Constant blue screens

[ObsidianII]

Having issues with constant blue screens, no idea what the problem is and I'm hoping someone can help. Sometimes the blue screens pop up when I'm just checking email or even not using the computer, other times I can do intensive tasks such as running crysis for hours on end with no lockups at all. The most common blue screen errors I get are IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL and PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA; I'm no expert but I think both of these are systematic of memory issues. System specs:

Intel Q9450 with Thermaltake V1 cooler
Intel DX48BT2 motherboard
4GB OCZ DDR3 1600 (2x2gb in slots 1+3)
Radeon 4870 with Catalyst 8.6 (with the profile tweak to up the fan speed)
PC Power & Cooling Turbo-Cool 860w
Onboard sound is enabled, though I'm using a Logitech USB Headset
Vista Ultimate x64

I've run memtest for ~6 hours with 0 errors and I've also replaced the video card with a Radeon x1800xt and the errors persisted. Does anyone have any idea what the deal might be? Nothing is overclocked, everything is at stock settings. Could these blue screens be caused by some memory other than the ram? Perhaps the cache? Seems like 6 hours should've been enough for memtest to find any problems with the ram itself. Please help, this is driving me insane!

 

[robisbell]

when was the HDD defragged last?
what defragmenter was used?
do you use CCleaner?
when was the HDD last tested with manufacturers utilities?
is this install of Vista fresh to the hardware?

 

[ObsidianII]

This is a brand new computer, fresh install of Vista

 

[Kailasa]

Hi Obsidian,

I would recommend following the instructions on this page for troubleshooting Blue Screens. It will help you identify what program or hardware component may be causing conflicts:

http://bluescreens.homeserver....%26_How_to_Fix_it.html

Allan

 

[Eirgorn]

Ive also been having frequent BSODs lately - I followed the above link and DL'd the debug program - but my minidump file is empty.

Ive even had BSODs since I started looking, and after the computer restarts the little window pops up saying there was a BSOD and to check the c://window/minidump/xxxxx file for more information - however that folder is empty.

Do I need certain permissions to access these, or am I looking in the wrong area?

Thanks!

 

[Kailasa]

Originally posted by: Eirgorn
Ive also been having frequent BSODs lately - I followed the above link and DL'd the debug program - but my minidump file is empty.

Ive even had BSODs since I started looking, and after the computer restarts the little window pops up saying there was a BSOD and to check the c://window/minidump/xxxxx file for more information - however that folder is empty.

Do I need certain permissions to access these, or am I looking in the wrong area?

Thanks!

Hi Eirgorn,

More than likely it is a permissions issue. Make sure you have full rights to that directory. Once you've done that, you should find all of your dump files. From there, follow the directions from the link and it should assist you in isolating the program or root of the blue screen.

Allan

 

[Eirgorn]

Im not sure how to get the permissions straightened. Im sure Im looking in the right spot - and I even copied one of the recovery messages:

Problem signature:
Problem Event Name: BlueScreen
OS Version: 6.0.6001.2.1.0.768.2
Locale ID: 1033

Additional information about the problem:
BCCode: a
BCP1: 0000082C
BCP2: 00000002
BCP3: 00000000
BCP4: 81A4169A
OS Version: 6_0_6001
Service Pack: 1_0
Product: 768_1

Files that help describe the problem:
C:\Windows\Minidump\Mini063008-01.dmp

I look at the minidump folder though and it's empty - properties show it at 0kb. I have hidden folders/files viewable, UAC off and supposedly full permissions.

Any ideas?

Thank you,

 

[Ausm]

Originally posted by: Eirgorn
Im not sure how to get the permissions straightened. Im sure Im looking in the right spot - and I even copied one of the recovery messages:

Problem signature:
Problem Event Name: BlueScreen
OS Version: 6.0.6001.2.1.0.768.2
Locale ID: 1033

Additional information about the problem:
BCCode: a
BCP1: 0000082C
BCP2: 00000002
BCP3: 00000000
BCP4: 81A4169A
OS Version: 6_0_6001
Service Pack: 1_0
Product: 768_1

Files that help describe the problem:
C:\Windows\Minidump\Mini063008-01.dmp

I look at the minidump folder though and it's empty - properties show it at 0kb. I have hidden folders/files viewable, UAC off and supposedly full permissions.

Any ideas?

Thank you,

Looks like you have a bad hardware driver installed. Did you recently update some drivers on this machine? On further thought, it could also be a program that is not playing well with Windows.

Ausm

 

[robisbell]

Eirgorn, please make your own post and let obsidian have his post back, thanks.

 

[Dillybob]

Had the same issues about a month ago, guys. Turns out it was the ram. You should run memtest for about 24 hours if possible. That would make sure that it REALLY isn't the RAM.....otherwise, it's a driver issue. Find Drivercleaner (or is it called drivecleaner?) and remove the old drivers (save all new drivers to a folder first). Then, install the new drivers. That will ensure that it isn't a driver issue, either.

Hope this helps!