Solved Stop Code F4 trying to boot into Safe Mode

[agentsmith24]

Today out of nowhere my computer decided it would not boot into Windows. I kept getting various BSOD's until I booted from my Windows CD and set it to boot into safe mode by default via command prompt. Startup repair has not fixed anything, and actually bluescreened itself a couple times (1E and 51). The last few times it has not bluescreened but still isn't repairing anything ("cannot determine root cause"). Now trying to boot into safe mode (with minimal processes) it consistently is crashing with code F4. I have tried running System File Checker and it found errors, but was unable to fix them. I'm unsure what to do at this point

 

[Kaktussoft]

Today out of nowhere my computer decided it would not boot into Windows. I kept getting various BSOD's until I booted from my Windows CD and set it to boot into safe mode by default via command prompt. Startup repair has not fixed anything, and actually bluescreened itself a couple times (1E and 51). The last few times it has not bluescreened but still isn't repairing anything ("cannot determine root cause"). Now trying to boot into safe mode (with minimal processes) it consistently is crashing with code F4. I have tried running System File Checker and it found errors, but was unable to fix them. I'm unsure what to do at this point

startup repair from dvd blue screened?! Do a memory check and let it run a few hours.

 

[agentsmith24]

Interesting enough, before all this happened, I have having all sorts of errors (see my other post on this forum). I ran memtest for 10+ passes on all 4 possible configurations of my two memory sticks. (Stick 1 in slot 1, stick 2 in slot 1, etc). Only one test failed, so I put the sticks back in the configuration where they had not failed. No problems for a couple weeks. Now this has happened randomly. Is it related?

 

[Golden]

Re-run MemTest86+ again in case another RAM module/motherboard slot has failed - minimum 8 passes.

 

[agentsmith24]

Do you think I should return the RAM or motherboard regardless? From what I've heard, any failure on Memtest is bad news. I have never heard of my situation though, where swapping the chip's slots fixes it for a few weeks. A friend has also suggested reinstalling windows and that my SSD or HDD may be bad.

 

[agentsmith24]

Update: Decided that before running memtest all day, I'd try a clean install of Windows again. I removed the storage HDD (leaving only the SSD) and completely cleared/formatted the SSD. Did a fresh install of Windows, but it fails to boot! Startup repair can't fix the problem. (I tried booting into safe mode and it crashed with error 3B). I guess I have a serious hardware issue. I'll run memtest overnight

 

[agentsmith24]

Memtest86+ results are in! 3 different errors on 2 tests and 2 different passes. I guess that means I need to try to RMA the ram. I haven't ruled out a failing SSD or anything yet. (Hiren's works fine, so I'm suspecting the SSD may be bad too.) Any other suggestions?

 

[agentsmith24]

Update: Ran memtest on a different set of RAM sticks (G-skill 2x4gb) I borrowed from my brother's working computer. Memtest has almost 100 errors already, halfway through pass 0! What is going on here?

 

[Computer0304]

Bet it is a motherboard problem. I think it is the memory controller that is failing. Try using the drive on a different pc to make sure it is not the drive failing.

 

[agentsmith24]

The boot drive you mean?

 

[Computer0304]

Yes.

 

[Golden]

Its most certainly a motherboard issue if you are getting errors using different sets of RAM.......you will need to replace the motherboard.

 

[Computer0304]

Its most certainly a motherboard issue if you are getting errors using different sets of RAM.......you will need to replace the motherboard.

 

[agentsmith24]

Shit...I was afraid of that. Btw I reinstalled Windows onto the SSD using a different computer, but it looks like I won't have mine to use for a while...

I bought it through Newegg, do I contact them or the manufacturer?

 

[Golden]

Try NewEgg first.....look at their return policy on their site

 

[agentsmith24]

Just checked, not eligible for RMA on Newegg :/

 

[agentsmith24]

Update: Returning the motherboard to ASUS for a replacement. I tested my RAM on a different computer with Memtest while out of town over New Year's (so it ran 16 passes lol) with no errors. I'm assuming this means only the mobo was bad, so marking this thread as solved.

 

[Golden]

 

[Computer0304]

Update: Returning the motherboard to ASUS for a replacement. I tested my RAM on a different computer with Memtest while out of town over New Year's (so it ran 16 passes lol) with no errors. I'm assuming this means only the mobo was bad, so marking this thread as solved.

Glad that you got this fixed.