Random start-up BSODs (IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL 0x0000000A)

[Namish]

Hello all!
First time poster here and I would like to thank you all in advance for this site and the advice you guys give. Here's my problem:

Over the last few months I have been getting many different BSODs. I believe most of them have been fixed but I am still fighting a IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL 0x0000000A on random computer boot ups. It seems to happen 1 in 4 times after a reboot or power on. Afterwards I restart a few times and everything seems to work fine until the next one. These screens developed about six months ago and have plagued me for a while.

In the last few weeks I have ran all of these programs / tests without any problem:

-MemtestCL
-MemtestG80
-Memtest 86
-Windows Memtest
-Furmark 1.10.0 Burn-in Test
-Prime95
-SeaTools Hardware scan (Both long and short tests)

Here's my computer specs:
OS: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit SP 1
Original OS: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit SP 1
OEM/retail: The parts were picked out online and assembled before shipping.
Age of system: 2 years
Age of OS installation: 2 years
CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 945
Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 260
Motherboard: ASUS M4A78T-E
Power Supply: Not sure where to find this information

 

[writhziden]

Cold boot crashes are difficult to track down. In most cases, they are due to memory incompatibility, failing memory, or memory that does not have proper settings.

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.


Some of your crashes have been related to your Ethernet drivers. Download the drivers from your ASUS M4A78T-E support site: ASUS - Motherboards- ASUS M4A78T-E under LAN. Re-install the drivers. To fully re-install a driver, use the following steps.

1. First, download the latest driver. Then do the next steps.
2. Click Start Menu
3. Right Click My Computer/Computer
4. Click Manage
5. Click Device Manager from the list on the left
6. Find the device you are trying to uninstall by expanding the appropriate set of devices
7. Right click the device
8. Click Uninstall (do not click OK in the dialog box that pops up after hitting Uninstall)
9. Put a tick in Delete driver software for this device (if this option is available, otherwise just hit OK) and hit OK
10. Restart your computer only if Windows asks you to.
11. Install the latest driver for the device.

Alternatively:

1. Login as an adminstrative user.
2. First, download the latest driver. Then do the next steps.
3. Click Start Menu
4. Click Control Panel
5. Click Hardware and Sound
6. Click Device Manager (the last link under Devices and Printers)
7. Find the device you are trying to uninstall by expanding the appropriate set of devices
8. Right click the device
9. Click Uninstall (do not click OK in the dialog box that pops up after hitting Uninstall)
10. Put a tick in Delete driver software for this device (if this option is available, otherwise just hit OK) and hit OK
11. Restart your computer only if Windows asks you to.
12. Install the latest driver for the device.

 

[Namish]

Writhziden,

First of all thank you for your quick and detailed response. Second I apologize for my delayed reply. This is the first time I have had to really start the troubleshooting process.

I have updated (I hope) my ethernet driver. I now have Atheros AR8121/AR8113/AR8114 PCI-E Ethernet Controller(NDIS6.20) #2 as my network adapter.

Also I have uploaded an updated jcgriff / perfmon file with an attached screenshot of my CPU-Z results.

Since my previous post I have had two run in with a bluescreens. It ended with me failing to boot up on 5 restarts (Blank screen, no start up beep). I removed my video card and manged to remove a good chunk of dust from inside the fan. Afterwards it booted right up. Also both screens happened before the ethernet driver update so lets up that got a few of them taken care of.

Thanks again,
Kyle

 

[writhziden]

No problem with the delay.

Your latest crash indicates a Windows file is corrupted.

• Check Windows for corruption. Run http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html up to three times to fix all errors with a restart in between each. Post back if it continues to show errors after a fourth run or if the first run comes back with no integrity violations. Use OPTION THREE of http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html to provide us with the sfcdetails.txt file if errors occur.

Two of your other crashes from May 12th indicate a USB problem and the same Windows file being corrupted. What USB devices are you currently using?

• Start with http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/165554-usb-driver-general-fix-problems.html to resolve the USB issues. Also, USB ports can sometimes enter a safe power state to protect the system from power surges due to USB devices. To reset the USB ports to a nominal power state:
  
  1. Shut down and turn off the computer.
  2. Unplug the computer from the wall or surge protector (then remove the battery if it is a laptop).
  3. "Remove the computer from any port replicator or docking station, disconnect
     cables to printers or devices such as external monitors, USB memory sticks or SD cards, headset or external speakers, mouse or auxiliary keyboard, turn off WIFI and Bluetooth wireless devices." (Use Hard Reset to Resolve Hardware and Software Issues HP Pavilion dv5000 Notebook PC series - HP Customer Care (United States - English))
  4. Hold down the power button for 30 seconds. This closes the circuit and ensures all
     power from components is drained to clear the software connections between the BIOS
     and hardware and clear any corruption in the temporary memory.
  5. (If it is a laptop, plug the battery back into the laptop and then) Plug the computer back into the wall. Do not reconnect any unnecessary peripherals; monitor, keyboard,
     and mouse should suffice and be the only peripherals reconnected.
  6. Turn it on to reinitialize the software connections between the BIOS and hardware

 

[Namish]

Writhziden,

I have finished running 3 sfc scans with a reboot in between. None of them revealed any errors or fixes.

For USB devices I have a Naga Razer Laser gaming mouse, a Microsoft Sidewinder X4 Keyboard, a Logitech USB desktop microphone and a 1TB Seagate external hard drive (I generally keep it unplugged from the computer and power supply unless running a backup).

I finished both of the USB tutorials starting with the USB issues and finishing with the power states. I completed both of them one time. I had 10-15 greyed out USB devices that were uninstalled. I also had no boot up issues during any of the reboots required. I will update this post with a new perfmon and jgriff if/when I get my next friendly neighborhood bsod.

Thank you,
Kyle

 

[writhziden]

Sorry, forgot one thing: Disable Verifier: Start Menu -> All Programs -> Accessories -> Right click Command Prompt -> Run as administrator -> Type the following command and then Enter:

verifier /reset​

-> Restart your computer.

 

[Namish]

Done and done.

 

[Namish]

Well went a while without any screens. Just got my old buddy PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA and also a new one I have never seen before:

"A device driver attempting to corrupt the system has been caught. The faulty driver currently on the kernel stack must be replaced with a working version".

Here's the new jgriff and perfmon.

Thanks again,
Kyle

 

[writhziden]

The driver crash did not generate a .dmp file. This could be due to memory corruption. I would suggest checking hardware. You have already done many of these, but if you did not do them as directed in the following, I would suggest running them again. For instance, Memtest86+ should be run for at least seven passes, and preferably more. I have seen it take up to 21 passes for Memtest86+ to detect an error in the RAM.

• 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.

 

[Namish]

Dear god computer troubleshooting is depressing. I thought it couldn't get much worse than trying to troubleshoot a car. I'm about ready to just format this thing and if that doesn't fix it just buy a whole new computer. Here's a more in depth description of the tests I have run since late April.

-Here's the tests I have done recently and the forums posts I got them from.

1. Memtest86 - Run for 7-8 passes (I ran 8)- RAM - Test with Memtest86+ - Windows 7 Forums
2. Prime95 - Run all three tests for 3-4 hours each or until fail - Hardware - Stress Test With Prime95 - Windows 7 Forums (No errors)
3. Hard drive scan usings SeaTools - SeaTools for Windows | Seagate - Both long and short tests (No errors)

-Followed both of these tutorials: Both MemtestCL and MemtestG80 came up with 0 errors:

Test video RAM w/ MemtestG80/CL - Folding@home - DownloadUtils

Test Video - http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials...ark.html?ltr=V

-I ran Furmark 1.10.0 with a Burn-in Test on full screen with my current resolution (Anti-aliasing off, Dynamic background, Burn-in, Xtreme burn-in, Post-FX all on) . The guide I read on the program told me to stop the test at 85ºC. I ran it twice but never made it to the end of the test before I stopped it due to GPU temperature.

Should I redo all of them or just the memory testers? I want to do as few as possible since they all render my computer useless and all take insane amounts of time.

Sincerely,
Kyle

 

[writhziden]

No need to re-run the tests if you already did them that thoroughly. If the GPU is getting that hot, I would check it for dust and make sure nothing is blocking the fan. Also try re-seating the GPU.

As you add and remove hardware, 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.

 

[Namish]

Writhziden,

It is now reseated. And there was lots of dust inside the fan. Should I try the burn in test again?

Kyle

 

[writhziden]

Up to you. You can run the burn-in test if you'd like, or you can see if the system is stable for a time. Both would be good tests.

 

[Namish]

I haven't had time for another burn in test and probably wont until the weekend, but here's a few more bluescreens. Not sure if they will be any different from the last few but it's worth a shot.

Thanks,
Kyle

 

[writhziden]

Crash indicated DirectX again, which means either DirectX is corrupted (unlikely given SFC /SCANNOW yields no errors), or you have a graphics card or graphics card driver issue.

 

[Namish]

Ok I'll try to uninstall and re install the drivers then and if I crash again after that I'll buy a new video card. Does that sound right?

 

[writhziden]

Make sure when you re-install you do so the right way.

Re-install or install the latest drivers for your display card. Your current drivers may be corrupted and/or outdated. Use the following method to re-install the drivers.

1. Download the drivers you want for your display card(s)
2. Click Start Menu
3. Click Control Panel
4. Click Uninstall a program
5. For NVIDIA:
   • Uninstall the NVIDIA Graphics Driver (this should uninstall all NVIDIA software and drivers)
   • Restart your computer
   • Make sure NVIDIA 3D Vision Driver, NVIDIA 3D Vision Video Player, NVIDIA HD Audio Driver, and NVIDIA PhysX System Software are not still listed under Uninstall a program through Control Panel
   • If any remain of the above, uninstall one at a time
   • If asked to restart after uninstalling any of the above, do so, and continue uninstalling any remaining NVIDIA items until all are removed
6. For AMD:
   • Uninstall AMD Catalyst Install Manager if it is listed (this should remove all AMD graphics software and drivers)
   • If AMD Catalyst Install Manager is not listed, use the following method to uninstall the graphics drivers:
     1. Click Start Menu
     2. Right Click My Computer/Computer
     3. Click Manage
     4. Click Device Manager from the list on the left
     5. Expand Display adapters
     6. Do the following for each adapter (in case you have multiple display cards)
        • Right click the adapter
        • Click Uninstall (do not click OK in the dialog box that pops up after hitting Uninstall)
        • Put a tick in Delete driver software for this device (if this option is available, otherwise just hit OK) and hit OK
        
        Alternatively:
        1. Login as an adminstrative user
        2. Click Start Menu
        3. Click Control Panel
        4. Click Hardware and Sound
        5. Click Device Manager (the last link under Devices and Printers)
        6. Expand Display adapters
        7. Do the following for each adapter (in case you have multiple display cards)
           • Right click the adapter
           • Click Uninstall (do not click OK in the dialog box that pops up after hitting Uninstall)
           • Put a tick in Delete driver software for this device (if this option is available, otherwise just hit OK) and hit OK
   • Restart your computer after uninstalling drivers for all display cards
   • Install the driver you selected for the display cards once Windows starts

Further reading for your card:
Ultimate Nvidia Driver Guide for Uninstalling and Installing driversets

 

[Namish]

Well I believe I updated the graphics drivers properly but I'm not 100% sure of it. I had no problem uninstalling the NVIDIA stuff until I rebooted. After that windows detected the video card and started installing the NVIDIA programs on its own. After if finished I also ran the downloaded file from NVIDIA. Is there anyway to make sure it's up to date? I ran a 15 minute furmark without any problems, temp leveled off at 86 degrees. I will be running VMT overnight tonight in hopes of a crash.

Also here is one new BSOD I have not seen before. MEMORY_MANAGER. I could not boot my computer up for an hour after it crashed me. It seems to have gone away for now and I am running smooth. These screens seem to come in waves for me. I wont crash for 2 days straight no matter what I do, then I can't get in for more than 10 minutes. Insanely frustrating stuff =(


EDIT: After starting VMT the computer froze and will no longer start up. After turning it on my fans start but there is no start up beep. I went out and bought a new video card, installed that and also had no start up or beep.

Thanks,
Kyle

 

[writhziden]

May be a motherboard issue. A few things to try:

• Reset the hardware/software connections to the BIOS.
  1. Shut down and turn off the computer.
  2. Unplug the computer from the wall or surge protector (then remove the battery if it is a laptop).
  3. "Remove the computer from any port replicator or docking station, disconnect
     cables to printers or devices such as external monitors, USB memory sticks or SD cards, headset or external speakers, mouse or auxiliary keyboard, turn off WIFI and Bluetooth wireless devices." (Use Hard Reset to Resolve Hardware and Software Issues HP Pavilion dv5000 Notebook PC series - HP Customer Care (United States - English))
  4. Hold down the power button for 30 seconds. This closes the circuit and ensures all
     power from components is drained to clear the software connections between the BIOS
     and hardware and clear any corruption in the temporary memory.
  5. (If it is a laptop, plug the battery back into the laptop and then) Plug the computer back into the wall. Do not reconnect any unnecessary peripherals; monitor, keyboard,
     and mouse should suffice and be the only peripherals reconnected.
  6. Turn it on to reinitialize the software connections between the BIOS and hardware
  
  
•    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!!!
  
  
  Strip down your system to run only the bare essentials: one RAM module, the CPU, motherboard, one hard disk, one graphics card (or use onboard graphics if you have it), keyboard, mouse, and one monitor. See if the system starts. If it does, add one piece of hardware back at a time and see if the problem reoccurs. Take notes of what hardware you add and how the system responds to the hardware changes.
  
  As you add and remove hardware, 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.

 

[Namish]

Did all that and amazingly the video card on onboard video passed the post. Thinking now that my card is just on its way out and is being buggy. Will a dying video card generate many different BSOD? Going to order a new one now if it does.