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Windows 7 x64 BSOD -- driver related... I think

Discussion in 'Windows BSOD, Freezing, Restarting Help' started by Noodz, Apr 1, 2012.

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  1. Noodz Newcomer, in training Posts: 18

    I upgraded my computer this weekend (basically replaced everything except the Hard Drive) and have been getting random BSOD's (IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL) since.
    It happens at random times, sometimes after the computer has been on for hours, sometimes minutes. There doesn't seem to be a specific program that's causing this, it happens occasionally with games or browsing the web.

    After applying my upgrades I had to boot with the Windows CD (Windows 7 64bit, the same as I was using before the upgrade) to do a repair install and get the computer booting up. All the Windows 7 updates have also been applied.

    After the first BSOD I identified a bunch of obsolete drivers and uninstalled these, i've run Memtest86 (8 passes) and no errors were discovered.

    I've used Verifier and it did identify a problem with a driver but I don't know how to find out which one. If this is the problem and you can tell me how to fix it I would be most grateful.

    Please let me know which (if any) logs you need me to post (and how to get them).

    Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.


    System specs:
    Intel Z68 Chipset Motherboard
    Intel Core I5 2500K
    8GB DDR3 1333MHZ (4 x 2gb)
    Radeon 7770
  2. Tmagic650 TS Ambassador Posts: 18,729   +62

    So you didn't format the hard drive and re-install Windows 7 fresh?
  3. Noodz Newcomer, in training Posts: 18

    Unfortunately no, I didn't have anything to back up my data on and have a lot of things I don't want to lose.
    My hard drive is partitioned (windows on one partition, everything else on the other), is there a way to run a clean install and leave the 2nd partition alone?
  4. Tmagic650 TS Ambassador Posts: 18,729   +62

    This is exactly why you are having these BSOD's now
  5. Noodz Newcomer, in training Posts: 18

    So is there anyway to fix it or do a fresh install without wiping my 2nd partition?
  6. Tmagic650 TS Ambassador Posts: 18,729   +62

    Yes, if you have properly setup the 2 partitions. Boot from the Windows 7 install disc and when you get to the partition list, select the Windows partition and format it, then start the "clean" install on that partition. Be sure to install the new motherboard drivers and run Windows Updates until no more updates are found. Unless the motherboards are identical, you should ALWAYS do a fresh Windows install on a new motherboard!
     
  7. Noodz Newcomer, in training Posts: 18

    You know what? I'm being really dense. I actually did do a fresh install not a repair. When I booted from the windows disc I used the custom install option and selected the partition I wanted it on.
    So, in that case, what could be causing the BSOD? I assume it's a driver problem.
  8. Tmagic650 TS Ambassador Posts: 18,729   +62

    Nice system :) What antivirus program are you using?
  9. Noodz Newcomer, in training Posts: 18

    I'm just using basic AVG Free, it's what i've always used and I've never had a problem with it in the past but I'll happily install something else if you think this may help.
    Do you need any logs or anything to identify the cause of the BSODs?
  10. Tmagic650 TS Ambassador Posts: 18,729   +62

    "Do you need any logs or anything to identify the cause of the BSODs?"...

    Yes, if you have any minidumps, attach them. You may have to zip them
  11. Noodz Newcomer, in training Posts: 18

    OK thanks, i'll send them when i get home (about 3 hours from now).
  12. Noodz Newcomer, in training Posts: 18

    My minidump logs are attached.

    Attached Files:

  13. Tmagic650 TS Ambassador Posts: 18,729   +62

    "I've used Verifier and it did identify a problem with a driver but I don't know how to find out which one"... It looks like this verifier may be causing trouble

    The minidumps show:
    DRIVER_VERIFIER_IOMANAGER_VIOLATION
    and
    IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL
    Ntoskrnl.exe


    You might try to re-install Windows once more and pay attention to the drivers you install
  14. Noodz Newcomer, in training Posts: 18

    I was just thinking how I haven't had a BSOD since made this thread, the very second that I thought it I had a BSOD!
    However, this time it was a 'MEMORY_MANAGEMENT' error instead of the 'IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL' error.
    The new minidump is attached.

    Attached Files:

  15. Noodz Newcomer, in training Posts: 18

    The only drivers I installed were from the discs that came with the hardware (Chipset, Graphics Card, DVD-Rom) and whatever Windows itself installed.
    Is it the Ntoskrnl.exe causing the problem?
  16. Tmagic650 TS Ambassador Posts: 18,729   +62

    Yes, MEMORY MANAGEMENT... Try the re-install or get into the bios and let us know what the DRAM memory voltage is
  17. Noodz Newcomer, in training Posts: 18

    I entered the BIOS (my new system has the MSI Click Bios II) and the DRAM voltage is set to Auto (with the option of setting it to 1.35v, 1.65v or 1.8v)
  18. Tmagic650 TS Ambassador Posts: 18,729   +62

    Set the DRAM to manual and select a voltage around 1.65v or so
  19. Noodz Newcomer, in training Posts: 18

    OK, the voltage is set to 1.65v.
    Is this just a fix for the 'Memory Management' error or could this possibly fix the 'IRQL' error too?
  20. Tmagic650 TS Ambassador Posts: 18,729   +62

    For everything :)... Hopefully!