Gradual Progressive physical memory usage increase until BSOD

[jbhdhf]

For the last few weeks I have been getting BSOD: IRQL not less or equal, and system service exception. I first updated all drivers/windows ect, and ran recommended repair utilities. After this had no effect, I had been directed by another source to test the RAM, and so ran memtest, finding no errors. I have also swapped out different combinations of my 4 Dimms of RAM to try and isolate the problem. While I have been swapping out my RAM sticks, I happened to notice that my physical memory usage would slowly and steadily rise until ~ 95-99% at which point the BSOD would occur. Since noticing the RAM usage continually rising seemed to cause the crash, I have found that rebooting when the memory usage gets too high will baseline the RAM usage and can prevent the BSOD.

Does anyone have any idea what might be causing this? The only programs I'm using are world of warcraft, chrome, and occasionally skype or MS office. BSOD have occured with some or even none of these applications open(But always with memory usage @ ~ 90% or higher). Closing every program when the memory gets high doesn't cause the memory usage to ever stop rising(though it will temporarily drop the usage).

So in a nutshell:

My memory usage goes from ~20% on fresh boot, gradually increasing until ~95-98% and I Crash. I've scanned the processes>show processes from all users and nothing stands out that seems to be using too much memory.

 

[jbhdhf]

Just found a set of 2 dimms that could pass 5 hours of mem test with no BSOD or errors. It's possible I just had two sticks of RAM go bad. Will update if the RAM problem and BSOD occurs again.

 

[writhziden]

Alright, keep us posted.

 

[jbhdhf]

Sigh. The two "good" sticks are in and memory usage started creeping again until it hits 95-98% and I crash. I'm about at my wits end. I'm not sure how I could run 5.5 hours of mem test without incident and suddenly the problem resurfaces.

Edit* Does this lead to the conclusion that it's not the RAM? Memtest did ~ 4 complete passes today with zero errors found. During testing usage was constant @ ~ 85% and returned stably to baseline for most of the evening until about an hour ago when it began accumulating as described.

 

[writhziden]

You should test for at least 7 passes with Memtest86+ to rule out the RAM. More passes would be better if you can let it run for a long time.

Also, have you scanned for viruses? Scan for viruses with a full scan using the free version (do not start the trial) of Malwarebytes : Free anti-malware, anti-virus and spyware removal download and see the http://www.sevenforums.com/system-s...-system-security-combination.html#post1732627 for better security steps and scanning tools.



It could also be an application or service that is eating the RAM: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorial...ation-conflicts-performing-clean-startup.html

 

[sebpri]

Hi,

I'm going through the exact same symptoms. Have you ever found a solution?

 

[jafoo]

Same here! driving me nuts! done 3 clean install of windows but the problem persists!!
15 passes using memtest with no errors...


it is probably a faulty driver but don't know how to isolate the problem...




please help!!

 

[sebpri]

Hi,

This is what worked for me:

http://www.sevenforums.com/crashes-...used-irql_not_less_or_equal-ntoskrnl-e-2.html

Good luck!