Windows BSODs immediately after startup

[Shoobie]

Hey guys, I'm having some trouble with my mother's laptop. I'm somewhat self sufficient when it comes to solving my computer problems, but this one has me stumped.

1. Overview of the problem
   BSOD immediately after windows XP loads.
   
   
2. Full description of the problem and symptoms
   The laptop will boot windows and get to the user login menu, but immediately BSODs (within 5-10 seconds) after logging in. I've tried using different accounts, but to no avail.
   
   BSOD stop code: 0x0000008e (0xc0000005, 0xee5bdb75, 0xeb87d7e8, 0x00000000). The third one in the parenthesis seems to change each time, while the others don't (haven't checked this much).
   
   I googled these codes, but I couldn't really make heads or tails of anything, other than it could be a ram or hdd issue. I ran memtest, and it passed, so perhaps it's a corrupt hdd sector?
   
   I was able to boot in to safe mode, but I don't really know what to do when I get there.
   
3. Did it work normally at one time, or has the problem always existed?
   This notebook has worked just fine for almost a year. My mother uses it, and there has been no new software installed. I don't think there is any sort of anti-spyware or antivirus software installed. I don't know if you can install new software in safe mode or safe mode /w networking.
   
   
4. Is the problem consistent and repeatable, or entirely random, or semi-random?
   Happens on every startup.
   
   
5. I already tried these steps:
   Passed built in diagnostics (got to them through the BIOS, not really sure what they do). Passed memtest86 test.
   
   
   
6. My software:
   WindowsXP Home /w sp2, I think.
   
   
7. My hardware
   Dell Vostro 1000, athlon64 x2. Don't remember much else, but will look it up if it's important.
   
8. Other information that might be relevant
   I have restore disks, and there is nothing important stored on it, so I can try to reinstall if that will solve the problem.

Thanks everyone, and please let me know what other information you may need.

 

[mpilchfamily]

Well before you reinstall durn a copy of memtest and run a check on the system's RAM. If that all checks out then restore the HDD.

 

[Shoobie]

Originally posted by: mpilchfamily
Well before you reinstall durn a copy of memtest and run a check on the system's RAM. If that all checks out then restore the HDD.

Originally posted by: Shoobie

[*]I already tried these steps:
Passed built in diagnostics (got to them through the BIOS, not really sure what they do). Passed memtest86 test.

 

[mpilchfamily]

Originally posted by: mpilchfamily
Well before you reinstall durn a copy of memtest and run a check on the system's RAM. If that all checks out then restore the HDD.

 

[krnmastersgt]

Try cleaning/re-installing the video and sound drivers, checking the memory again wouldn't hurt either but I'm more inclined to think this is a driver problem. Uninstall them, clean out your registry with GU or CCleaner, then download and install the latest drivers from whatever companies you need.

 

[krnmastersgt]

Any news on if it worked Shoobie?

 

[Shoobie]

Tried reinstalling drivers and got nothing, so I just bit the bullet and reinstalled WindowsXP. Seems to work just fine, I will need to reconfigure the wireless and let my mother start using it again. Hope there are no problems.

Thanks for the help everyone!

 

[bamacre]

One option could have been to use the repair process on the XP install disk, instead of doing a clean install.