Drowning in BSOD's

[Acknown3]

I've had this computer since 06-11-11, and had it built at a Microcenter store. I've been experiencing constant BSOD's about a month after I got it, and I've been through three different Windows operating systems (At this rate, I'll spend more on my OS than my actual computer). I get a blue screen about five minutes after I start most of my games such as BF3 or GTA IV, but not with games like Oblivion, GTA: San Andreas, or Minecraft, and it happens so often to the point where I almost cry when it happens.

I run AVG internet security, and have a CANON printer hooked up, as well as a Logitech G930 headset and a Logitech Wave keyboard and mouse.

Also, my computer won't let me upload the minidump files or add them to an .RAR file. How do I do this?

Here's a list of things that I haven't tried yet, and am wondering if I should:

- Move the RAM to different slots
- Run MemTest86
- Downloaded new MOBO drivers, since I have no idea how
> http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/Intel_Socket_1155/P8Z68V_PRO/#download

Specs:

CPU: Intel Core i7-2600K Sandy Bridge 3.4GHz
GPU: ZOTAC ZT-50201-10P GeForce GTX 570
PSU: SeaSonic X660 (SS-660KM) 660W
MOBO: ASUS P8Z68-V PRO LGA 1155
HDD: Western Digital Caviar Black WD1002FAEX 1TB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5"
RAM: CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1866 (PC3 15000)

Whenever I try to copy the minidump files and move them to another file, it says that I do not have permission, even though I am the administrator (and only user / profile) of this computer.

Also, I run stock fans so overheating could be a problem since it usually happens when I run games, but I sometimes just get it while browsing the internet.

I don't think I have any malware that could cause this, but I wouldn't rule it out as a possibility.

And I also experience blue screens with Game Booster both enabled and disabled.

I mostly get PFN List Corrupt, Bad Pool Header, or Memory Management as my blue screens.

I know close to nothing about blue screens, but my friends think the problem is either my RAM, Mobo, or OS.

And I believe my BIOS settings are all correct, although they could also be wrong.

 

[Acknown3]

*Added to original post*

 

[Acknown3]

*Added to original post*

 

[brkkab123]

Here's link for your video card drivers. https://www.w7forums.com/drowning-bsods-t13004.html Here's link at Ausu for your motherboard drivers. http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/Intel_Socket_1155/P8Z68V_PRO/#download Make sure you download and save all the drivers. Then disable your antivirus and antispyware software. Install one driver at a time and restart your pc until all drivers are installed.

 

[Acknown3]

How do I download the MOBO drivers? I tried downloading the BIOS ones by clicking "Global (DLM)," letting the file download, and opening it; however, once I open the file, my computer does not know which program to use in order to activate it.

 

[Kougar]

Hi Acknown. I don't understand what you mean by spending more on the OS than on the computer itself?

The system should be covered by Microcenter's warranty. If they built it they owe you a free service to resolve this problem. It sounds like they didn't configure the system hardware correctly, or it is possible one of the memory modules is bad.

If you wish to troubleshoot this yourself please run Memtest86+ first to test your RAM stability. If you have an empty flash drive around you can download the auto-installer that will turn it into a bootable drive. Otherwise you can burn it to a CD and boot to it that way.

Regarding the ASUS drivers, it is a standard zip file and Windows 7 should be capable of opening the file. If it isn't then something is wrong here... in either case
http://www.7-zip.org/ is a free alternative that can open (and create) zip archives.

 

[Ace]

If you want help with BSOD's though I would recommend reading the guide for assistance in this particular section of the forum.

 

[Nibiru2012]

Are you stating you spent money on three different versions of Windows 7? WHY?


I agree with Kougar in that Microcenter should take responsibilty for this immediately! It should still be under warranty too. Make sure they test the RAM also.

It sounds to me as if Microcenter did a poor job of assembly, ie, heatsinks not doing the proper job of cooling, and/or drivers not installed in the correct order.

Remember the "squeakiest wheel gets the most grease" so stay on Microcenter's butt till you get satisfaction.

 

[brkkab123]

Which version of Windows 7 do you have ? 32 bit or 64 bit? I'm gonna try to download one just to let you know how to do it.OK. You select the version of Windows 7 you have, then click on Global. Do yourself a favor and make a Drivers folder inside you Downloads folde. Then make folders for each component. On the drivers you download you'll more than likely need to right-click on each one and click on Extract All, as they'll all be .zip files.

How do I download the MOBO drivers? I tried downloading the BIOS ones by clicking "Global (DLM)," letting the file download, and opening it; however, once I open the file, my computer does not know which program to use in order to activate it.

 

[Acknown3]

The system should be covered by Microcenter's warranty. If they built it they owe you a free service to resolve this problem. It sounds like they didn't configure the system hardware correctly, or it is possible one of the memory modules is bad.

The system is not covered under Microcenter's warranty because Microcenter is, in essence, a local version of Newegg. They simply sell the parts, not make them. All of the hardware is configured correctly, I checked. The only problem could possibly be that the RAM works better in other slots, but I haven't tried that.

If you wish to troubleshoot this yourself please run Memtest86+ first to test your RAM stability. If you have an empty flash drive around you can download the auto-installer that will turn it into a bootable drive. Otherwise you can burn it to a CD and boot to it that way.

I'll try this after I install the MOBO drivers.

Regarding the ASUS drivers, it is a standard zip file and Windows 7 should be capable of opening the file. If it isn't then something is wrong here... in either case
http://www.7-zip.org/ is a free alternative that can open (and create) zip archives.

When I download the .zip and open it, there's a ROM file. What do I do with that?

If you want help with BSOD's though I would recommend reading the guide for assistance in this particular section of the forum.

I did, which is why I filled out my computer specs for you and stated that I was unable to upload the minidump files.

Are you stating you spent money on three different versions of Windows 7? WHY?

I wasn't sure exactly what the problem was, but I had a disc for downloading Windows which I have reinstalled three times (not activated, only installed). On my third time, I decided to activate it since I figured the OS wasn't a problem, but there's always the possibility of the disc being bad itself.

I agree with Kougar in that Microcenter should take responsibilty for this immediately! It should still be under warranty too. Make sure they test the RAM also.

They aren't obliged to deal with this, and I'm not sure if the RAM came with a limited warranty. They can't test it either since they just sell the parts.

It sounds to me as if Microcenter did a poor job of assembly, ie, heatsinks not doing the proper job of cooling, and/or drivers not installed in the correct order.

They don't install the drivers, I did that, and they are ALL updated except for the MOBO, which is what I'm trying to figure out. I don't know how to use ROM files.

Which version of Windows 7 do you have ? 32 bit or 64 bit? I'm gonna try to download one just to let you know how to do it.OK. You select the version of Windows 7 you have, then click on Global. Do yourself a favor and make a Drivers folder inside you Downloads folde. Then make folders for each component. On the drivers you download you'll more than likely need to right-click on each one and click on Extract All, as they'll all be .zip files.

x64, just like in my specs list. I made the drivers folder, so now do I right click the ROM file, click extract, and then do something with whatever is in there?


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MOBO Drivers:

Audio: Updated Successfully
BIOS: No idea what to do with the ROM file
BIOS Utilities: Error:

! Cannot execute "C:\Users\Ben\AppData\Local\Temp\Rar$EX02.272\Bupdater_V126\BUPDATER.EXE"

Bluetooth: Updated Successfully
Chipset: Updated Successfully
LAN: Updated Successfully
SATA: Updated Successfully
USB: Updated Successfully
Utilities: Updated Successfully
VGA: Error: "System does not meet minimum requirements."

Now to run MemTest86+.


________________________________________ *** EDIT LINE *** ________________________________________


Well, I ran MemTest86+ and got two perfect passes with no errors. The only thing that I haven't done yet it upload the minidump files because it won't let me. My friend who is very knowledgeable with computers, and has experienced the same problem once before, says that it has to do with the registry, or in other words, it's the fault of the OS. Any ideas on how to fix it?

 

[Kougar]

The system is not covered under Microcenter's warranty because Microcenter is, in essence, a local version of Newegg. They simply sell the parts, not make them. All of the hardware is configured correctly, I checked. The only problem could possibly be that the RAM works better in other slots, but I haven't tried that.

You said above they built the system for you, that is not the same as selling you the parts and you building the system yourself. If you paid them to assemble the system and it doesn't function normally, then they owe you a warranty of service. If you built the system yourself, then yes I would agree no warranty is included.

As long as the RAM is in the correct slots it shouldn't matter. Your motherboard manual will show you which slots are correct.

When I download the .zip and open it, there's a ROM file. What do I do with that?

There is a guide in the manual for reference... I'd suggest you either put the file on a flash drive and update from within the BIOS screen itself, or you download the ASUS AI Suite utility which has BIOS flashing built into it. Either one works fine.

They aren't obliged to deal with this, and I'm not sure if the RAM came with a limited warranty. They can't test it either since they just sell the parts.

Again, if they assembled the PC for you, they are obligated to test it. Regardless, all of the hardware comes with individual manufacturer warranties, including whatever warranty Microcenter offers on the parts they sell.

 

[Acknown3]

MOBO Drivers:

Audio: Updated Successfully
BIOS: Will fix tomorrow
BIOS Utilities: Error:

! Cannot execute "C:\Users\Ben\AppData\Local\Temp\Rar$EX02.272\Bupdater_V126\BUPDATER.EXE"

Bluetooth: Updated Successfully
Chipset: Updated Successfully
LAN: Updated Successfully
SATA: Updated Successfully
USB: Updated Successfully
Utilities: Updated Successfully
VGA: Error: "System does not meet minimum requirements."

Now to run MemTest86+.


________________________________________ *** EDIT LINE *** ________________________________________


Well, I ran MemTest86+ and got two perfect passes with no errors. The only thing that I haven't done yet it upload the minidump files because it won't let me. My friend who is very knowledgeable with computers, and has experienced the same problem once before, says that it has to do with the registry, or in other words, it's the fault of the OS. Any ideas on how to fix it?

 

[Kougar]

Either install or run the BIOS update software from your desktop, not the Temp folder. Ya should be able to save the file to your desktop, then extract it directly to the desktop from there and be able to run it. Again, you can alternately simply boot to the BIOS and upload the file via a flash drive that way as well.

Since Memtest didn't find anything it'll be useful to look at these BSoD messages. I'd suggest making an empty folder on your desktop first. Then find the dump files, highlight them, and select copy. Go back to the new folder on your desktop and inside it select paste. Then at the desktop screen you should be able to right-click and select 7zip to archive the folder, and then upload that here for analysis. That should avoid whatever permission errors you were receiving previously.

 

[Acknown3]

Then find the dump files, highlight them, and select copy. Go back to the new folder on your desktop and inside it select paste.

This is the problem. When I try this, it tells me that I do not have permission to copy the files. I have tried using Unlocker, and that didn't work, so I'm not sure what to do.

 

[snwboardn]

This is the problem. When I try this, it tells me that I do not have permission to copy the files. I have tried using Unlocker, and that didn't work, so I'm not sure what to do.

Turn off UAC... go to start run type in "UAC" click on change user account control settings then turn the scroller to the bottom, to "never notify me." Then Reboot...

once you get back in

Go to the folder where your dump file is and left click once to get it highlighted then right click on the folder, go to properties, security, then click on your name and make sure you have full control, click ok or apply... You should be able to at that point.

 

[Chester]

Acknwon3 .. as you have 2 * 4 gb ram slots . .did you try removing the one slot of ram and use your machine and experience the same problem or not..

try vice-verca then check . did you install windows update or upgraded to windows7sp1 ?