I have a computer that has been experiencing seemingly random BSODs. The first time was when the computer BSOD-ed a couple days ago while watching a video. It has also BSOD-ed when copying a folder with 3 GB worth of information to the hard disk, running a virus scan, just sitting idle, and when installing office.
Problems I have suspected:
>I thought it might be a RAM problem, and after pulling out one of the RAM sticks it *seems* to be fixed. I don't like running on 1/2 the RAM and want to make sure this was the problem.
Solutions attempted:
>I tried removing one of the RAM sticks (seems to fix, although I sometimes encounter other problems)
>Re-installing Windows with a different Windows image (after re-install, BSOD-ed when I was installing office)
>Putting a different memory module in place of suspected bad one (couldn't get into Windows, it would restart after windows splash screen)
Each time it BSOD's it seems to have a different reason each time, something like 'EXCEPTION NOT HANDLED' and 'IRQL GT ZERO AT SYSTEM SERVICE', just to name two. Also, the machine rarely restarts after the crash. It restarted on two separate BSODs I observed but mainly when it BSODs I hear the drive turn off but the blue screen stays on and the machine never restarts like it claims it will.
The specs of this machine are:
Model: Gateway DX4375G
CPU: AMD A6- 5200 APU
RAM: (was 8 GB now 4 GB)
I would appreciate if someone could look this over and maybe help me find specifically what might be happening.
Looks to me like you have already found the problem.
If you remove ram and the problem goes away, replace the removed ram or run without it.
If you want further validation, run memtest86+ as described below:
===================================================
RAM:
Follow this tutorial: MemTest86+ - Test RAM - Windows 10 blog
Information
MemTest86+is a diagnostic tool designed to test Random Access Memory (RAM) for faults. MemTest86+ will verify that:
- RAM will accept and keep random patterns of data sent to it
- There are no errors when different parts of memory try to interact
- There are no conflicts between memory addresses
Memtest86+runs from bootable media to isolate the RAM from the system, no other components are taken into account during the test.
Warning
MemTest86+needs to run for at least 8 passesto be anywhere near conclusive, anything less will not give a complete analysis of the RAM.
If you are asked to run MemTest86+by a windowssh blog member make sure you run the full 8 passes for conclusive results. If you run less than 8 passes you will be asked to run it again.
Note
MemTest86+has been known to discover errors in RAM in later passes than the eighth pass. This is for information only; if you feel there is a definite problem with the RAM and 8 passes have shown no errors feel free to continue for longer.
Running 8 passes of MemTest86+is a long and drawn out exercise and the more RAM you have the longer it will take. It's recommended to run MemTest86+just before you go to bed and leave it overnight.
Thank you. I will check that out later.Looks to me like you have already found the problem.
If you remove ram and the problem goes away, replace the removed ram or run without it.
If you want further validation, run memtest86+ as described below:
===================================================
RAM:
Follow this tutorial: MemTest86+ - Test RAM - Windows 10 blog
Information
MemTest86+is a diagnostic tool designed to test Random Access Memory (RAM) for faults. MemTest86+ will verify that:
- RAM will accept and keep random patterns of data sent to it
- There are no errors when different parts of memory try to interact
- There are no conflicts between memory addresses
Memtest86+runs from bootable media to isolate the RAM from the system, no other components are taken into account during the test.
Warning
MemTest86+needs to run for at least 8 passesto be anywhere near conclusive, anything less will not give a complete analysis of the RAM.
If you are asked to run MemTest86+by a windowssh blog member make sure you run the full 8 passes for conclusive results. If you run less than 8 passes you will be asked to run it again.
Note
MemTest86+has been known to discover errors in RAM in later passes than the eighth pass. This is for information only; if you feel there is a definite problem with the RAM and 8 passes have shown no errors feel free to continue for longer.
Running 8 passes of MemTest86+is a long and drawn out exercise and the more RAM you have the longer it will take. It's recommended to run MemTest86+just before you go to bed and leave it overnight.
