Video Hardware Error

[ThisIsMe]

Hi,

my Action Centre warned me today about a "Video Hardware Error" and tells me that my gfx card drivers stopped working (multiple times). I also have dump files, however, before attaching those I wanted to ask how seriously I should take the following statement in the "Video Hardware Error" message (in order not to upload infected files to the forum):
Warning: If a virus or other security threat caused the problem, opening a copy of the files could harm your computer.

Also, although I have 2x2GB RAM installed, two days ago I discovered that my PC tells me that 2 out of 4GB are usable and in BIOS only 2048MB RAM are found (I have changed slots etc and am pretty certain that one of the two sticks just died). One worry, as all these issues seem so unrelated, is that maybe my motherboard is broken.

Please tell me if it is safe to upload the dump files and I will do so later today!

Cheers,
Me

 

[JMH]

Hi,

my Action Centre warned me today about a "Video Hardware Error" and tells me that my gfx card drivers stopped working (multiple times). I also have dump files, however, before attaching those I wanted to ask how seriously I should take the following statement in the "Video Hardware Error" message (in order not to upload infected files to the forum):
Warning: If a virus or other security threat caused the problem, opening a copy of the files could harm your computer.

Also, although I have 2x2GB RAM installed, two days ago I discovered that my PC tells me that 2 out of 4GB are usable and in BIOS only 2048MB RAM are found (I have changed slots etc and am pretty certain that one of the two sticks just died). One worry, as all these issues seem so unrelated, is that maybe my motherboard is broken.

Please tell me if it is safe to upload the dump files and I will do so later today!

Cheers,
Me

ThisIsMe hi and welcome

We cant tell you how seriously to take those messages until we have the DMP files to see what is causing them.


Please up load to us.

To enable us to assist you with your computer's BSOD symptoms, upload the contents of your "\Windows\Minidump" folder.

The procedure:

* Copy the contents of \Windows\Minidump to another (temporary) location somewhere on your machine.
* Zip up the copy.
* Attach the ZIP archive to your post using the "paperclip" (file attachments) button.



To ensure minidumps are enabled:

Go to Start, in the Search Box type: sysdm.cpl, press Enter.
Under the Advanced tab, click on the Startup and Recovery Settings... button.
Ensure that Automatically restart is unchecked.
Under the Write Debugging Information header select Small memory dump (256 kB) in the dropdown box (the 256kb varies).
Ensure that the Small Dump Directory is listed as %systemroot%\Minidump.
OK your way out.
Reboot if changes have been made.

 

[ThisIsMe]

Dear JMH,

thank you very much for your reply. I was actually asking how seriously to take the warning for potential viruses before uploading anything to the forum. However, my .dmp files seem to have been deleted but I have implemented the setting you told me and should this problem reoccur I will make sure to follow the procedure you explained.

I assume this thread can be closed then or is there a way to recover my .dmp files (I have sent them to Microsoft via the automated request for information about this error)?

Best,
Me

 

[JMH]

You are the best judge of how safe your computer is.
BTW - Your concern is noted & appreciated.

I suggest that we leave this thread open for a bit longer.
Should you get more dumps you can continue here.

 

[ThisIsMe]

Ok thanks. I will update any news.

Me

P.S.: up-to-date windows essentials plus all sorts of anti-spyware/malware from trusted sources should do the trick I suppose so I won't worry about virus infections from my side of things.