Random BSODs [Stop: 0x000000F4 (0x0000000000000003

[Spectre1235]

This is a brand new system, it was literally just built two days ago. I had installed it, moved my users directory to a second hard disc, and tried overclocking. It started crashing, I figured I messed up and so I reinstalled it. I used a program to move the users directory this time. More crashes, reinstalled and decided to do without. Now, it's still crashing, and I have no idea what's going on.

This is x64, retail, hardware is brand new, and it's been installed three times now. Each time I installed it, I installed all the drivers off the motherboard and graphics card cds.

The BSOD can happen any time from right after logging in, to a few hours after. The error message is always:

Stop: 0x000000F4 (0x0000000000000003, 0xFFFFFA8008778B30, 0XFFFFFA8008778E10, 0XFFFFF800831D2240)

What have I missed?

Note: the unknown device in perfmon is a wireless adapter, and the PCI device is likely a bluetooth interface. It still crashed anyway on another installation where they were installed, so i don't think it's them.

 

[zigzag3143]

This is a brand new system, it was literally just built two days ago. I had installed it, moved my users directory to a second hard disc, and tried overclocking. It started crashing, I figured I messed up and so I reinstalled it. I used a program to move the users directory this time. More crashes, reinstalled and decided to do without. Now, it's still crashing, and I have no idea what's going on.

This is x64, retail, hardware is brand new, and it's been installed three times now. Each time I installed it, I installed all the drivers off the motherboard and graphics card cds.

The BSOD can happen any time from right after logging in, to a few hours after. The error message is always:

Stop: 0x000000F4 (0x0000000000000003, 0xFFFFFA8008778B30, 0XFFFFFA8008778E10, 0XFFFFF800831D2240)

What have I missed?

Note: the unknown device in perfmon is a wireless adapter, and the PCI device is likely a bluetooth interface. It still crashed anyway on another installation where they were installed, so i don't think it's them.

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

 

[Spectre1235]

Well, I ran memtest, and it hung after about three hours, right as the third pass was about to finish. Didn't show any errors, it just froze.

Then I booted up with Drive Verifier, and went about transferring files. It took about four hours, but it crashed, giving the usual error message, and the "Windows has recovered from an unexpected problem" window said the included files were related to the problem.

Hope they help.