Trouble with nagging persistent BSOD

[mikek82]

This one is causing me to lose more hair than I naturally already have hehe. I've never
posted a computer problem before, so please bear with me if I don't include all the info I
need to get help from all you kind folks. Just let me know what else I need.

I'll mention that I consider myself an intermediate computer user. I do have some knoweldge
about windows and computer hardware,so I am not a beginner,but am certainly no expert
either.

This computer is a Tiger Direct barebones I assembled myself in June of 2011. Originally
the crashes only happened while playing Civilization 5 last year, but steadily got worse
over time, later happening at any time while in use and sometimes at idle as well.

I have so far: clean reinstalled my windows 7 64-bit home edition,updated all drivers that
I'm aware of, updated BIOS, run memtest86 with 9 passes and no errors. Also tried my 2
sticks of Corsair 4mb ram each induvidually,as well as tried different RAM slots. I've been
unable to run a complete scan with AVG Free Ed,although I was able to before my clean
reinstall of windows. Note that I have no crashes at all while in safe mode. Also looked
into frequency,voltage,and timing settings of my RAM,although they seem to be right, even
on auto settings.Tempuratures all seem to be OK as well.

But this damn puter , still gives me bsod's at frequent random times of :
PAGE FAULT IN NON PAGED AREA, with win32k.sys most times as a file reference, and sometimes :
IRQL LESS BUT NOT EQUAL

What am I missing? Is there an (un)obvious fix? Or am I just screwed with incompatible
part(s). I'm at a loss of what to try next,so any and all help and suggestions are greatly
appreciated.Thanks in advance!

 

[mikek82]

Hmmmmm....seem to be having trouble posting my DMP file. Using WinRAR to compress, but file still seems to be 303mb (too large to post?8Mb max?) Feel like I'm doing something dumb here or missing something obvious. Help with this is greatly appreciated.

 

[Brink]

Hello Mike, and welcome to Seven Forums.

Please read the instructions here instead.

Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) Posting Instructions

 

[karlsnooks]

Mike,
Happens frequently.

One suggestion is that us change to minidumps rather than kernel dumps.

I'm including the method I use to make sure that I get the minidumps rather than the full kernel which are not appropriate.

Another point:
Don't pack them up yourself. Use:
http://www.sevenforums.com/crashes-debugging/96879-blue-screen-death-bsod-posting-instructions.html

============================================
[FONT=&quot]MEMORY DUMPS – REQUIREMENTS[/FONT]


CREATE MINIDUMP FOLDER
WIN | type %systemroot% | ENTER
If Minidump is not shown, Then
CTRL + SHIFT + N keycombo |
CONTINUE button | type Minidump | ENTER

Enable automatic management of the Paging file
WIN + PAUSE key combo |
Advanced system settings (left-hand side) |
Advanced tab, Performance section, Settings |
Advanced tab, Virtual Memory section, Change |
checkmark Automatically manage paging file size for all drives |
OK | OK | OK



STARTUP AND RECOVERY SETTINGS
WIN + PAUSE key combo |
Advanced system settings (left-hand side) |
Advanced tab, Startup and Recovery section, Settings |
System Failure section | checkmark Write an Event to the system log
| uncheck Automatically restart |


Under Write debugging information, select Small memory dump |
in the Small dump directory: box, enter %SystemRoot%\Minidump| OK

If Overwrite any existing file is checked, then:
Ø Under Write debugging information, select Kernel memory dump
Ø Uncheck Overwrite any existing file
Ø Under Write debugging information, select Small memory dump
Ø OK button
If you get a crazy message from Win 7 about your paging file being too small, then just ignore the message since we have already made sure that the paging file is set to be managed by Win 7.

ENABLE THE WINDOWS ERROR REPORTING SERVICE
WIN key | type SERVICES.MSC | ENTER |
Scroll down to Windows Error Reporting Service |
Rt-clk on Windows Error Reporting Service | Properties |
General tab | for Startup type, choose Automatic |
In Service status, Start button (unless grayed out) | OK


ASSURE THAT CCLEANER IS NOT DELETING DUMPS
CCLEANER | Cleaner icon | Windows tab | System category |
Uncheck Memory Dumps
· WINDOWS ERROR REPORTING SERVICE must NOT be disabled!
· WIN | Services.msc | Enter
· Under Name, locate Windows Error Reporting Service
· If Status is not Started, then
Right-click on Windows Error Reporting Service |choose START
· If Startup Type is not Automatic, then
Right-click on Windows Error Reporting Service |
choose Properties | General tab |
set Startup type to Automatic
· Close Services.msc (I like to use ALT + F4)

After a crash, the minidump file will be in %SystemRoot%\Minidump
%SystemRoot% is generally C:\Windows

===========================================
===========================================

When you finish with that I've got a script which will verify that all requirements were fulfilled.

 

[mikek82]

Thanks for the help. Sorry I didn't follow up with this post right away,had some personal issues to deal with.

Anyways I'm back and anxious to resolve this problem. I read the bsod posting instructions and used the SF diag tool and here is my zip file. Let me know if there is anything else you need from me. And again,thanks for all your help!

View attachment 235099

karlsnooks:thx, I did follow your post and I think everything is set as you suggested.

 

[koolkat77]

STOP 0x00000050: PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA
Usual causes: Defective hardware (particularly memory - but not just RAM),
Faulty system service, Antivirus, Device driver, NTFS corruption, BIOS

STOP 0x0000000A: IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL
Usual causes: Kernel mode driver, System Service, BIOS, Windows, Virus scanner,
Backup tool, compatibility

Problematic software:

PROCESS_NAME:  avgui.exe

Start Menu\Programs\AVG	Public:Start Menu\Programs\AVG	Public

Please uninstall AVG, AVG | Download tools
and utilities install Microsoft Security Essentials instead and make a full scan once installed and updated. Microsoft Security Essentials - Free Antivirus for Windows

Run Disk Check to check a selected hard disk for file system errors and bad sectors on it.

Then run the System File Checker it scans the integrity of all protected Windows 7 system files and replaces incorrect corrupted, changed/modified, or damaged versions with the correct versions if possible.

Then look for an update on your BIOS version

BIOS Version/Date	American Megatrends Inc. 2102,[COLOR="Red"] 6/17/2010[/COLOR]

Keep us posted

 

[mikek82]

Thx koolkat. Uninstalled AVG and installed Microsoft Security Essentials,and did the scans as you suggested. I know the bios seems old, but I looked last year after I first assembled this computer for an update and ver.2102 appears to be the latest.
I will mention that after the clean Win 7 install last month,I had the bsod's before I installed AVG.And it crashed too after I just uninstalled AVG today.Boots faster now though.
Ran memtest 4.0 again for 8 passes and still no errors. Can I rule out bad/incompatible RAM? I've seen there is a memtest+ 4.2. Is that a better tester of my RAM? I had some trouble creating a bootable disk of that version.
I sometimes suspect my video card/drivers. Only times it originally bsod'd,was randomly while playing Civ 5.But over some time it seem to spread to randomly anytime. Could it be the AMD catalyst drivers?
Well just puttin out any info I can think of that might help.Thx.

 

[koolkat77]

How many sticks of ram do you have?
And yes you can test each stick on different slot and see which one it crashes on

 

[mikek82]

I have 2 sticks, 4GB each.I have tried each one by itself in different slots,and both together in different slots.Still had crashes.
Which is why I wondered about my video card/drivers. Unfortunately I'm unable to try a different card as my older cards are AGP,and this mobo has only PCI slots.

 

[koolkat77]

Hmm. Does it crash with 1 stick in either of the slots?

Do you have another graphic card to test on your computer.

You may take a video card stress test

Video Card - Stress Test with Furmark
→ http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/100356-video-card-stress-test-furmark.html

Monitor your temps with Speccy during these tests
→ Speccy - System Information - Free Download

 

[mikek82]

Hey koolkat. I appreciate your time and help here.
I've tried each stick by itself in each of all 4 of my RAM slots.As well as both together in each pair of slots.
This why i'm so stumped about these memory related crashes not appearing to be bad RAM.
Maybe my mobo is just flakey
Or the CPU maybe. I'll have to recheck it,but I noticed before my clean windows install while monitoring the voltages,that my CPU was running a 1.25v while idle,and thought it should closer to 1.5v?
I will reinstall the voltage and temp. monitoring utilities as well as stress test the video like you suggested and see what happens.

 

[koolkat77]

Ah okay,

You can take these tests as well:

Hardware - Stress Test With Prime95
→ http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/100352-hardware-stress-test-prime95.html

CPU - Stress Test Using IntelBurnTest
→ http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/220743-cpu-stress-test-using-intelburntest.html

BTW, is the computer still under its warranty?

 

[mikek82]

This is a barebones I bought from TigerDirect. All components were included,I just had to assemble it. Only hardware I added was a IDE hard drive I put in to backup files before I reinstalled windows recently. And thats well after all the bsod's,so I'm sure that it isn't the cause.

As far as a warranty,I was thinking about that as well. I'll have to look into it, either as a barebones package or the parts individually. It was built last June 2011,so i'm not sure if any warranties are still valid.

It's a nice day here today,so I got a couple outdoor errands to do quick. But I'll try all 4 test utilities you suggested, and get back on here afterwards this evening with any results.Thx.

 

[mikek82]

Well no luck. Unable to complete Prime95 and IntelBurnTest due to the same bsod's. Even crashed while trying in safe mode. Speccy crashes it sometimes too. Did complete a FurMark benchmarking though.Didn't try burn in option yet.
I'll note that many times after a crash,it will crash many times in a row just as windows is beginning to load up again. Eventually it will finally calm down,and I can use again until the next fail. Very frustrating. Maybe this paticular build is just not going to work reliably anymore.

Well koolkat, or if anyone has any other ideas,I surely appreciate it. I will post a new dump file after next crash and post my volts and temps too. I want to try making sure the SATA drive is ok too.Thx.

 

[centaur78]

Mike

1. Disable your audio driver... VIA from the device manger... if you any software installed along with it .... uninstall it.

2. Also disable AMD fuel service. and reinstall your graphics driver to the latest from here.. please make sure you install only the drivers and not the whole suite..

Do these and let me know.

 

[Dave76]

Most of the recent crashes are indicating hardware/RAM, but fairly inconclusive.

One crash did blame CCC, What driver version are you using?
If it's the current driver try an older one, also don't install CCC.

The last crash indicated avgui.exe, did you run the AVG uninstaller?
If not then run it: AVG Remover

Let's look at some of your settings, sometimes adjusting RAM settings will help cases like yours.

Since it's crashing in normal and safe mode, this indicates a hardware issue. Maybe adjusting some settings will help.

Can you download CPUZ and post a snip of the CPU, Mainboard, Memory, and SPD tabs.
For posting the information , enter 'Snipping tool' in the Start button > Search box, hit enter. Select the area you want to post and save to a convenient place.
How to Post a Screenshot in Seven Forums
Go to your BIOS and tell us what the CPU, RAM and the CPU integrated memory controller voltages are.

Use Core Temp , to check the CPU temps when at idle, under load and/or testing.
Let us know the minimum and maximum temps you get.

The PSU is also suspect in these type of crashes.
After a quick search, it's 50/50 good/bad, this is not a good indication for the quality, price at Newegg is $34, this doesn't give that warm feeling of comfort.
Any noise from the fans?
Do you have or can borrow another PSU to test with?
Test your current PSU with OCCT.
OCCT stability checking tool
Run the Power Supply test for at least 30 minutes, be sure to monitor your CPU and GPU temps.
Set the time before you start.
When its done, pass or fail, it will make some graphs. Post these here as they are useful for analyses.


Update your Marvell Controller from your motherboard support site: M4A79XTD EVO Driver - SATA

Update program or drivers.
VMNET.SYS Thu May 22 2008 - out of date - VMware Virtual Network Driver
vmnetadapter.sys Thu May 22 2008 - same as above
vmnetbridge.sys Thu May 22 2008 - same as above
vstor2-ws60.sys Tue Dec 02 2008 - same as above

 

[mikek82]

Thanks guys for all your continued help and suggestions.
Dave:what is CCC? CCcleaner?I don't have that installed if thats whats you are reffering to.Did use before reinstalling windows though.I don't think I reinstalled then uninstalled it after.Heh,can't remember.
I did try testing PSU with OCCT a few times,but it crashed shortly after each try.
BIOS reported these voltages...VCore:1.35v;3.3v:3.29v;5v:4.99v;12v:12.20v Thats all it showed unless I missed the others elswhere. I included my recent dump and the cpu-z snips.

I was also wondering if my problem could be corrected with any BIOS changes?I don't quite understand many of the settings.
View attachment 235336
View attachment 235337
View attachment 235355

 

[Dave76]

CCC is the ATI graphics card program, Catalyst Control Center.

Always post the snips for system info, CPUZ, HWinfo, by this method: How to Post a Screenshot in Seven Forums
This way we can all see the info without D/L'ing files.

View attachment 235418View attachment 235419
View attachment 235420View attachment 235421

If OCCT crashes during a test it is a failure. Did it generate any graphs? Post them if it did.
Can you get a PSU to test with?
If not, find a place with a good return policy.
Test your system with a different/new PSU.
A bad PSU can take out other components with it.
A good PSU is worth the investment.

The Corsair site recommends a different RAM for your AMD system, CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9.
Running Intel RAM in a AMD system is a known issue, sometimes they can be persuaded to run with some BIOS adjustments.

In your motherboard manual, M4A79XTD EVO page 3-12:
Advanced Menu > JumperFree Configuration >

• VDDNB Over Voltage is the IMC (Integrated Memory Controller) voltage adjustment for RAM.
• DRAM voltage is the RAM card voltage setting.

Post these in your next post.

Most important is the PSU issue.

 

[mikek82]

Thanks Dave for the info. Sorry about the snips,I got it right for next time. I was unaware of the RAM issue,I'll replace when I can afford to. And I will get those voltages after this post. I'll keep in mind your thoughts about the quality of a PSU.

However, I may have gotten a little lucky and narrowed it down to 2 components. I disabled my onboard audio and installed an old soundblaster live card, as well as removing my SATA drive and put in an old 20gb IDE drive with a clean windows install. They are the only 2 things I have available to swap on this computer. Well so far,it hasn't crashed at all yet!! I still have many windows updates to install and I guess I didn't install the correct drivers for the SB Live card(still have no sound). But I will continue to update everything,paying attention to anything that may cause a crash, if it does happen. Then do some of the test utilities and report back later.

Thinking maybe it is my SATA drive? I did try ruling out the onboard audio before,but I don't think I did it properly at the time,and didn't try it with the SB live card in. So if things do hold up, I will put the SATA drive back in and clean install windows on it. I figure that will then tell me which of the two are at fault.Tell me what you think.Thx.

 

[mikek82]

Well folks,I guess I finally figured it out. Pretty sure it turns out to be my SATA hard drive. With the older small 20gb hard drive running windows,I never had any crashes so far. Due to the small capacity,I was unable to get no more than a handful of windows updates at a time. So I got impatient and put the SATA drive back in and reinstalled windows again. Just barely got windows going on that drive again when it had a page fault bsod. And with the soundblaster still installed(although I couldn't seem to get the right drivers working),I figure that pretty much tells me its my SATA Drive.

I've since then removed the SB card and turned the onboard audio back on and got the drivers and sound working properly again. Still not one crash!Woohooo! I will still do some stress testing to be certain,but feel pretty good that once I can put a new SATA drive in,I'll be good to go. I suspected everything being the cause except the hard drive for some odd reason. Sould have tried swapping it out earlier.

I spent countless hours researching and trying to fix it on my own,and was really getting discouraged before I came to these forums. So I really appreciate everyones advice helping me to solve my crash problems. Thanks again all!