplies to the computer (AC Power then battery for laptops, AC power for desktops)
  3. Hold down the power button for 30 seconds to close the circuit and ensure all power drains from components.
  4. Make sure you are grounded by using proper grounding techniques, i.e. work on an anti-static workbench, anti-static desk, or an anti-static pad. Hold something metallic while touching it to the anti-static surface, or use an anti-static wristband to attach to the anti-static material while working. If you do not have an anti-static workbench, desk, or pad, you can use your computer tower/case by finding a metal hold in it, such as a drive bay.
  Once these steps have been followed, it is safe to remove and replace components within your computer.
  
  
• An underlying driver may be incompatible\conflicting with your system. Run Driver Verifier to find any issues. To run Driver Verifier, do the following:
  
  a. Backup your system and user files
  b. Create a system restore point
  c. If you do not have a Windows 7 DVD, Create a system repair disc
  d. In Windows 7:

  • Click the Start Menu
  • Type verifier in Search programs and files (do not hit enter)
  • Right click verifier and click Run as administrator
  • Put a tick in Create custom settings (for code developers) and click next
  • Put a tick in Select individual settings from a full list and click next
  • Set up the individual settings as in the image and click next
    View attachment 216694
  • Put a tick in Select driver names from a list
  • Put a tick next to all non-Microsoft drivers.
  • Click Finish.
  • Restart your computer.

  
  If Windows cannot start in normal mode with driver verifier running, start in safe mode. If it cannot start in safe mode or normal mode, restore the system restore point using http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/700-system-restore.html OPTION TWO.
  
  If you are unable to start Windows with all drivers being verified or if the blue screen crashes fail to create .dmp files, run them in groups of 5 or 10 until you find a group that causes blue screen crashes and stores the blue screen .dmp files.​
  The idea with Verifier is to cause the system to crash, so do the things you normally do that cause crashes. After you have a few crashes, upload the crash reports for us to take a look and try to find patterns.
  
  When you are ready to disable Verifier: Start Menu -> All Programs -> Accessories -> Right click Command Prompt -> Run as administrator -> Type the following command and then Enter:
  verifier /reset​
  -> Restart your computer.

ok, before I go through all of that, every BSOD I get now is because of atikmpag.sys. what would happen if I just deleted the driver?

 

[writhziden]

Possibly nothing and Windows would replace the driver with one in its backup set, possibly the Windows would not start. That driver is for your display card, by the way. You're welcome to supply us with the new crash reports to see if we can give suggestions on how to handle it.

 

[Bruhmis]

possibly nothing and windows would replace the driver with one in its backup set, possibly the windows would not start. That driver is for your display card, by the way. You're welcome to supply us with the new crash reports to see if we can give suggestions on how to handle it.

View attachment 216848

 

[writhziden]

Your first crash was actually related to your X-Box controller. If you are unable to update the controller drivers, remove it from the system to test. You may also want to look into resolving the USB issues it may be causing since the X-Box wireless controller drivers are USB related:

• Start with http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/165554-usb-driver-general-fix-problems.html to resolve the USB issues. Also, USB ports can sometimes enter a safe power state to protect the system from power surges due to USB devices. To reset the USB ports to a nominal power state:
  
  1. Shut down and turn off the computer.
  2. Unplug the computer from the wall or surge protector (then remove the battery if it is a laptop).
  3. "Remove the computer from any port replicator or docking station, disconnect
     cables to printers or devices such as external monitors, USB memory sticks or SD cards, headset or external speakers, mouse or auxiliary keyboard, turn off WIFI and Bluetooth wireless devices." (Use Hard Reset to Resolve Hardware and Software Issues HP Pavilion dv5000 Notebook PC series - HP Customer Care (United States - English))
  4. Hold down the power button for 30 seconds. This closes the circuit and ensures all
     power from components is drained to clear the software connections between the BIOS
     and hardware and clear any corruption in the temporary memory.
  5. (If it is a laptop, plug the battery back into the laptop and then) Plug the computer back into the wall. Do not reconnect any unnecessary peripherals; monitor, keyboard,
     and mouse should suffice and be the only peripherals reconnected.
  6. Turn it on to reinitialize the software connections between the BIOS and hardware

 

[Bruhmis]

Your first crash was actually related to your X-Box controller. If you are unable to update the controller drivers, remove it from the system to test. You may also want to look into resolving the USB issues it may be causing since the X-Box wireless controller drivers are USB related:

• Start with http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/165554-usb-driver-general-fix-problems.html to resolve the USB issues. Also, USB ports can sometimes enter a safe power state to protect the system from power surges due to USB devices. To reset the USB ports to a nominal power state:
  
  1. Shut down and turn off the computer.
  2. Unplug the computer from the wall or surge protector (then remove the battery if it is a laptop).
  3. "Remove the computer from any port replicator or docking station, disconnect
     cables to printers or devices such as external monitors, USB memory sticks or SD cards, headset or external speakers, mouse or auxiliary keyboard, turn off WIFI and Bluetooth wireless devices." (Use Hard Reset to Resolve Hardware and Software Issues HP Pavilion dv5000 Notebook PC series - HP Customer Care (United States - English))
  4. Hold down the power button for 30 seconds. This closes the circuit and ensures all
     power from components is drained to clear the software connections between the BIOS
     and hardware and clear any corruption in the temporary memory.
  5. (If it is a laptop, plug the battery back into the laptop and then) Plug the computer back into the wall. Do not reconnect any unnecessary peripherals; monitor, keyboard,
     and mouse should suffice and be the only peripherals reconnected.
  6. Turn it on to reinitialize the software connections between the BIOS and hardware

the problem isn't that I can't update, the problem is that it's already up to date. and the usb device that you're seeing isn't an xbox 360 controller, it's a wireless xbox 360 reciever for which I can't find any drivers on the internet. the only ones I've found came with windows 7 and they're from 2009. I'll try what you suggested with the usb ports.

 

[writhziden]

And what device connects via that wireless receiver that you use the receiver for? Do you not use the receiver for a wireless X-Box controller?

I was aware it was a wireless receiver. I (wrongfully?) assumed you were using a wireless X-Box controller through that receiver.


In order to update the receiver's drivers, you may have to uninstall the device, delete the driver software for the device by putting a tick in the box to do so, hit OK, remove the device physically from the system, restart your system, connect the device again after the restart, and let Windows find the appropriate drivers.

Here are the steps in a step-by-step instruction layout:

1. Click Start Menu
2. Right Click My Computer/Computer
3. Click Manage
4. Click Device Manager from the list on the left
5. Find the device you are trying to uninstall by expanding the appropriate set of devices
6. Right click the device
7. Click Uninstall (do not click OK in the dialog box that pops up after hitting Uninstall)
8. Put a tick in Delete driver software for this device (if this option is available, otherwise just hit OK) and hit OK
9. Physically remove the device.
10. Restart your computer.
11. Connect the device.
12. Let Windows install the drivers for the device.

Alternatively:

1. Login as an adminstrative user.
2. Click Start Menu
3. Click Control Panel
4. Click Hardware and Sound
5. Click Device Manager (the last link under Devices and Printers)
6. Find the device you are trying to uninstall by expanding the appropriate set of devices
7. Right click the device
8. Click Uninstall (do not click OK in the dialog box that pops up after hitting Uninstall)
9. Put a tick in Delete driver software for this device (if this option is available, otherwise just hit OK) and hit OK
10. Physically remove the device.
11. Restart your computer.
12. Connect the device.
13. Let Windows install the drivers for the device.

 

[Bruhmis]

And what device connects via that wireless receiver that you use the receiver for? Do you not use the receiver for a wireless X-Box controller?

I was aware it was a wireless receiver. I (wrongfully?) assumed you were using a wireless X-Box controller through that receiver.


In order to update the receiver's drivers, you may have to uninstall the device, delete the driver software for the device by putting a tick in the box to do so, hit OK, remove the device physically from the system, restart your system, connect the device again after the restart, and let Windows find the appropriate drivers.

Here are the steps in a step-by-step instruction layout:

1. Click Start Menu
2. Right Click My Computer/Computer
3. Click Manage
4. Click Device Manager from the list on the left
5. Find the device you are trying to uninstall by expanding the appropriate set of devices
6. Right click the device
7. Click Uninstall (do not click OK in the dialog box that pops up after hitting Uninstall)
8. Put a tick in Delete driver software for this device (if this option is available, otherwise just hit OK) and hit OK
9. Physically remove the device.
10. Restart your computer.
11. Connect the device.
12. Let Windows install the drivers for the device.

Alternatively:

1. Login as an adminstrative user.
2. Click Start Menu
3. Click Control Panel
4. Click Hardware and Sound
5. Click Device Manager (the last link under Devices and Printers)
6. Find the device you are trying to uninstall by expanding the appropriate set of devices
7. Right click the device
8. Click Uninstall (do not click OK in the dialog box that pops up after hitting Uninstall)
9. Put a tick in Delete driver software for this device (if this option is available, otherwise just hit OK) and hit OK
10. Physically remove the device.
11. Restart your computer.
12. Connect the device.
13. Let Windows install the drivers for the device.

yes I use it for that as well as a headset, but the point was that you said my xbox controller was causing some of the crashes, and you linked me to xbox controller drivers, but my xbox controller is rarely connected to the receiver when I experience the crashes, and I can't update the drivers for the controller because it doesn't even come up in my device manager because it's not directly connected.

 

[writhziden]

Alright, my fault for not being clear. My apologies.

It is your wireless receiver that is causing the crashes. Whether it is in use or not, the device drivers can cause conflicts. Even if the receiver is not plugged into the system, its drivers can still be on the system causing conflicts. That is why I recommended the USB steps which include removing devices that are known to be causing problems while proceeding through the USB troubleshooting.

Go through the steps in my previous post and post back whether they help to resolve the crashes.

 

[Bruhmis]

Alright, my fault for not being clear. My apologies.

It is your wireless receiver that is causing the crashes. Whether it is in use or not, the device drivers can cause conflicts. Even if the receiver is not plugged into the system, its drivers can still be on the system causing conflicts. That is why I recommended the USB steps which include removing devices that are known to be causing problems while proceeding through the USB troubleshooting.

Go through the steps in my previous post and post back whether they help to resolve the crashes.

yeah, I did that. the only way for me to tell if it helped is to play video games until I crash. my PC has grown fond of convincing me that my BSOD problem is gone then crashing when I least expect it. what I don't understand is how I had no problems for 6 months and then out of nowhere every driver on my PC started making me crash. have you ever seen something like this before?

 

[writhziden]

It happens a lot due to corruption occurring on the system. Things that cause corruption include:

1. Doing a hard shut down when the system hangs or does not respond...
2. Having a Windows update interrupted due to power loss or an installation failure...
3. Not running http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/433-disk-check.html on a regular basis (once a month or at least every two months)...
4. Having high disk usage/activity or letting a hard disk get too full...
5. Running some 3rd party applications to clean the hard disk or do defragmenting...

Basically, regular computer usage will eventually lead to corruption. That is why many of those who help on these forums clean re-install Windows every 6-12 months and keep regular backup images of the system to revert to if something goes wrong.

 

[Bruhmis]

It happens a lot due to corruption occurring on the system. Things that cause corruption include:

1. Doing a hard shut down when the system hangs or does not respond...
2. Having a Windows update interrupted due to power loss or an installation failure...
3. Not running http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/433-disk-check.html on a regular basis (once a month or at least every two months)...
4. Having high disk usage/activity or letting a hard disk get too full...
5. Running some 3rd party applications to clean the hard disk or do defragmenting...

Basically, regular computer usage will eventually lead to corruption. That is why many of those who help on these forums clean re-install Windows every 6-12 months and keep regular backup images of the system to revert to if something goes wrong.

I just had another BSOD and again it blamed it on atikmpag.sys except this time when I rebooted I got a notification saying that microsoft xbox 360 accessories ''requested microsoft C++ runtime to terminate in an unusual way''

View attachment 217143

 

[writhziden]

Remove XBOX Accessories from Start Menu -> Control Panel -> Uninstall a program. It should be listed as

Microsoft Xbox 360 Accessories

If you want to continue using the XBOX device, install a fresh copy of the accessories and the drivers for the wireless receiver. If you continue to have crashes after a fresh re-install, remove the software and the XBOX wireless receiver from the system to test whether the crashes stop.

We have seen XBOX controllers and devices cause crashes in the past, and since yours has an out of date driver, it may be the underlying cause to the crashes.

 

[Bruhmis]

Remove XBOX Accessories from Start Menu -> Control Panel -> Uninstall a program. It should be listed as

Microsoft Xbox 360 Accessories

If you want to continue using the XBOX device, install a fresh copy of the accessories and the drivers for the wireless receiver. If you continue to have crashes after a fresh re-install, remove the software and the XBOX wireless receiver from the system to test whether the crashes stop.

We have seen XBOX controllers and devices cause crashes in the past, and since yours has an out of date driver, it may be the underlying cause to the crashes.

I just completely removed xbox 360 accessories, it's not needed to use the receiver. do you think that's enough or is there anything else I need to remove?

 

[writhziden]

See if you get crashes with the application removed. Maybe it was conflicting with your receiver.

If you do still get crashes, then you may consider removing and re-installing the XBOX drivers or removing the XBOX receiver completely to test.

 

[Bruhmis]

See if you get crashes with the application removed. Maybe it was conflicting with your receiver.

If you do still get crashes, then you may consider removing and re-installing the XBOX drivers or removing the XBOX receiver completely to test.

I didn't get any for a while, and a couple of minutes ago this happened View attachment 217587
this time the blue screen attributed the crash to dxgmms1.sys so maybe removing xbox 360 accessories fixed the atikmpag.sys crash. is there anything useful in that .dmp?

 

[Bruhmis]

See if you get crashes with the application removed. Maybe it was conflicting with your receiver.

If you do still get crashes, then you may consider removing and re-installing the XBOX drivers or removing the XBOX receiver completely to test.

I just experienced a BSOD which was apparently caused by w32k.sys according the the blue screen itself, however the problem with that is that there is no w32k.sys on my hard drive. View attachment 217616

 

[writhziden]

DirectX based crashes still indicate the graphics card. Have you tried all graphics card drivers from 11.7 up to 12.4 to see if any provide more stability?


Win32k.sys: C:\Windows\winsxs\amd64_microsoft-windows-win32k_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7600.16385_none_14e86b61b437d067\win32k.sys

It is a system file and not likely to be the cause of crashes. Most likely the crash was graphics card driver related since it was a BugCheck 3B.

 

[Bruhmis]

DirectX based crashes still indicate the graphics card. Have you tried all graphics card drivers from 11.7 up to 12.4 to see if any provide more stability?


Win32k.sys: C:\Windows\winsxs\amd64_microsoft-windows-win32k_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7600.16385_none_14e86b61b437d067\win32k.sys

It is a system file and not likely to be the cause of crashes. Most likely the crash was graphics card driver related since it was a BugCheck 3B.

I've tried a lot of different ones but I'm not exactly sure which ones. I'm using 12.6 beta right now. I'll try some older ones.