Solved Random BSOD, errors IRQL not less or equal/KMODE exception not handled

[OldBandit]

Hi all,
the last month has been a real nightmare: I started getting BSODs practically out of the blue and it's happening more and more often.
I can't recall installing anything particular at the time (I use the PC mostly to work and navigate the web), and I haven't changed any piece of hardware, lately.
I keep the drivers up to date and use Windows Update regularly, use Avira as antivirus software (which has never given me problems), regularly scan the system for viruses/malware (using both Avira and Anti-Malware - one at a time, of course) and defragging the drives when necessary.
In the last few days I ran RAm tests for a few hours but no errors were detected...

I can't think of any other info you might want, attached you'll find all the data required by the BSOD posting instructions...

Thanks in advance for your help.
ALex

 

[OldBandit]

And here's the .zip file

 

[writhziden]

Problematic Software:

Start Menu\Programs\Device Doctor Pro	Public:Start Menu\Programs\Device Doctor Pro	Public
Start Menu\Programs\Driver Detective	Public:Start Menu\Programs\Driver Detective	Public

• We do not recommend automated driver update software. It often finds drivers for devices similar to but not exactly the same as the hardware actually on the system. This can lead to conflicts and blue screen crashes. If you need help finding driver updates for a certain device, please start a thread in Drivers - Windows 7 Forums instead of using software. Driver updates are not always necessary and some updates can actually decrease system stability rather than increase it, so it is usually better not to update unless a device or its driver is causing problems with the system. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

The following drivers need to be updated:

ahcix64.sys Fri Aug 29 19:50:57 2008 (48B8A781)
ahcix64s.sys Wed Jul 1 01:05:27 2009 (4A4B0AB7)

ahcix64.sys
ahcix64s.sys

The drivers should be updated from your motherboard support site or directly from AMD: AMD Chipset Drivers -> AMD Raid Drivers


Crashes indicate possible hardware issues, but they may actually be related to the RAID controller drivers being out of date. Test to see if the system is stable after doing the above first. Test by doing your normal routine for twice as long as it typically takes to get a crash.

If you get more crashes, run some hardware checks.

• If you are overclocking any hardware, please stop.
  
  
• Monitor temperatures during the following tests.
  
  Use the following programs to monitor the temperatures.​
  • Real Temp is a good CPU temperature monitor.
  • Speccy - System Information - Free Download will monitor all hardware temperatures.
  • HWiNFO, HWiNFO32 & HWiNFO64 - Hardware Information and Analysis Tools can be inaccurate for CPU temperatures, but is a good program for GPU temperature monitoring.
  • Use FurMark: VGA Stress Test, Graphics Card and GPU Stability Test, Burn-in Test, OpenGL Benchmark and GPU Temperature | oZone3D.Net to test the graphics card GPU. Let it run until the GPU temperatures even out or until the GPU temperatures reach a dangerous level (you can find the max temperature for your card on either the nVidia or AMD sites; if you are not sure, ask us). The goal is to get a steady temperature, find out if the GPU is overheating, or to see if there are any artifacts present in the test itself: look for strange pixelated patterns on the screen or colors that do not look like they belong. Then use the |MG| Video Memory Stress Test 1.7.116 Download to test your graphics card memory. Let the memory test run for at least seven passes; the more the better.
    
    
  • Run http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/100352-hardware-stress-test-prime95.html to determine any hardware problems. Run all three tests for a few hours each. If you get errors, stop the test and post back here.
    
    
  • Follow the steps for doing CPU stress test using IntelBurnTest
  
  
• 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.

 

[OldBandit]

Hi writhziden,
thank you for your answer. I've downloaded and installed the RAID drivers and will get back to you after doing as you suggested. During installation (I always choose "Custom") I noticed that the installation program listed the RAID drivers as already up to date - it did install them anyway (it dismounted and re-mounted the disks, so I guess it did).

As for system temperature, I already keep it in check: it's usually between 43 and 52 Celsius degrees. I noticed it raises when the browser (Chrome) is on a site using flash (and the system often crashes while playing a Flash game).
The GPU temperature, on the other hand, is steady at 67 Celsius degrees.

As for the drivers-checking software, you're obviously right but I do not let it automate driver installation: I use it (Driver Detective, I used Device Doctor just twice and never started it again) to see if the drivers are up to date and then personally choose what to install (which doesn't mean I can't be wrong, of course).

Thanks again, I'll get back to you.
ALex

 

[OldBandit]

Updated the RAID drivers with the link provided, tried a flash game and the system crashed.
Re-booted, watched a video on YouTube and the system crashed.
Re-booted, opened two full screen (one for each monitor) videos on YouTube and nothing happened...
Here are today's dmps.

Moving on to the Graphic Card tests (it's not going to be fast: I still have to work)...

 

[writhziden]

Glad to see you do not let the driver update software do the updating for you.

As to the temperatures, the tests are not just to check temperatures but to check that the hardware is working properly. The temperature monitoring is to make sure those stress tests do not overheat components because the tests can cause your system to get a little hotter than normal use does. It is a good idea to monitor the temperatures just to be safe.

You may have already known that was what I meant, but I wanted to make sure.


In addition to the tests, we should make sure your RAM is compatible with your system:

• Download and install CPU-Z and Upload screenshots of the CPU, Mainboard, Memory, and SPD tabs. In the SPD tab, upload an image of each slot.

 

[OldBandit]

I imagined you'd want to stress test the system, but please make sure for at least two reasons: a) English is not my mother language b) I can always learn something new.
I thought I was an above-average user, until I ran into this issue and suddenly had no clue, whatsoever.

Ran FurMark for about 30 mins (the only time I could spare from work) - 15 "free", 15 doing the benchmark (got a score of 1235): nothing happened, apart from the GPU temp reaching 97° C (GPU vent running at 52%).

Adding CPU-Z to the to-do list...

 

[OldBandit]

Brief update: ran VMT for one hour seven minutes (1 pass, didn't have more time) with no problems e no errors detected. Hopefully I'll be able to run the tests longer during the w-e.

 

[writhziden]

Alright, let us know how the VMT pans out when you have a chance to run it longer. This weekend is fine for me.

 

[OldBandit]

Had VMT running for 3 hours and 10 minutes, before getting a BSOD.
After re-booting the PC, I noticed I received an e-mail, a few seconds before the PC crashed.
Attaching the dump...
G'nite

 

[writhziden]

I still suspect your RAID setup. The drivers are 2008 even after the update... Perhaps you need to install the chipset drivers first to support the new RAID drivers.

I personally avoid RAID for these reasons: Why RAID is (usually) a Terrible Idea - Puget Custom Computers

 

[OldBandit]

Hi, ran some tests during the weekend...
The good news is Memtest86+ ran 10 hour (8 passes) and found 0 errors...
The bad news start with Prime95 and continue with IntelBurn.

The first one (Prime95) stops core #3 after 0 to 2 tests, and core #4 shortly after - while cores #1 and #2 continue without problems (I'll attach the results.txt text).

Then I checked the maximum recommended temp for my processor on the AMT site (roughly 72° C) and started IntelBurn... It froze the PC two or three times after reaching 70° C, usually after finishing the first pass of the 5 standard suggested in the guide. Once the PC was shut down by Core Temp - I also thought this might be the cause for the PC freezing, so I terminated Core Temp before running IntelBurn again: it froze anyway.
I did get a BSOD, as well, but I forgot to write down which program was running (either Prime95 or IntelBurn, though).

Attaching dump, results.txt and test.CSV file created with HWiNFO while running IntelBurn.

Thanks
ALex

 

[writhziden]

Your processor should be running in the mid to high 50s under stress. Anything higher than that, and I would be concerned that you have improper cooling. Reapply the thermal coolant compound for the processor and heatsink. Also, make sure the heatsink is properly attached and cannot budge if you gently wiggle it with your finger.

Thermal Paste and How To Use It | techPowerUp

As you add and remove hardware (or wiggle your heatsink), 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.


It also appears that you have either a bad processor, or your RAM is not compatible. The CPU-Z screenshots may help.

stress.txt (Overclockers Australia Forums - View Single Post - Prime95 stress.txt file ???)

STRESS TESTING YOUR COMPUTER

BACKGROUND
----------

Today's computers are not perfect. Even brand new systems from major
manufacturers can have hidden flaws. If any of several key components such
as CPU, memory, cooling, etc. are not up to spec, it can lead to incorrect
calculations and/or unexplained system crashes.

Overclocking is the practice of increasing the speed of the CPU and/or
memory to make a machine faster at little cost. Typically, overclocking
involves pushing a machine past its limits and then backing off just a
little bit.

For these reasons, both non-overclockers and overclockers need programs
that test the stability of their computers. This is done by running
programs that put a heavy load on the computer. Though not originally
designed for this purpose, this program is one of a few programs that
are excellent at stress testing a computer.


RESOURCES
---------

This program is a good stress test for the CPU, memory, L1 and L2 caches,
CPU cooling, and case cooling. The torture test runs continuously, comparing
your computer's results to results that are known to be correct. Any
mismatch and you've got a problem! Note that the torture test sometimes
reads from and writes to disk but cannot be considered a stress test for
hard drives.

You'll need other programs to stress video cards, PCI bus, disk access,
networking and other important components. In addition, this is only one
of several good programs that are freely available. Some people report
finding problems only when running two or more stress test programs
concurrently. You may need to raise prime95's priority when running two
stress test programs so that each gets about 50% of the CPU time.

Forums are a great place to learn about available stability test programs
and to get advice on what to do when a problem is found.

The currently popular stability test programs are (sorry, I don't have
web addresses for these):
Prime95 (this program's torture test)
3DMark2001
CPU Stability test
Sisoft sandra
Quake and other games
Folding@Home
Seti@home
Genome@home

Several useful websites for help (look for overclocking community or forum):
Overclockers: The Performance Computing Community for Overclocking Hardware and How to Overclock Information
Ars Technica
HARDOCP - HardOCP Computer Hardware Reviews and News
AnandTech
Tom's Hardware: Hardware News, Tests and Reviews
PC Overclocking, Modding and Building | Sharky Extreme
Also try the alt.comp.hardware.overclocking Usenet newsgroup.

Utility programs you may find useful (I'm sure there are others - look around):
Motherboard monitor from livewiredev.com - dowload music Resources and Information.
Memtest86 from Memtest86.com - Memory Diagnostic
Cpuburn by redelm: http://pages.sbcglobal.net/redelm/
TaskInfo2002 from Iarsn - High Quality System Software


WHAT TO DO IF A PROBLEM IS FOUND?
---------------------------------

The exact cause of a hardware problem can be very hard to find.

If you are not overclocking, the most likely cause is an overheating CPU
or memory DIMMs that are not quite up to spec. Another possibility is
you might need a better power supply. Try running MotherBoard monitor
and browse the forums above to see if your CPU is running too hot.
If so, make sure the heat sink is properly attached, fans are operational,
and air flow inside the case is good. For isolating memory problems, try
swapping memory DIMMs with a co-worker's or friend's machine. If the errors
go away, then you can be fairly confidant that memory was the cause of
the trouble. A power supply problem can often be identified by a significant
drop in the voltages when prime95 starts running. Once again the overclocker
forums are a good resource for what voltages are acceptable.

If you are overclocking then try increasing the core voltage, reduce the
CPU speed, reduce the front side bus speed, or change the memory timings
(CAS latency). Also try asking for help in one of the forums above - they
may have other ideas to try.


CAN I IGNORE THE PROBLEM?
-------------------------

Ignoring the problem is a matter of personal preference. There are
two schools of thought on this subject.

Most programs you run will not stress your computer enough to cause a
wrong result or system crash. If you ignore the problem, then video games
may stress your machine resulting in a system crash. Also, stay away from
distributed computing projects where an incorrect calculation might cause
you to return wrong results. Bad data will not help these projects!
In conclusion, if you are comfortable with a small risk of an occasional
system crash then feel free to live a little dangerously! Keep in mind
that the faster prime95 finds a hardware error the more likely it is that
other programs will experience problems.

The second school of thought is, "Why run a stress test if you are going
to ignore the results?" These people want a guaranteed 100% rock solid
machine. Passing these stability tests gives them the ability to run
CPU intensive programs with confidence.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
--------------------------

Q) My machine is not overclocked. If I'm getting an error, then there must
be a bug in the program, right?

A) The torture test is comparing your machines results against
KNOWN CORRECT RESULTS. If your machine cannot generate correct
results, you have a hardware problem. HOWEVER, if you are failing
the torture test in the SAME SPOT with the SAME ERROR MESSAGE
every time, then ask for help at mersenneforum.org - it is
possible that a recent change to the torture test code may have
introduced a software bug.

Q) How long should I run the torture test?

A) I recommend running it for somewhere between 6 and 24 hours.
The program has been known to fail only after several hours and in
some cases several weeks of operation. In most cases though, it will
fail within a few minutes on a flaky machine.

Q) Prime95 reports errors during the torture test, but other stability
tests don't. Do I have a problem?

A) Yes, you've reached the point where your machine has been
pushed just beyond its limits. Follow the recommendations above
to make your machine 100% stable or decide to live with a
machine that could have problems in rare circumstances.

Q) A forum member said "Don't bother with prime95, it always pukes on me,
and my system is stable!. What do you make of that?"

or

"We had a server at work that ran for 2 MONTHS straight, without a reboot
I installed Prime95 on it and ran it - a couple minutes later I get an error.
You are going to tell me that the server wasn't stable?"

A) These users obviously do not subscribe to the 100% rock solid
school of thought. THEIR MACHINES DO HAVE HARDWARE PROBLEMS.
But since they are not presently running any programs that reveal
the hardware problem, the machines are quite stable. As long as
these machines never run a program that uncovers the hardware problem,
then the machines will continue to be stable.

 

[OldBandit]

Hi, I always had the impression it ran somewhat hot but, having had probelms in the past with a fan that would stop without cause and not start again, the temps with the new fan didn't see too high.
I'll re-apply the thermal coolant paste, although I've done it quite a few times in the past (I always assembled my own machines, except for this one) and shouldn't have screwed up this much...
I'm attaching the CPU-Z screenshots and going to bed
Thanks and g'nite
ALex

 

[writhziden]

The overheating could be a result of a failed processor, possibly due to the broken fan you had previously... The Prime95 tests do indicate the processor as a likely culprit. Memory is the next likely.

For the CPU-Z screenshots, are both of your modules exactly the same? Mind uploading an image of Slot #2 under the SPD tab?

 

[OldBandit]

Of course I don't mind.
Here are shots of slots #1 and #2.
Thanks

 

[writhziden]

The modules appear to be compatible with Intel motherboards and not AMD.

Part Number :  M2F2G64CB8HA4N-CG  
M/B Company	Motherboard Model No	Chipset
ASUS		P6T Deluxe		Intel X58
Gigabyte	GA-EX58-UD4P		Intel X58
Gigabyte	GA-EX58-UD4		Intel X58
ASUS		P6T6 WS Revolution	Intel X58
ASUS		P6T WS PRO		Intel X58
Gigabyte	GA-EP43T-DS3		Intel P43
Gigabyte	GA-EP45T-Extreme	Intel P45
Gigabyte	GA-EP45T-DS4		Intel P45
Gigabyte	GA-EP45T-DS3R		Intel P45
ASUS		Striker II Extreme	nVidia nForce 790 Ultra SLI
ECS		P45T-A3			Intel P45
ECS		X48T-A			Intel X48
Gigabyte	GA-X38T-DQ6		Intel X38
MSI		MS-7353			Intel X38
ASUS		P5K3 DELUXE		Intel X38
Gigabyte	GA-P35T-DS4		Intel P35

The above was taken from: elixir_Compatibility




The following gives more information about AMD compatibility:

System Building and Compatibility

AMD Memory for Systems

 

[OldBandit]

Damn.
They haven't been giving me any trouble, though - the eight Memtest86+ passes haven't returned any error...

Could it be the 2 damaged cores and the memory incompatibility have caused the BSODs?
Is there anything in the DMPs pointing to that?

Thanks
ALex

 

[writhziden]

Memtest86+ is not foolproof, and it may not pick up on the incompatibility. Your CPU memory controller may be giving the indication instead.

The .dmps point to the AMD processor driver, but again, that is inconclusive. Even if the CPU were bad, I would still advise that you get AMD compatible RAM to go with the replacement AMD processor (unless you were considering getting all new components and an Intel based system).

 

[OldBandit]

I had a look at the compatibility lists at Elixir, and the only difference I spotted between my DIMMs and another model, listed as compatible with the AMD 790GX chipset is the presence of a heat spreader...
Then again, please take my observations with due patience: I've never delved deep into hardware or OSs, apart from a couple of months before assembling my next PC

When I leave for the holidays I'll leave the PC with the guy who assembled it, with instructions to replace processor and RAM, then. Hopefully I'll be able to hang on for the next two weeks...

I'll flag the thread as "Solved" (I can always get back to it, after replacing processor and RAM - knock on wood)...

I can't thank you enough for helping me solve this problem - pls let me know if I should click anywhere, to get you the credit for helping me (I've seen the "Add to Reputation" buttons, bbut don't know what they do or how they work).
ALex