Solved Recurring BSODs before/after startup

[RJ116]

Hi, first time poster here.
About six months ago I built my first custom PC, and everything was working excellently until yesterday. I received my first ever BSOD, and my computer restarted automatically. Every boot since then I have been able to access Windows for less than five minutes before another blue screen shows up. (only if I am running programs etc., if left idle no BSOD occurs)

I have not recently installed any new hardware, and curiously, I can no longer access any networks. Windows firewall is disabled, with the error "windows firewall can't change some of your settings. Error code 0x8007042c" when I try to reactivate. Malwarebytes claims it's database is corrupt and will not run.

Most blue screens have been "MEMORY_MANAGEMENT" errors, STOP 0x1A. I also think one referenced the file NTFS.SYS as the cause of the error.

I cannot complete sfc /scannow or chkdsk ("cannot continue in read only mode" for chkdsk, even on elevated command prompt) without a blue screen occurring. They also occur in Safe Mode.
I have run the SF diagnostics tool and the results should be attached.

Thanks in advance.

 

[koolkat77]

Welcome to SevenForums.

Take memtest. Run for 8 passes and test each stick in a know good slot for an additional 6 passes.

• http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/105647-ram-test-memtest86.html

The goal is to test all the RAM sticks and all the motherboard slots.

Check your motherboard manual to ensure the RAM sticks are in the recommended motherboard slots. Some motherboards have very specific slots required for the number of RAM sticks installed.

If you get errors, stop the test and continue with the next step.

1. Remove all but one stick of RAM from your computer (this will be RAM stick #1), and run Memtest86 again, for 7 passes.

*Be sure to note the RAM stick, use a piece of tape with a number, and note the motherboard slot.
​

If this stick passes the test then go to step #3.

2. If RAM stick #1 has errors, repeat the test with RAM stick #2 in the same motherboard slot.

*If RAM stick #2 passes, this indicates that RAM stick #1 may be bad. If you want to be absolutely sure, re-test RAM stick #1 in another known good slot.
​

*If RAM stick #2 has errors, this indicates another possible bad RAM stick, a possible motherboard slot failure or inadequate settings.
​

3. Test the next stick of RAM (stick #2) in the next motherboard slot.

*If this RAM stick has errors repeat step #2 using a known good stick if possible, or another stick.
​

*If this RAM stick has no errors and both sticks failed in slot#1, test RAM stick #1 in this slot.
​

4. If you find a stick that passes the test, test it in all the other motherboard slots.

If Part 2 testing shows errors, and all tests in Part 3 show errors, you will need to test the RAM sticks in another computer and/or test other RAM in your computer to identify the problem.

In this way, you can identify whether it is a bad stick of RAM, a bad motherboard, or incompatibility between the sticks.

   Information

Errors are sometimes found after 8 passes.

   Tip

Do this test overnight, before going to bed.

Post back results.

 

[RJ116]

Thanks for the advice! I will give it a shot this afternoon.

 

[RJ116]

Ok. I have run memtest on the first stick in all slots, and every test was 100% failed. I reached something like 10,000 errors in less than 10 seconds... I even got the component failure beep from the mobo when I first tried to use the stick by itself. On the second stick, things are looking normal so far, but I will run all the passes in all slots just to be sure.

 

[koolkat77]

The first stick is corrupted for sure, should be replaced. Let us know the results on the other one when you're done.

 

[RJ116]

I have run 15 passes of stick no. 2 in the two main slots, and no errors were picked up. Tried booting windows on that stick alone, no bsod's so far (yay). Luckily that ram is under warranty, so will get it replaced soonish. Can't seem to fix that network problem though...
Anyway, thanks so much for your help

 

[koolkat77]

You're welcome.

Keep us posted

 

[RJ116]

Got that network problem fixed with a repair install of windows. Not sure what the issue was, but I'm just thankful it's fixed. Will apply for my warranty on that ram tomorrow. Thanks again.

 

[koolkat77]

Great good luck!

Let us know how it went.

 

[RJ116]

Hi there, sorry for taking so long. I have replaced the old memory with the new ram from corsair, and everything was working fine, but I've been getting random restarts for the last few days now (not bsods, but similar to restarts I was experiencing with the old memory). I have run memtest and the new ram is fine... :'(

 

[koolkat77]

Heat:
- blow out all vents with canned air (DO NOT use a vacuum cleaner or an air compressor, they can damage the components).
- ensure that the fan comes on and is blowing air out of the vent (may not happen at startup, but should happen after using it for a while).

For monitoring heat of the system, use Speccy or HWMonitor:

• Speccy System Information
• HWMonitor

 

[RJ116]

Will do, thanks. Also, I got this on my last restart, thought it might be a little relevant perhaps

 

[essenbe]

RJ116, I'm jumping in the middle here, so If I ask something that has already been done, just let me know. First, Have you run memtest again with the new set of ram? Second, please go to bios, reset everything to optimized defaults (F5) I believe. Make sure your memory controller is in the same mode it is in now (IDE or AHCI, no Raid I assume), set your ram frequency, voltage and timings to the manufacturers specs. They will be on the sticks of ram.) Make sure your Hard drive is in port 0 or 1. While in bios, look on the main mage, and look for voltages, tell me what the + 3.3V, +5V and the +12V reading is. Set your boot order to DVD 1st and Hard drive second. Save and exit.

If you don't have them please download the following:And as always, watch out for the addons they always try to add to the download. Just uncheck the box for the addon.
Core Temp
CPUz
Gpuz

Do you have Asus AI Suite installed? and do you have a GPU monitoring app for your graphics card? Have you done any work inside the case recently or added any hardware, softeware? Did you download drivers from Asus site or install what is on the driver disk?

When you have downloaded and installed those programs, Pleas post a screenshot of CPUz, SPD tab (you may have to select the correct Dimm slots), Memory tab, CPU tab and Mainboard tab.

 

[Britton30]

Will do, thanks. Also, I got this on my last restart, thought it might be a little relevant perhaps

In addition, contact Corsair support about this power surge warning. They may want you to have a RMA and get a new PSU. Support

 

[RJ116]

RJ116, I'm jumping in the middle here, so If I ask something that has already been done, just let me know. First, Have you run memtest again with the new set of ram? Second, please go to bios, reset everything to optimized defaults (F5) I believe. Make sure your memory controller is in the same mode it is in now (IDE or AHCI, no Raid I assume), set your ram frequency, voltage and timings to the manufacturers specs. They will be on the sticks of ram.) Make sure your Hard drive is in port 0 or 1. While in bios, look on the main mage, and look for voltages, tell me what the + 3.3V, +5V and the +12V reading is. Set your boot order to DVD 1st and Hard drive second. Save and exit.

If you don't have them please download the following:And as always, watch out for the addons they always try to add to the download. Just uncheck the box for the addon.
Core Temp
CPUz
Gpuz

Do you have Asus AI Suite installed? and do you have a GPU monitoring app for your graphics card? Have you done any work inside the case recently or added any hardware, softeware? Did you download drivers from Asus site or install what is on the driver disk?

When you have downloaded and installed those programs, Pleas post a screenshot of CPUz, SPD tab (you may have to select the correct Dimm slots), Memory tab, CPU tab and Mainboard tab.

Hi there,

I have run memtest a couple times for several passes on both new sticks and they seem fine.
As for resetting the BIOS to defaults, the system appears lose power slightly after I attempt to save and exit, so I don't know if the defaults are actually restored. (I don't recall modifying any BIOS settings anyway so as far as I know the settings are already default). Drivers were installed from the setup disk and then updated online if I remember correctly.

3.3V reading: ~3.34V
5V reading: ~5.12V
12V reading: ~11.52V

I don't tend to have access to Windows long enough to download those, but I already have CPUz so I will get those screenshots if I can.
Aside from the new RAM modules I have made no modifications to the setup and I don't believe I have installed any software either. Asus AI suite is installed, and I do not have any GPU monitor software.

 

[Britton30]

Your +12V reading is hovering on the minimum of 11.4V.

 

[RJ116]

Could that be indicative of a failing PSU?

I also forgot to mention I have a notice in the BIOS saying "the advanced options or hardware setup has been changed".

 

[Britton30]

It could be failing and fall even lower under loads. Low voltage will cause BSOD or unexpected shutdown resulting in data loss.

 

[RJ116]

I see. I will contact corsair about that and the surge warning in that case, thank you for your help

 

[Britton30]

You're welcome, a phone call should work better than email.