Comp started freezing, but not crashing. No error message.

[Vort]

I can't find the program you mention. Are you sure it's by Irfan? Google finds a few DriverView programs, but none of them from that publisher. Just don't want to get the wrong program.

 

[gregrocker]

DriverView: Loaded Windows Drivers List

 

[Vort]

In trying to isolate the problem I reinstalled (again). Installed network driver, ran windows update and ONLY installed Important updates, no optional ones. Aside from that I installed NVidia driver and League of Legends. Nothing else. It ran well for a few hours, was able to play a few games of League of Legends, left comp running another few hours, then played another game of League of Legends and the problem recurred around the middle of the game. I promptly loaded DriverView and googled all of the things listed, all of them reference BSoD if there's an error with the driver, but I haven't had any BSoD. Here is a copy paste of what's in there.

amdxata.sys 00000000`0106D000 00000000`01078000 0x0000b000 1 24 System Driver Storage Filter Driver 1.1.2.5 Advanced Micro Devices Storage Filter Driver 11/20/2010 7:23:47 PM 11/20/2010 7:23:47 PM C:\Windows\system32\drivers\amdxata.sys A amdxata
ATMFD.DLL 00000000`008E0000 00000000`00941000 0x00061000 1 143 Driver Windows NT OpenType/Type 1 Font Driver 5.1.2.238 Adobe Systems Incorporated Adobe Type Manager 6/5/2013 7:30:53 PM 11/7/2014 11:19:48 AM C:\Windows\System32\ATMFD.DLL A
bflwfx64.sys 00000000`048A7000 00000000`04B02000 0x0025b000 1 64 Network Driver Qualcomm Atheros Bandwidth Control Filter Driver 4.0.3.19 Qualcomm Atheros, Inc. Qualcomm Atheros Bandwidth Control 10/16/2014 5:23:24 PM 10/16/2014 5:23:24 PM C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\bflwfx64.sys A BfLwf Qualcomm Atheros Bandwidth Control
dump_dumpata.sys 00000000`019EC000 00000000`019F8000 0x0000c000 2 113 Unknown N/A N/A C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\dump_dumpata.sys
dump_dumpfve.sys 00000000`0188C000 00000000`0189F000 0x00013000 1 115 Unknown N/A N/A C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\dump_dumpfve.sys
dump_msahci.sys 00000000`01800000 00000000`0180B000 0x0000b000 1 114 Unknown N/A N/A C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\dump_msahci.sys
e22w7x64.sys 00000000`045AB000 00000000`045CD000 0x00022000 1 82 Network Driver Killer e2200 PCI-E Gigabit Ethernet Controller 8.1.0.23 Qualcomm Atheros, Inc. Killer e2200 PCI-E Gigabit Ethernet Controller 3/27/2014 10:29:52 AM 3/27/2014 10:29:52 AM C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\e22w7x64.sys A Ke2200 NDIS Miniport Driver for Killer e2201/e2202 PCI-E Ethernet Controller
igdkmd64.sys 00000000`04C36000 00000000`04FF5000 0x003bf000 1 78 Display Driver Intel Graphics Kernel Mode Driver 10.18.10.3958 Intel Corporation Intel HD Graphics Drivers for Windows 8(R) 10/1/2014 7:54:16 PM 10/1/2014 7:54:16 PM C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\igdkmd64.sys A igfx
nvlddmkm.sys 00000000`0F0C6000 00000000`0FDA2000 0x00cdc000 1 75 Display Driver NVIDIA Windows Kernel Mode Driver, Version 344.60 9.18.13.4460 NVIDIA Corporation NVIDIA Windows Kernel Mode Driver, Version 344.60 10/29/2014 8:53:26 PM 11/7/2014 1:01:37 PM C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\nvlddmkm.sys A nvlddmkm
nvpciflt.sys 00000000`015E1000 00000000`015EC000 0x0000b000 1 41 System Driver NVIDIA Windows Kernel Mode Driver, Version 344.60 9.18.13.4460 NVIDIA Corporation NVIDIA Windows Kernel Mode Driver, Version 344.60 10/29/2014 8:53:26 PM 11/7/2014 1:01:37 PM C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\nvpciflt.sys A nvpciflt
NvStreamKms.sys 00000000`099E9000 00000000`099F3000 0x0000a000 1 141 System Driver Nvidia Streaming Kernel Service 1.0.0.0 NVIDIA Corporation Nvidia Streaming Kernel Service 10/3/2014 10:36:51 PM 11/7/2014 1:02:08 PM C:\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation\NvStreamSrv\NvStreamKms.sys A NvStreamKms NvStreamKms
nvvad64v.sys 00000000`0F0B5000 00000000`0F0C2000 0x0000d000 1 101 Sound Driver NVIDIA Virtual Audio Driver 1.2.25.0 NVIDIA Corporation NVIDIA Virtual Audio Driver 9/4/2014 11:14:38 AM 11/7/2014 1:01:37 PM C:\Windows\system32\drivers\nvvad64v.sys A nvvad_WaveExtensible NVIDIA Virtual Audio Device (Wave Extensible) (WDM)
secdrv.SYS 00000000`095E5000 00000000`095F0000 0x0000b000 1 135 System Driver Macrovision SECURITY Driver 4.3.86.0 Macrovision Corporation, Macrovision Europe Limited, and Macrovision Japan and Asia K.K. Macrovision SECURITY Driver 6/10/2009 12:37:19 PM 7/13/2009 6:36:07 PM C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\secdrv.SYS A

 

[gregrocker]

I don't understand why you have a Windows 8 Intel Display driver installed? Did this come in via Windows Update? Have you seen it before? Find the correct Win7 driver for this device on the PC or Device's Support Downloads webpage.

There's also what appears to be an Nvidia display driver which likely is part of the chipset. Refresh my memory: Do you have both onboard graphics chip and video card? Are they switchable or can you choose between them in BIOS; if so try one at a time. Either way I don't think your Intel should have a Win8 driver which may be a problem, so try the Win7 driver.

Then try running with that change to see if it resolves the problem.

What drivers are are still missing in Device Manager? In the past did you install the full Nvidia chipset package?

What drivers are queued under Optional Updates when you Check for Updates? There are also likely performance patches there that may be needed. I would go ahead and install them since the problem already exists without them.

 

[Vort]

The Intel driver came via Windows Update, yes. I'll investigate the win8 driver issue, but it came with an Important Update so even if I change it, Windows will prob want to change it back. Also, from what I've read, the Intel HD Graphics is onboard, part of the mobile i7 processor, which seemed odd to me as I've always heard of onboard graphics being part of the motherboard, not the CPU, but when I looked at replacing it, that's what I found. Again, from what I've read, the NVidia Geforce GTX 670M card runs through the Intel HD as a go-between/bus when running games.

I've never touched anything in the BIOS aside from Boot Priority when I was booting from a USB to reinstall Windows. There are a few drivers missing in Device Manager, but I was keeping them out of the equation since the problem occurs with or without them and I was trying to install as few things as possible. I'll load them up though.

As far as Optional Updates, there don't appear to be any drivers remaining, there's an update for .NET Framework, update for Kernel-Mode Driver Framework, and then selveral Update for Windows 7 for x64 based Systems. Dumb question, maybe, but is there any diagnostic value in attempting to load 32bit windows 7, instead of 64bit? Or attempting to load a copy of windows 8 to see if the problem persists there?

 

[gregrocker]

You can always uninstall, Roll back, select from all previous drivers from the Driver tab in Dev Mgr. If you uninstall an Update you can Hide it when it is offered next.

You can install Windows 8 or if you don't own a copy try a Dual Boot with Clean Install Windows 10 Technical Preview
which I've been using for several weeks now and is remarkably stable with an actual Start Menu but using Windows 8.1 drivers. But I'd only install it on a test partition as a trial, although if you like it as much as I did you may never go back to the other.

I'd only install 32 bit if you have 3gb or less RAM.

Please fill in your System Specs in bottom left corner as its annoying to have to go back to try to see your specs and others won't help you because of it.

Go to the Support Downloads webpage for your model PC or Intel display device to try the latest Win7 driver.

 

[Faladu]

Would OP running two Network devices at the same time on that laptop be a factor?

Taken from the SystemInfo.txt showing two active IP addresses from a router: (- my bold # addons 8))

Network Card(s): 4 NIC(s) Installed.
[01]: Killer e2200 PCI-E Gigabit Ethernet Controller (NDIS 6.20)
Connection Name: Local Area Connection
DHCP Enabled: Yes
DHCP Server: 192.168.0.1
IP address(es)
[01]: 192.168.0.2 #1
[02]: fe80::5d76:5a86:aee3:5eea
[02]: Microsoft Virtual WiFi Miniport Adapter
Connection Name: Wireless Network Connection 5
Status: Media disconnected
[03]: Intel(R) Centrino(R) Ultimate-N 6300 AGN
Connection Name: Wireless Network Connection 4
DHCP Enabled: Yes
DHCP Server: 192.168.0.1
IP address(es)
[01]: 192.168.0.3 #2
[02]: fe80::5942:f710:92d4:d6a3
[04]: Microsoft Virtual WiFi Miniport Adapter
Connection Name: Wireless Network Connection 6
Status: Media disconnected

I would disable #2 in device manager and/or disable in the BIOS settings and reboot.
If totally off due to no experience with the Killer, let me know that please. 8)

 

[ComputerGeek]

I skimmed the thread. Don;t know if I can help but will have a look. I started with at a look through the dxdiag report you were kind enough to provide at the top of the thread

1. Dxdiag shows these system specs, correct?
> Computer: MSI_NB CZ-17
> OS: Win 7 x64 SP1
> 8GB Memory
> Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-3630QM CPU @ 2.40GHz (8 CPUs)

2. I also see your Intel graphics card and the driver installed
> Card: Intel(R) HD Graphics 4000
> Driver Version: 9.17.10.2867
> Driver Date: 10/10/2012
At one point you said you were running the latest Intel Driver. Did you update it since the dxdiag report Not sure the driver shown is the latest. But in any case, we'll get back to all that. Moving along...

3. Dxdiag also shows your "System Devices"
> Tells me your m/b is based on an Intel Chipset
> I can see your Intel Graphics 4000 listed again (which i'd expect to see listed again)
> But what threw me at first was also seeing an NVIDIA graphics card on the bus!

     Name: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 670M
Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_1213&SUBSYS_10CB1462&REV_A1\4&5435C8C&0&0008

That's another reason i like these forums. I'm always learning new things myself You have a "hybrid" graphics engine on your laptop. Your laptop has TWO graphics cards at its disposal you can dynamically choose: the Intel card is for basic display use/low power consumption, the NVIDIA is for higher res games and video, 3D, etc. but needs more power when you use it

From what i read, you should have a method to choose which graphics card to use? And Nvidia supplies a notification of which one is in use? Are you aware of how to choose? How to confirm which graphics card is running? Will need to know which is running when doing a test

Let's start with a look at the driver packages on your machine (along with their version #s). Run DoubleDriver
> Click Backup then Scan Current System. Click Select->All, then Save as a text file and upload to next post

 

[Vort]

I've done multiple win7 reinstalls since that DxDiag was posted. Let me know if you'd like a new one at any time. Here's the save from DoubleDriver. I'm strongly considering Greg's suggestion of trying out Win10.

Also on the topic of switching between the two... I assume that Intel HD is the primary, but when opening games I have the option to choose which one I use. The NVidia is set to default for games, and I assume fires up every time I load one.

 

[ComputerGeek]

fyi... I opened the file and searched for Display (to find the display driver packages). Here's what's there

  < Intel(R) HD Graphics 4000 >

    Version:			10.18.10.3958
    Date:			9-30-2014
    Provider:			Intel Corporation
    Class:			Display
    Setup Information:		oem4.inf
    Setup Section:		iIVBM_w7
    Hardware ID:		pci\ven_8086&dev_0166

  < NVIDIA GeForce GTX 670M >

    Version:			9.18.13.4460
    Date:			10-29-2014
    Provider:			NVIDIA
    Class:			Display
    Setup Information:		oem5.inf
    Setup Section:		Section036
    Hardware ID:		pci\ven_10de&dev_1213&subsys_10cb1462

A couple questions before I go off and look further at the data
1) Do you know how to switch between the two graphics cards?
2) Forgive me for not re-reading the thread, but did you indicate which card was active when you ran the tests?
3) If not, i would repeat and make sure that you're using the NVIDIA card when running the games. And see if you're having any problem when just doing normal (non-hi res, fast speed) when using the INTEL card

/* EDIT */
Ooops. I see you already added info to your post. I THINK (just from reading) that Nvidia may have a notification icon among the icons in bottom right of your screen. (You may have to click the little upward triangle to see all the icons there) Left and/or right click the Nvidia icon (i forget). Does it confirm which grapic card is in use? And is what you're expecting?

/* EDIT2 */
Hmmm... Did you download any drivers from your computer maker's support site? i just noticed the only driver from INTEL, itself, is the display driver. Were there any chipset drivers on your computer vendor's support site? If so, did you install them? If not, install them now from their site. See if any change.

After that, you can also try the Intel Driver Update Tool. Right now the chipset is using the MS generic drivers. Don't know if that's correct or not.

 

[gregrocker]

The switchable graphics controls are most likely on the Nvidia Control Panel which may be a tab on its driver in Device Manager, have its own listing in Control Panel, or under Control Panel>Display.

 

[ComputerGeek]

Uh-Oh!

Let's continue on our current path for now.. but it seems like freezing during gaming has been a prior complaint for your machine

HERE's a link that googles search terms MSI_NB CZ-17 intel nvidia problem freeze

Back to business....

/* EDIT2 */
Hmmm... Did you download any drivers from your computer maker's support site? i just noticed the only driver from INTEL, itself, is the display driver. Were there any chipset drivers on your computer vendor's support site? If so, did you install them? If not, install them now from their site. See if any change.

After that, you can also try the Intel Driver Update Tool. Right now the chipset is using the MS generic drivers. Don't know if that's correct or not.

It looks like your computer is from iBUYPOWER. Their support site is HERE. You're currently running with MS generic chipset drivers. iBUYPOWER's support site includes INTEL chipset driver. I downloaded and inspected the file. It's v9.3.0.1019, dated December 06 2011.

1. Around when did you buy the computer?
2. Did you ever download drivers from their site or did you use the ones it came with?
3. Were things running well for some time before the problem started? (approx for how long?) I'm curious if things ever worked well? Or if the problem may have started after a Windows Update updated a driver.

For now, let's stick to my original plan. i.e. Install the original Intel drivers from their web site. Try your machine. If problem persists, run the Intel Update Tool to get the latest version. I'll look at the nVidia drivers sometime tomorrow. (Don't change them for now)

 

[Vort]

I have installed them in the past. I followed gregrocker's Clean Reinstall and got all the drivers from Windows Update and off the iBUYPOWER website, but the problem recurred. I did another Clean Reinstall but only loaded bare minimum to see if the problem occurred before loading them (since I'd already seen it occur after loading them). The problem still occurred without them, just like it did with. The thing that boggles my mind is that I would expect this to be a hardware issue, but I'd also expect a hardware issue to be constant. This doesn't seem constant.

Edit: Sorry I failed to answer a few of the questions. Bought the computer around XMas 2012, 2 years ago. For a long time I had zero issues with the drivers it came with and updating some of them on my own (like the NVidia) but I didn't grab "new" ones from the website. I will install the rest of the drivers, but like I said, the problem has occurred with them, and without.

 

[Vort]

Reinstalled all the drivers. Problem persisted. Ran Intel Update Tool and updated to latest version of drivers but no change. Here is new DoubleDriver file.

 

[ComputerGeek]

Quick question before I'm out for most rest of the day

1. You probably thought of this already, to be sure:
> I understand the problem only (or mostly?) happens while gaming?
2> You have a laptop. Make sure you are always plugged into AC (not relying on battery) when testing. The nVidia chip requires more power

2. I'm impressed with all the work you've done to date and all the permutations of variables you've trying when testing. You said you once tested "bare min" installation - Did that include a test scenario where you ran a test with ONLY the original drivers (from the support site) on the machine. I'm not suggesting you do that next. I'm just asking to know that data point.

 

[gregrocker]

Have you tried running with a boot disk to see if the problem occurs, which would rule out the OS, software and even the HD if you unplug it? Peppermint3 - Create Live CD/DVD/USB To Use For Emergency Backup - Windows 7 Forums

We have another switchable graphics case working right now that resolved its issues by disabling the Nvidia card which also provides the switchable graphics controls and technology.

 

[Vort]

@ComputerGeek The problem first manifested while gaming, but occurs outside of games too. I use the laptop primarily for gaming, but other general computer needs as well (browsing, writing, etc). The power is not a factor in this, as it is always plugged in. When it was working well, it being unplugged did result in a drop in framerate during gaming, but this is different.

With regards to the bare minimum I was referring to, that was Windows Update "Important" updates only, Networking Adapter driver for internet, NVidia driver, and Intel HD Graphics driver and League of Legends to play around with while waiting for the problem to manifest, which it did, but not immediately. It always seems that doing a Windows Reinstall gives me a few minutes/hours of time before the problem recurs, but restoring to a System Image does not fix the problem.

I have not yet done a run with ONLY the drivers from the support site (I've always done Windows Updates as well).

@gregrocker I have not tried the Boot Disk yet, but will if you think I should. As far as unplugging the graphics adapter, I'm not sure I know how unless you mean a setting to "unplug" it as opposed to physically unplugging it. I've built desktops before and know the insides of them, how/what to unplug in them, but I've never opened up my laptop to poke around in it. I'm not familiar with it's insides.

 

[gregrocker]

You can disable Nvidia Display Adapter in Device Manager on the Driver tab.

 

[Vort]

Ahh yes, I can do that no problem, but that would be similar to when I just didn't install the driver, correct? Should I just be looking to see if the issue clears up immediately, or any other effects I should be looking for?

 

[gregrocker]

Uninstall leaves it in a searching state. Disable is as though it doesn't exist and since the Switchable controls are normally on Nvidia it shouldn't be called. You'll have to see what performance is like on your model.

Normally Switchable graphics kick in a higher-performing GPU when demand rises in gaming, so the onboard may be too weak for all purposes.

Your model may be different though so I'd read your Manual for any reference to it, check the Specs for the exact type of Switchable you have, then read about it on its Support pages.