Solved Random Crashing

[Edwards0022]

Hey guys,

I really can't figure this problem out of why my computer is crashing. It was fine for a few weeks. Everything was working normal. All of the sudden, bam! The computer crashed, screens go black, the power light is blinking and the system is still on but no functionality.

The power button wont turn the computer off at all, so I have to unplug the power supply. I wait and turn it back on....it posts and then I get to the log in screen. 5 mins after the log in it happens again.

It never crashes doing the same thing. I can't even get /sfc scannow to complete before it crashes. I thought it may have been overheating, but that's not the case because I got a new heatsink (bigger and better) and the system temp stays at 87°F under normal conditions.

• Win 7 x64
• Home Built
• 8 Months Old

EDIT: These are the only errors I could get to before the crash.
View attachment 168445
View attachment 168446

Can anyone help me here?

 

[usasma]

Let's start with these free diagnostics (they're bootable, so you won't have to use Windows):

I suggest starting all troubleshooting with the following diagnostic tests. They'll save you a lot of time and heartache if there is a hardware failure, and you'll have the disks on hand in case you need them in the future:

H/W Diagnostics:
Please start by running these bootable hardware diagnostics:
Memory Diagnostics (read the details at the link)
HD Diagnostic (read the details at the link) - Test ALL of the hard drives.

Also, please run one of these free, independent online malware scans to ensure that your current protection hasn't been compromised: Free Online AntiMalware Resources (read the details at the link)
There are also free, bootable antivirus disks at this link: Free Online AntiMalware Resources

Post back with the results and we'll move on from there.

 

[Edwards0022]

Thanks for posting. I'll give them a try now. When they get done I'll be sure to post the results.

 

[Edwards0022]

Ok so about 87% into the first pass...the computer cuts off just like it's been doing. I can't get anything to stay on when I go to test anything. The system is still on with power light keeps blinking but the monitors won't come back on.

 

[usasma]

SInce you're using bootable test disks, this isn't a Windows problem.
That means that it's most likely hardware.

Which test did you get to 87% in? If it's the memtest, you're going to have to try testing the sticks individually in the different slots.

Hard drives can also do this - and the "test" is to remove the hard drive from the system to see if you can run MemTest then. Be very careful doing this:

- Unplug the system from the wall
- ground yourself by holding onto the metal of the case
- unplug both cables that go into the hard drive
- plug the system back in and try MemTest

 

[Edwards0022]

Each stick of RAM passed 3 times with no error and also so did each slot. I'm going to run the HDD test in a few. Could this maybe be a faulty graphics card?

 

[usasma]

The video card is a possibility, but so are a lot of other things.
If the hard drive and the malware tests pass, then try these free stress tests:

Then, if the above tests pass, I'd try these free stress tests:

FurMark download site: FurMark: VGA Stress Test, Graphics Card and GPU Stability Test, Burn-in Test, OpenGL Benchmark and GPU Temperature | oZone3D.Net
FurMark Setup:
- If you have more than one GPU, select Multi-GPU during setup
- In the Run mode box, select "Stability Test" and "Log GPU Temperature"
Click "Go" to start the test
- Run the test until the GPU temperature maxes out - or until you start having problems (whichever comes first).
NOTE: Set the alarm to go off at 90ºC. Then watch the system from that point on. If the system doesn't display a temperature, watch it constantly and turn it off at the first sign of video problems. DO NOT leave it it unmonitored, it can DAMAGE your video card!!!
If the temperature gets above 105ºC, quit the test - the video card is overheating.
- Click "Quit" to exit

Prime95 download site: Free Software - GIMPS
Prime95 Setup:
- extract the contents of the zip file to a location of your choice
- double click on the executable file
- select "Just stress testing"
- select the "Blend" test. If you've already run MemTest overnight please run the "Small FFTs" test instead. (run all 3 if you find a problem and note how long it takes to error out with each)
- "Number of torture test threads to run" should equal the number of CPU's times 2 (if you're using hyperthreading).
The easiest way to figure this out is to go to Task Manager...Performance tab - and see the number of boxes under CPU Usage History
Then run the test for 6 to 24 hours - or until you get errors (whichever comes first).
This won't necessarily crash the system - but check the output in the test window for errors.
The Test selection box and the stress.txt file describes what components that the program stresses.
More details on the use of this test: Torture test your CPU with Prime95

More Video Stress Tests:
1. Thanks to VirGnarus for finding this test: https://simtk.org/home/memtest
2. Two other video stress tests (may be more stressful than FurMark):
NOTE: I have had reports that some ISP's will block this website
Video Memory stress Test - МИРNVIDIA / Утилиты / VMT
Artifact Locator - МИРNVIDIA / Утилиты / Artifact Locator
Sorry, but I don't read the language that this website is made in.
3. Another interesting test that came to my attention: Download - OCCT Website english
USE AT YOUR OWN RISK - the program doesn't have a whole bunch of safety features to protect you from yourself!

CPU Stress Tests:
- http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&DwnldID=19182&lang=eng
- 7Byte : Hot CPU Tester Pro
- 7Byte : BurnIn64
- CPU Stress test - Overclock.net - Overclocking.net
- Fossil Free Online CPU Load or Stress Test.
- CPU Stability Test description, System Resources Tune-Up. Downloads List By All Time Popularity | PCWorld | PCWorld
- CPU Stress test - Overclock.net - Overclocking.net
- |MG| CPU Stability Test 6.0 Download
- LinX - A simple Linpack interface

 

[Edwards0022]

Update:

Bitdefender anti-malware scan comes back clean.

Graphics Card test went ok. Ran for 25 mins and it only reach a temp of 77°C

Went to run the Hard drive test. Started to run a long test and about 9% through, it crashed again. It's been working all day until now.

EDIT:

I tried the hard drive test again today, the short and long test both passed without errors. CPU stress test is next on my list.

 

[Edwards0022]

CPU stress test passed without error. Well I'm not sure where to go from here.

 

[usasma]

Well, we've ruled out software problems, and now have ruled out hardware problems. So it's obvious that there's nothing wrong with your system! (just kidding!)

There are still many components that can cause problems - but we don't have tests for them (mostly the mobo).
As such the next step would appear to be a clean install of Windows to see if we can get the system stable without any additional programs running. Here's how:

For testing purposes, it's best to install Windows "clean".
This is, basically, installing it the way that Microsoft intended (using drivers from Windows Update).
This procedure is for Windows 7, Vista is similar (but has 2 service packs)

You will need your installation/recovery DVD(s) before you start. Once you wipe the hard drive there's no going back!!!

1. Backup all your data.
This will wipe everything off of your hard drive, so anything that you want to keep will need to be saved elsewhere.

2, Connect the system to the internet
3. Use DBAN ( DBAN Download | Darik's Boot And Nuke ) or KillDisk ( Active@ Kill Disk. Hard Drives Eraser. Free Download. ) to wipe the entire drive (both are free).
4. Install Windows by booting from the installation/recovery DVD
5. Visit Windows Update and get all updates
6. Visit Windows Update and get Service Pack 1 (usually under Important Updates)
7. Visit Windows Update and get any other available updates
8. Check Device Manager for any unknown/disabled devices - if there are unknown/disabled devices, fix them with the latest drivers from the device manufacturer's website (not the PC Manufacturer)
9. Download, install, and update a free antivirus so you don't get infected while testing ( Free AntiVirus ).

If the problems persist, then the problem is most likely with your hardware.

CAVEAT: If you have an Asus motherboard, check the date on the C:\Windows\System32\driver\ASACPI.sys file. 2004/2005 is a problem, 2009,2010 is OK.

Also, I've having some severy eye problems, so please read this note:

NOTE: I have seevere eye problems which have gotten worse over the last week. I may not be able to respond further until after my surgery at the end of this month or the middle of September. Feel free to PM another staff member for assistance if I do not respond in a timely manner. Please accept my apoloeis in advance.

I'll continue on as well as I am able to, thanks for your patience. Feel free to PM another staff member if it's taking too long.

 

[Edwards0022]

Clean install done. The computer worked flawlessly all day yesterday. I go to play a game and it crashes. I play a high demanding graphic game which is kind of why I thought the video card could be bad. It allows me to play for 10 minutes or so, then crashes. But it doesn't always do it while I'm playing a game.

This whole thing still has me stumped. Lol starting to think you were right before ....nothing is wrong with it. Hopefully we can find the cause of it soon though.

 

[usasma]

Please upload the BSOD reports again. It may show us some issues.
Then please use Driver Verifier according to these instructions (there's another Driver Verifier suggestion after the quote):

Using Driver Verifier is an iffy proposition. Most times it'll crash and it'll tell you what the driver is. But sometimes it'll crash and won't tell you the driver. Other times it'll crash before you can log in to Windows. If you can't get to Safe Mode, then you'll have to resort to offline editing of the registry to disable Driver Verifier.

So, 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).

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 "Special Pool" and "Low Resource Simulation" and click "Next"
NOTE: You can use Low Resource Simulation if you'd like. From my limited experimentation it makes the BSOD's come faster.
- 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).

Reboot into Windows (after the crash) and turn off Driver Verifier by going back in and selecting "Delete existing settings" on the first page, then locate and zip up the memory dump file and upload it with your next post.

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.

If that doesn't work, post back and we'll have to see about fixing the registry entry off-line:

Delete these registry keys (works in XP, Vista, Win7):
        HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management\VerifyDrivers
        HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management\VerifyDriverLevel

More info on this at this link: Using Driver Verifier to identify issues with Windows drivers for advanced users

Then delete the existing settings and reboot.
Then use the same settings, but this time only mark the MICROSOFT drivers.
Then reboot and let it run.

Then post all memory dump reports and ensure that you note which one's were due to which Driver Verifier settings.

Other than this, we're looking at a hardware problem. So once you're done with the Driver Verifier stuff (let us know), we'll move on to stripping the system down to rule out most of the hardware.

 

[Edwards0022]

Alright so as I start the driver verifier process, everything goes smoothly. I try to make the computer crash like it been doing. It took a lot longer for me to repeat it this time. Finally, I managed to get it to crash.

As I go onto the C:/ drive then windows folder, there is no memory.dmp or minidump folders or files. I guess it wont give me a dump file because its technically not a BSOD, it's just a black screen? Nothing was recorded though when it crashed it seemed.

Nothing appears in safe mode or a system restore either.

EDIT:
The system seems to be doing something a bit different now.

When the PC crashes, the screen goes black like usual and power button still blinks. But it seems now if I let it sit there for 15 minutes it's restarting by itself. It will start back up and hang on the motherboard splash screen for about 5 minutes. Then the screen flashes black and asks if I want to start Windows 7 normally. When it gets to the log in the mouse and keyboard don't function. In about 2 more minutes, it crashes again and repeats.

 

[usasma]

Please run the BSOD reports again and upload them with your next post.

Let us know the approximate time of the last crash (so we can look at those times in the reports).

 

[Edwards0022]

I've ran the BSOD reports again, 5 more times and its still not recording any dump files. The only thing that is being recorded is in event viewer.

 

[usasma]

We'll look at the other reports to see if there's any additional info about the crashes.
Please upload the last set of reports even if they don't include BSOD memory dumps.

 

[Edwards0022]

Where are these reports found? Unless I'm overlooking it or just not looking in the right place they don't seem to be on here. As stated before, the only thing I can see being logged is in event viewer.

 

[usasma]

Sorry, I've got eye problems and can't reread each post.

I am referring to the reports asked for in this post: http://www.sevenforums.com/crashes-debugging/96879-blue-screen-death-bsod-posting-instructions.html

 

[Edwards0022]

Ah I found them. The computer crashed before the entire process ended. I didn't get to the perfmon part of the program. I'm going to give it a try tomorrow because it keeps crashing before I can even get into it again.

But here is the info. it scratched up before the crash.
View attachment 170820

Thanks for helping me by the way. I really appreciate it Lol I thought I knew a decent amount of knowledge about computers until it came down to whatever this is.

 

[usasma]

Well, the reports not complete, but it does have some info that might be useful.

The Microsoft Antimalware service is throwing errors in the Event Viewer System logfile.
1 - check for malware with an independent program (free, online scanners listed here: Free Online AntiMalware Resources )
2 - if there's no malware present, uninstall the program and IMMEDIATELY download, install, and update a fresh copy.

Lot's of critical shutdowns are shown, but no BSOD is mentioned. We'll still need to capture any memory dumps that are generated.

Check in C:\Windows\Minidump to see if there are any files there. If so, zip them up and upload them.
If not, then check in C:\Windows for a file named MEMORY.dmp If it's there, then zip it up and upload it to a free file-hosting service and post a link to it here.

System Restore issues in the Application logfile:

Event[26]:
Log Name: Application
Source: System Restore
Date: 2011-08-16T23:26:55.000
Event ID: 8193
Task: N/A
Level: Error
Opcode: Info
Keyword: Classic
User: N/A
User Name: N/A
Computer: Admin-PC
Description:
Failed to create restore point (Process = C:\Windows\servicing\TrustedInstaller.exe; Description = Windows Modules Installer; Error = 0x81000101).

Many different cures for this online, the simplest is to:
- turn off System Restore (this will delete ALL system restore points!)
- reboot
- turn System Restore on
- attempt to make a new System Restore point.