Multiple crashes

[cjorvik]

I'm having multiple crashes and have been advised to reset windows to factory specs. I've done the repair multiple times, done system restores, checked for viruses, malware and registry problems. Problems get fixed and then something new may pop up. I've had the WERReportMetadata crash and bad_pool_caller. I can't download the SP1 update but with the tool, it did download a Hotfix(KB947821) update. I'm attaching a file that I created with Captain Jack's instructions. Hope this one is ok because when I tried to just do the mini-dump just now, it crashed again. If no one has any advice, that's ok since I'm backing up everything to start over. I'm a real novice at this as you can tell. Thanks for any advice.
Jo

 

[zigzag3143]

I'm having multiple crashes and have been advised to reset windows to factory specs. I've done the repair multiple times, done system restores, checked for viruses, malware and registry problems. Problems get fixed and then something new may pop up. I've had the WERReportMetadata crash and bad_pool_caller. I can't download the SP1 update but with the tool, it did download a Hotfix(KB947821) update. I'm attaching a file that I created with Captain Jack's instructions. Hope this one is ok because when I tried to just do the mini-dump just now, it crashed again. If no one has any advice, that's ok since I'm backing up everything to start over. I'm a real novice at this as you can tell. Thanks for any advice.
Jo

Majority of these are blamed on a Bad_pool_caller. Usually a device driver that has corrupted memory.

I would


Download a copy of Memtest86 and burn the ISO to a CD using Iso Recorder or another ISO burning program.

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.



Driver verifier

I'd suggest that you first backup your stuff 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.

 

[cjorvik]

Thank you so much. I found an ISO recorder and will proceed at a slow pace since it's going to take a long time to backup all my stuff. Before I even get to doing anything, what are "sticks" and does it tell me how to test in all slots? As I said, I don't know much of anything. Thanks again.

 

[zigzag3143]

Thank you so much. I found an ISO recorder and will proceed at a slow pace since it's going to take a long time to backup all my stuff. Before I even get to doing anything, what are "sticks" and does it tell me how to test in all slots? As I said, I don't know much of anything. Thanks again.

sticks= one piece of RAM. Usually in pairs. test each one individually. if they both are good take one of them and test it in each motherboard slot.

 

[cjorvik]

I truly appreciate your help but this seems to be over my head. I can't figure out how to boot the iso. Anyway,being that I am computer illiterate do you think it's best that I just reset windows after backing up all my stuff? Or would a computer tech be able to fix this?

 

[zigzag3143]

I truly appreciate your help but this seems to be over my head. I can't figure out how to boot the iso. Anyway,being that I am computer illiterate do you think it's best that I just reset windows after backing up all my stuff? Or would a computer tech be able to fix this?

IF it is RAM re-installing windows would do nothing, if it is not it might help

If it is RAM a tech should be able to test it.

 

[cjorvik]

IF it is RAM re-installing windows would do nothing, if it is not it might help

If it is RAM a tech should be able to test it.[/QUOTE]

Hello again,
If you're still monitoring this question, I did get the memtest to work. It showed initially no errors but now is running a bunch of tests with Jei all over the screen. So do I assume if this all comes back without errors, I don't do the stick thing? Also do I then go ahead and do the verifying procedure?
BTW, I've now lost all sound even though everything seems to check out except tha actual sound. Could this be related?
Thanks again,
Jo

 

[zigzag3143]

IF it is RAM re-installing windows would do nothing, if it is not it might help

If it is RAM a tech should be able to test it.

Hello again,
If you're still monitoring this question, I did get the memtest to work. It showed initially no errors but now is running a bunch of tests with Jei all over the screen. So do I assume if this all comes back without errors, I don't do the stick thing? Also do I then go ahead and do the verifying procedure?
BTW, I've now lost all sound even though everything seems to check out except tha actual sound. Could this be related?
Thanks again,
Jo[/QUOTE]

If your ram passes all 6-8 passes with no errors you can probably skip the individual stick tests but I would use one good stick to test the mobo slots.

Yes you should do the verifier to identify the driver.