Solved Random crashes, I can't diagnose.

[LVMaestri]

I've tested all my parts, and I know it's not a heat problem. The crashes are completely random, and happen most days.

I am also having problems installing the Windows SDK, so I don't know how to figure out the crash file, and that's why I'm here. I can't afford to lose this PC if I just ignore the problem.

I have several minidump files, and I'm just really looking for someone who understands these to help me out with some translating.

 

[Mellon Head]

Can you please describe the crashes? What happens? What are you doing when it crashes?

Also, what did you test, and how did you test it?

 

[LVMaestri]

BDOS. Sometimes it says saving crash dump, other times it only flashes blue with words too quickly to read anything, but I can see it's only like a third of the screen of text. And like I said it's random. Sometimes just while browsing or watching videos, other times while gaming. There doesn't seem to be any pattern to the crashes.

And I tested using multiple programs designed to test parts? I guess I'm not entirely sure if those are 100% accurate, but everything from all of them were negative for any error.

 

[LVMaestri]

I did see my bios is severely outdated, but I'm hesitant to update it, as I've never done that before.

 

[LVMaestri]

Thank you for any help you can give me

 

[Mellon Head]

Two things come to mind: A memory problem, or a power supply problem. Both should be fairly easy to diagnose.

1. Memory: If you haven't done so already, use Memtest86+ to test your memory overnight. Let it run for a minimum of eight passes. That will give it a thorough test. You can get it from here:

Memtest86+ - Advanced Memory Diagnostic Tool

2. PSU: Beg, borrow or steal (not really) a power supply and swap it out with the one you have, and use it for a few days to see if the problem has resolved itself.

Before you do those things, check and see that all of your power connections are firmly connected inside the case. Also, check your memory sticks and make sure that they a well seated in their sockets and firmly clipped in.

This is unlikely to be a BIOS problem, since I assume it just started happening recently. You should never flash your BIOS unless it's absolutely necessary or required for system stability.

But try these things and post back the results. Also, collect the crash dump files, and start a BSOD thread here:

http://www.sevenforums.com/bsod-help-support/

 

[LVMaestri]

For me to post the results... Is kind of difficult. I don't know how to instigate a crash, so my only method is just to wait. But I've gone days without a crash, before now.

 

[LVMaestri]

That link also says not to post there if I've already posted elsewhere.

 

[derekimo]

You've got a few problems,

Your system definitely doesn't like your wireless driver, it's mentioned in every dump.

Also this driver,

 Loaded symbol image file: PcaSp60.sys
    Image path: \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\PcaSp60.sys
    Image name: PcaSp60.sys
    Timestamp:        Tue Sep 07 11:27:24 2010 (4C86840C)
    CheckSum:         0000ACDF
    ImageSize:        0000E000
    Translations:     0000.04b0 0000.04e4 0409.04b0 0409.04e4

Driver Reference Table - PcaSp60.sys

This is your bigger problem though,

Product ID:                00359-OEM-8992687-00006
Original Install Date:     6/7/2015, 3:58:40 PM
System Boot Time:          9/1/2015, 10:40:10 AM
System Manufacturer:       Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd.
System Model:              GA-MA790X-UD4P
System Type:               x64-based PC
Processor(s):              1 Processor(s) Installed.
                           [01]: AMD64 Family 16 Model 4 Stepping 2 AuthenticAMD ~3716 Mhz
BIOS Version:              Award Software International, Inc. F5, 6/3/2009

You have an Acer OEM product key on a retail Gigabyte board.

Counterfeit installations such as yours contained heavily modified code that causes the installation to behave it unexpected ways. Analysing BSOD's and determining their causes on these sorts of installations is very unreliable. For this reason, many analysts won't attempt it.

My recommendation is to install a genuine Windows 7. This will minimise the problems you are experiencing, and make subsequent diagnosis of BSOD's far more reliable. Once you are running a genuine Windows 7 installation, and are still experiencing BSOD's, we will be happy to help you solve them.

 

[LVMaestri]

Thank you for your help!

So there is or isnt a problem with my motherboard?
What are the chances all those problems are the OS invalidity?
I downloaded the driver from the ASUS website myself, so what can I do if it isn't liking it, if installing a genuine copy doesn't fix it?

I don't have an installation disc, but I do have a legitimate copy of windows I can install that I have the product code for. Would torrenting then validating be a good or bad choice of action? I've never had a problem using torrented windows before like this, but I've also never had this problem before.