Constant shut downs, bsod's, and stop errors...

[Jaiz]

I've had issues with this computer for over a year now. My friend bought it in 06' or 07', and gave it to me near the beginning of '10 I believe. This computer has become so unbelievably unreliable. I've replaced the 2 c drive twice, had the operating system re-installed several times, and it always ends coming back to the same issue of the computer constantly shutting down with bsod's, and sometimes won't start up no matter how many times I try. Eventually it will start up and can stay on for days or weeks provided I don't shut it down, or put it in sleep mode and just restart it. I can't afford a new comp or can really afford for it to be repaired. I wish there were some simple command prompts of freeware that could fix all these stop errors and bsod's that has plagued my computer. I don't have any viruses or spyware according to microsoft security essentials, so that's not the issue. It's not a harddisk issue cause the same problems persist even with brand new harddrives. I really hope someone can help me with something I can understand, and it doesn't involve actual physical repairs that need to be done. I have uploaded my minidump files

 

[JMH]

Jaiz,
What a BSOD collection you have there!

These crashes were caused by memory corruption (probably a driver).
Please run these two tests to verify your memory and find which driver is causing the problem.

If you are overclocking anything reset to default before running these tests.
In other words STOP!!!


1-Memtest.

*Download a copy of Memtest86 and burn the ISO to a CD using Iso Recorder or another ISO burning program. Memtest86+ - Advanced Memory Diagnostic Tool

*Boot from the CD, and leave it running for at least 5 or 6 passes.

Just remember, any time Memtest reports errors, it can be either bad RAM or a bad motherboard slot.

Test the sticks individually, and if you find a good one, test it in all slots.

Any errors are indicative of a memory problem.

If a known good stick fails in a motherboard slot it is probably the slot.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/105647-ram-test-memtest86.html



2-Driver verifier

I'd suggest that you first backup your data and then make sure you've got access to another computer so you can contact us if problems arise. Then make a System Restore point (so you can restore the system using the Vista/Win7 Startup Repair feature).

In Windows 7 you can make a Startup Repair disk by going to Start....All Programs...Maintenance...Create a System Repair Disc - with Windows Vista you'll have to use your installation disk or the "Repair your computer" option at the top of the Safe Mode menu .

Then, here's the procedure:
- Go to Start and type in "verifier" (without the quotes) and press Enter
- Select "Create custom settings (for code developers)" and click "Next"
- Select "Select individual settings from a full list" and click "Next"
- Select everything EXCEPT FOR "Low Resource Simulation" and click "Next"
- Select "Select driver names from a list" and click "Next"
Then select all drivers NOT provided by Microsoft and click "Next"
- Select "Finish" on the next page.

Reboot the system and wait for it to crash to the Blue Screen. Continue to use your system normally, and if you know what causes the crash, do that repeatedly. The objective here is to get the system to crash because Driver Verifier is stressing the drivers out. If it doesn't crash for you, then let it run for at least 36 hours of continuous operation (an estimate on my part).

If you can't get into Windows because it crashes too soon, try it in Safe Mode.
If you can't get into Safe Mode, try using System Restore from your installation DVD to set the system back to the previous restore point that you created.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/101379-driver-verifier-enable-disable.html


Further Reading
Using Driver Verifier to identify issues with Windows drivers for advanced users

 

[zigzag3143]

DO what JMH suggests first. AND then do these.

Old drivers needing updating (from as far back as 2003)

[COLOR=Red]pfc.sys    9/19/2003[/COLOR] 6:47:22 PM    0x8ff8f000    0x8ff91880        0x00002880    0x3f6b958a                        
ctac32k.sys    7/2/2008 2:42:27 AM    0x93221000    0x932bd000        0x0009c000    0x486b3163                        
spldr.sys    5/11/2009 11:13:47 AM    0x89bc2000    0x89bca000        0x00008000    0x4a084ebb                        
e1e6232.sys    6/5/2009 2:07:54 PM    0x8fd24000    0x8fd5c000        0x00038000    0x4a296d0a

How To Find Drivers:

- search Google for the name of the driver
- compare the Google results with what's installed on your system to figure out which device/program it belongs to
- visit the web site of the manufacturer of the hardware/program to get the latest drivers (DON'T use Windows Update or the Update driver function of Device Manager).
- if there are difficulties in locating them, post back with questions and someone will try and help you locate the appropriate program.

- - The most common drivers are listed on this page: Driver Reference Driver Reference
- - Driver manufacturer links are on this page: Drivers and Downloads

 

[Jaiz]

Wow that all sounds mad complicated and beyond me lol I don't know anything about memory sticks, how to test them or install them. My friend knows how to do all that and I'm sure he wouldn't want to do all of this. Plus getting access to another computer probably wouldn't be possible.

 

[zigzag3143]

Wow that all sounds mad complicated and beyond me lol I don't know anything about memory sticks, how to test them or install them. My friend knows how to do all that and I'm sure he wouldn't want to do all of this. Plus getting access to another computer probably wouldn't be possible.

If it is a laptop (or under warranty) dont pull ram.

 

[Jaiz]

It is a desktop computer. I am curious if there's any recommended anti-spyware programs that's safe to used with windows 7 32bit, other than the microsoft security essentials software that came with the OS. I have a feeling there's spyware/malware and other stuff on my comp that mse hasn't found. Also, is there any registry programs safe to use with this OS? My friend who gave me the comp told me I shouldn't use any spyware or registry programs cause it will just further damage my computer, and to just use mse.

 

[JMH]

> We use & recommend Malwarebytes.{free}
Down load from the link below.
Update immediately.
Suggest you run a full system scan. Note this may take some time.

Malwarebytes : Download free malware, virus and spyware tools to get your computer back in shape!

> Re Registry cleaners...
Current accepted wisdom with Win 7 is to NOT use a cleaner.

If you ever think your Registry needs to be cleaned, repaired, boosted, tuned-up, cured, tweaked, fixed, or optimized it shouldn't.

In other words, injudicious use of "Registry cleaners" CAN cause problems.

IMO - there is no reliable way for a third party program to know whether any particular key is invalid, redundant or neither.
Some registry cleaners may not know for sure whether a key is still being used by Windows or what detrimental effects removing it may have.
This has led to examples of registry cleaners causing loss of functionality and/or system instability.

FYI
Do I need a Registry Cleaner? | What the Tech

 

[Jaiz]

Ok well I tried to take a much easier approach of updating drivers by find a program that automatically detected outdated drivers, and replace them. I also downloaded, installed, and ran Malware bytes as suggested. I felt good thinking maybe all this would help a bit, but sure enough my computer has been shutting down with bsod's. I've compiled the new minidump for the shutdowns today, and would like to know if the problems are anything new or it's the same issues. I also would like to know if there's anymore I can do without actually physically going into my computer, cause I don't know how to do that myself and I'll just further mess the computer up.

 

[JMH]

Wow that all sounds mad complicated and beyond me lol

My friend knows how to do all that and I'm sure he wouldn't want to do all of this.

I also would like to know if there's anymore I can do without actually physically going into my computer, cause I don't know how to do that myself and I'll just further mess the computer up.

Have you stopped overclocking?
Did you run Memtest & Driver Verifier as advised?

IMHO considering the problems you currently have and your comments above it would be far quicker & easier if you used one of the Back Ups you made in the recent past.
Failing that do a Clean Install.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html

 

[zigzag3143]

Ok well I tried to take a much easier approach of updating drivers by find a program that automatically detected outdated drivers, and replace them. I also downloaded, installed, and ran Malware bytes as suggested. I felt good thinking maybe all this would help a bit, but sure enough my computer has been shutting down with bsod's. I've compiled the new minidump for the shutdowns today, and would like to know if the problems are anything new or it's the same issues. I also would like to know if there's anymore I can do without actually physically going into my computer, cause I don't know how to do that myself and I'll just further mess the computer up.

You still have the driver from 2003. I am afraid until it is removed you will continue to crash.

Let us know when it is removed.

 

[Jaiz]

What is overclocking? This is my first time being back on for a bit cause my computer wouldn't make it to the desktop. The 2003 driver is probably for Adobe Audition 1.5 which is the only program I know how to mix vocals in, and I can't grasp the new versions of Adobe Audition. A new driver probably won't be compatible with it. I didn't run Memtest or drive verifier cause I don't have access to another computer.

 

[zigzag3143]

What is overclocking? This is my first time being back on for a bit cause my computer wouldn't make it to the desktop. The 2003 driver is probably for Adobe Audition 1.5 which is the only program I know how to mix vocals in, and I can't grasp the new versions of Adobe Audition. A new driver probably won't be compatible with it. I didn't run Memtest or drive verifier cause I don't have access to another computer.

It isnt. It is Related to pfc.sys Padus(R) ASPI Shell from Padus, Inc. And it is killing you.

 

[Jaiz]

do I need this driver? I don't know what that is exactly. If I don't need it can you guide me through removing it? I thought it may have to do with me having Adobe Auditon 1.5 on my comp based off of what I read at http://www.file.net/process/pfc.sys.html I'm not sure if I was allowed to post that link, just a reference point.

 

[Jaiz]

First time comp has been working for hours, was hoping there would be a reply. While I'm at it, does anyone know of any useful command prompts I could enter to help? I've tried bootrec/fixmbr and bootrec/fixboot, it helps once in awhile for me to get back on when my comp won't startup, but it usually doesn't.

 

[zigzag3143]

First time comp has been working for hours, was hoping there would be a reply. While I'm at it, does anyone know of any useful command prompts I could enter to help? I've tried bootrec/fixmbr and bootrec/fixboot, it helps once in awhile for me to get back on when my comp won't startup, but it usually doesn't.

Reply about what? Have you removed the 2003 driver?

There are no relevant "cmd prompts" for removing the driver.

 

[Jaiz]

Just able to finally get back on my comp. I need to know how to remove all traces of the 2003 driver, and know it's not linked with Adobe Audition. I know it's not a simple process and involves editing the registry. Need to know exactly what to do

[Edit] Well I deleted pfc.sys from C:/windows/system32/drivers Additionally I removed pfc from the lower filter reference in regedit at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\{4D36E965-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318} I don't know what else to delete in regedit cause I pressed ctrl+f to find any references to pcf.sys, and it seems to be linked to a bunch of stuff. I also see there is an entire folder for pfc located in reg edit HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet002\services\pfc I don't know if that's just random letters for files/drivers that start with pfc or what. I deleted the imagepath registry key in that folder which referenced C:/windows/system32/driver/pfc.sys I don't know what else I should delete from the folder, or if I should delete that whole pfc folder. I need to know specifically every entry I need to delete in regedit. I made a restore point before deleting anything involving pfc just in case I further screwed up my computer.

 

[zigzag3143]

Just able to finally get back on my comp. I need to know how to remove all traces of the 2003 driver, and know it's not linked with Adobe Audition. I know it's not a simple process and involves editing the registry. Need to know exactly what to do

[Edit] Well I deleted pfc.sys from C:/windows/system32/drivers Additionally I removed pfc from the lower filter reference in regedit at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\{4D36E965-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318} I don't know what else to delete in regedit cause I pressed ctrl+f to find any references to pcf.sys, and it seems to be linked to a bunch of stuff. I also see there is an entire folder for pfc located in reg edit HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet002\services\pfc I don't know if that's just random letters for files/drivers that start with pfc or what. I deleted the imagepath registry key in that folder which referenced C:/windows/system32/driver/pfc.sys I don't know what else I should delete from the folder, or if I should delete that whole pfc folder. I need to know specifically every entry I need to delete in regedit. I made a restore point before deleting anything involving pfc just in case I further screwed up my computer.

Im unsure abt PFC's association. I have gone to 4 places and all relate it to the mfr I specified.

I am a bit nervous about registry editing to fix the symptom rather than the cause.

At some point it may just be easier to do a clean install.

Let us know if you need help.

 

[Jaiz]

Well the OS has been cleanly installed several times over the past 2 years or so. The issues keep coming back with my comp shutting down with bsod's galore, and not starting up. My comp is still shutting down like crazy since my last post, and it's hard to stay on for long when it will actually start up and let me do something for a little bit. Have to save every few seconds in a text document to post on here. So I keep hoping for replies in the thread to try to at least fully remove this 2003 driver. I doubt I fully removed all traces of it. Here's some new minidump files, so let me know if it's still showing that driver, and if there's anything new.

 

[zigzag3143]

Ok well I tried to take a much easier approach of updating drivers by find a program that automatically detected outdated drivers, and replace them. I also downloaded, installed, and ran Malware bytes as suggested. I felt good thinking maybe all this would help a bit, but sure enough my computer has been shutting down with bsod's. I've compiled the new minidump for the shutdowns today, and would like to know if the problems are anything new or it's the same issues. I also would like to know if there's anymore I can do without actually physically going into my computer, cause I don't know how to do that myself and I'll just further mess the computer up.

If you dont want to do the suggested tests I suggest the easiest course it to take it to a pro.

You can tell him/her they are memory exceptions.

 

[Jaiz]

K well I'm trying the Driver verifier process. I did it in safe mode, and when I tried to restart my comp wouldn't boot. I did a hard shut down and booted up again, and this time it went through. So is the verifier still gonna do it's job if my initial restart attempt wasn't successful?