Question about fixing BSODs

[aplefka]

I've installed all my basics now too:AVG, Spybot, Firefox, AIM, Skype, Xfire, iTunes, and Steam. Running AVG and Spybot again to check these.

Still can't figure out my front panel USB issue. The connections on the mobo are all fine and front audio works.

 

[seemingly random]

Originally posted by: aplefka
Edit 2: Ran Orthos for about 15 mins then the computer reset itself. It got through 4-5 tests. Good or bad?

Whoa, slow down. This is bad. Sorry for the late response but for some reason I'm not getting alerts for this thread.

You need to stop and figure out why the pc is rebooting while running orthos and also why there's now a USB problem - maybe even reload to minimize variables. If orthos doesn't work now, it's not going to work later. We're using orthos to reveal problems. We need to determine what those problems are.

Now it sounds like a h/w or heat problem.

Please give the full system specs including the case.

 

[aplefka]

Originally posted by: seemingly random

Originally posted by: aplefka
Edit 2: Ran Orthos for about 15 mins then the computer reset itself. It got through 4-5 tests. Good or bad?

Whoa, slow down. This is bad. Sorry for the late response but for some reason I'm not getting alerts for this thread.

You need to stop and figure out why the pc is rebooting while running orthos and also why there's now a USB problem - maybe even reload to minimize variables. If orthos doesn't work now, it's not going to work later. We're using orthos to reveal problems. We need to determine what those problems are.

Now it sounds like a h/w or heat problem.

Please give the full system specs including the case.

Motherboard: ASUS M2N-E SLI
CPU: Athlon 64 X2 5600+ Windsor
RAM: g.Skill 2 GB (2x1GB) PC6400
Video Card: nVidia 8600 GTS
Two optical drives (IDE)
Three hdds (2 IDE, 1 SATA)

I dunno on the case, but I doubt it's heat as the case temp is typically 87-97 degrees, maybe 98-99 when running games. CPU temp doesn't get much above 115-120 at max load.

 

[seemingly random]

Seems like a reasonable system and reasonable temps. psu? Have you monitored the temps while orthos is running? I know this is like watching paint dry. It would be interesting to see what they are just before the pc resets. Does it always reset in the same amount of time? I would try this with each of the ram modules individually. Also try the other mb ram slots.

What model of GSkill? I have some of the inexpensive ones (red) that required 1.9v in an ASUS m2a-vm. OCing? Try resetting bios.

I have used this to stress the cpu - not sure how much it will help though but it's something different to try. Two instances need to be run - one for each core. Might try getting some of the benchmarks that are used in the various reviews found on the internet.

mb bios up to date? Visited ASUS forums to check on known problems with this mb?

At this point I would be testing with the minimum required components: mb, cpu+hsf, ram, gpu, one hd, one dvd and no network connection. I would also be swapping out parts from another pc if available.

I have an ASUS m2n-sli-deluxe which doesn't handle powering down the system by pushing the power button - it just shuts off immediately as if the plug was pulled. I updated the bios a couple of days ago in hopes of a cure. It didn't help. Now I'm going to have remove the mb to see if there's an electrical problem.

 

[aplefka]

Haven't gone to ASUS forums yet, shows how much faith I put here in AT haha. I'll head over there tonight or tomorrow though.

The resets were usually occurring before the 4 minute mark before so when yesterday's occurred after the 15 minute mark I was impressed at the 11 min difference. But I remembered you saying it shouldn't reset at all so I was kinda worried too.

I'm not OCing as I have no reason to want to make my e-penis larger. As far as the RAM, I've got two of the red ones as well, ordered off Newegg. Model is F2-6400CL5D-2GBNQ. Don't have parts that I'd be able to swap out with really.

I never expected this to be so much work. :|

 

[seemingly random]

"I never expected this to be so much work"

It usually isn't - you're just lucky... Just keep narrowing things down. It could end up being marginal h/w - it happens - as with anything made by humans.

Maybe try bumping up ram v by .1 - don't go over 2.0v.

Funny thing about giving advice - I haven't gone to the ASUS forums for my problem yet.

 

[seemingly random]

Was browsing AT and came across this http://forums.anandtech.com/me...AR_FORUMVIEWTMP=Linear

It's not identical but has the resetting problem and a USB problem.

 

[aplefka]

Thanks, I'll check that out. Unfortunately I just had my first BSOD after the reformat so I'm back to square one. I'm hesitant to check the dump even because chances are it'll be corrupt but when I finish studying I'll check it out. So much for a study-break consisting of NFSMW.

 

[seemingly random]

Originally posted by: aplefka
Unfortunately I just had my first BSOD after the reformat so I'm back to square one.

It feels like deja vu... Have you perused this? It's a little disheartening - but it's hard to imagine all of them are bad. Try some of the things - like downgrading the ram. Take good notes on each thing tried.

 

[aplefka]

Originally posted by: seemingly random

Originally posted by: aplefka
Unfortunately I just had my first BSOD after the reformat so I'm back to square one.

It feels like deja vu... Have you perused this? It's a little disheartening - but it's hard to imagine all of them are bad. Try some of the things - like downgrading the ram. Take good notes on each thing tried.

That's probably the worst thing I've read yet.

I picked the board because of it's ability to support up to four IDE and four SATA drives. Plus it had 4 USB and one firewire.

Now I'm wishing I would have stuck with using PCI cards for what I needed.

Edit: I'm feeling kinda stupid for asking this, but I haven't had to update a BIOS on a board in ages. Is it still pretty self-explanatory?

 

[seemingly random]

bios updating can be accomplished on 'newer' ASUS mb's in one of three ways:

1) bootable floppy or other medium with downloaded bios and DOS bios update utility.
2) ASUS update in the bios menus using a FAT formatted, but not necessarily bootable, floppy, usb, etc. with downloaded bios.
3) ASUS update from within Windows - have to download and install ASUS update.

3) is the easiest for the uninitiated.
1) & then 2) are the surest - doesn't require sometimes flakey ASUS Windows s/w.

I find 2) the easiest with a USB key.

 

[imported_i2k]

Do not use the windows update tool. I just had to RMA a motherboard to Newegg because it trashed my bios.

 

[aplefka]

Well this is good news considering I'm past my RMA date and I've probably applied at least a couple hundred updates since reformatting just this time around.

I got another blue screen but I can't do anything as far as reformatting a third time until I get my external hard drive issues sorted out. Just my luck that the one I get overheats and randomly starts making scraping noises and giving CRCs. Lost most of the data I backed up on it and now I just want to cry at this point. Everything with this build has gone wrong from the moment it shipped with a different heatsink/fan than I ordered.

 

[dclive]

I think you are talking about two different things. aplefka is talking about update.microsoft.com and i2k/SR is talking about running Asus' Windows-based BIOS updates.

 

[aplefka]

Originally posted by: dclive
I think you are talking about two different things. aplefka is talking about update.microsoft.com and i2k/SR is talking about running Asus' Windows-based BIOS updates.

Edit: Once I get the external drive issues worked out what should my next step of action be? Obviously another reformat, then what?

 

[seemingly random]

Shotgun?

Really though, you have exhibited admirable patience. At this point you are going to have to determine the value of your time. There are several alternatives:

1) Since you don't have access to other parts for testing and my guess is that the problem is the mb, I would pick a reasonable but low priced uATX board from this list. I would probably choose the GA690G since I've heard good reviews of it. If the mb turns out not to be the problem, the uATX mb is still in enough demand that it could be sold or you could build an HTPC for yourself or somebody else. One of the good things about a uATX is that the IGP can be used for testing eliminating a possibly bad GPU.

2) In the same vein as 1) you could sell your amd cpu and get a c2d cpu and mb and use your current ram. I'm not advocating this - it's just another possibility.

3) Start from ground zero with your current components and methodically reload in distinct steps making a clear, written record and testing stability thoroughly at each step. If not able to do this in one time period, also write down thoughts which might occur about possible tests and solutions so that they can be followed up on later. If there is space available, I would remove all components including the psu from the case placing them on a non-conductive (cardboard) surface. Everything should be considered a suspect including wires/cables.

4) Take it to a shop that builds pc's and let them diagnose/repair it - probably the most expensive in dollars but the least in frustration.

So that the entire topic doesn't have to be searched for your system specs, it would be nice if you put them in your tagline. If you don't want a cluttered tagline, put a link to them as several other members have. You could remove it after this problem is resolved.

Is this external hd you refer to in it's own case? Is it connected by USB or eSATA? Does it have problems on another pc?

If you don't already own one, get a USB key so that you can backup important, non-replaceable files. You might get two since these have been known to fail occasionally.

 

[aplefka]

I just bought the parts for this computer 40 or so days ago so I'm definitely not buying anything else. I had to use financial aid money on it as it was and I'm still hurting from that.

I think I'll just go with option 3 for now as I don't trust computer repair places for the most part. If option 3 doesn't provide anything should I go with a mom and pop or with Geek Squad/Fry's/etc?

 

[seemingly random]

Originally posted by: aplefka
I just bought the parts for this computer 40 or so days ago

I thought you've had this over a year - something about out of warranty.

I think you should do this yourself - exercise 'scientific method', character building, sense of accomplishment, etc. It would be useful to find someone local to bounce ideas off - professor, clubs (on or off campus).

No experience with Geek Squad, etc - had a friend who had a shop who didn't necessarily know more than me but was excellent to bounce ideas off of. [Dammit, I hate it when I end sentences with a preposition.]