Regular BSODs

BigBoots · Sep 12, 2010

Hi there. I'm hoping you can help me. Around 12 months ago, I was getting either total PC freezes or crashes to a BSOD, reporting STOP error 124, now and again whilst playing World of Warcraft. After reseating the RAM and graphics card, they seemed to stop, with just the odd one now and again. However, in the past month, they have returned tenfold. In addition, I am now getting BSODs when just using the internet. I can have three in 20 minutes, or go a couple of days without one. They are driving me insane!

I've done various RAM and HDD tests but nothing. I updated to SP2, but they still happen. I would very much appreciate any assistance you can offer.

I'm using Vista 64 Home Premium, full retail. The PC and Vista installation is just over two years old. My PC specs are as follows:

AMD ATHLON™ 64 X2 6400+ (3.2GHz) 2 x 1MB L2 Cache (Socket AM2)
4GB CORSAIR DDR2 667MHz - (2x2GB)
ASUS M3A: AM2+, DUAL DDR II, S-ATA II, 3 PCI, 2 PCI-E
64 BIT WINDOWS® VISTA HOME PREM
160GB SERIAL ATA II HARD DRIVE WITH 8MB CACHE (7200rpm)
20x Dual Layer LightScribe DVD Writer ±R/±RW/RAM
512MB RADEON HD 3870 PCI Express + DVI
8 Channel Realtek ALC883 High Definition Audio
500W (Peak) Quiet Dual Rail PSU + 120mm Case Fan
SUPER QUIET 22 dBA AMD CPU COOLER
3 PORT IEEE 1394a FIREWIRE PCI CARD

I'm hoping I've attached everything as I should have. If you need any further info, please let me know!

Many, many thanks.

BigBoots · Sep 12, 2010

Mini dump file (I hope!)

Shadowjk · Sep 12, 2010

bug check has a value of 0x00000124. This bug check indicates that a fatal hardware error has occurred.

Thermal Problem:

if the problems only occur after the system has warmed up and never occurs after you turn on a cold system (i.e. has been off for at least 30 minutes), the parts may be getting too hot and are failing.

Often this kind of problem is related to poor air-flow through the PC. Desktops usually have between 3 and 5 fans. If any fan fails, runs slowly, or if the vents are blocked, internal high temperatures can cause all sorts of odd behavior and BSoD messages.

While the system is powered on, put you hand near the exhaust fans at the back and confirm you feel a warm airflow. If there is no airflow or it is very hot, it's a good bet you have fan problems. Also check the inlets and be sure they are clear of dust and debris. If you have pets, check if fur is blocking the inlet vents.

Defective hardware:

Confirm the hardware is working correctly using a hardware diagnostic program. If you suspect a specific hardware item, such as memory stick or video card, try replacing it with known good hardware.

Don't overlook the possibility that hardware was not installed correctly, especially anything you installed just prior to the problems starting. Make sure all cards and memory are securely seated in their slots. Verify disk drive cables are properly connected and are not loose.

Check Memory:

You may have a defective memory. This is even more likely if it only occurs when the system is cold or hot, but not all the time. Use a memory tester to confirm if it is defective or if you have spare memory, try replacement.

Additional Memory Solutions:

Confirm all the memory is of the same type and speed. Many motherboards only work correctly when the memory is installed with matched sets and matched speeds.

If you added or changed your memory just before this problem occurred, try reverting to the prior memory configuration to confirm it's the source of the problem.

Check that the memory is fully seated in the sockets. Memory sockets often have side latches that need to be upright to indicate the memory is correctly locked in place.

Confirm the memory resides in the correct slots on the motherboard. You'll need to refer to the motherboard manual to confirm this. There is little consistency, even within a single vendor. Some systems require that memory is installed as matched pairs, but not always adjacent to each other!

It's also possible the memory problem is on the video card, as they often contain additional memory. The video card should be tested and/or try a different video card to see if the problem goes away.

See http://www.memtest.org/ For more Information

CPU:

he CPU may be defective. Run a CPU diagnostic, or even better, try replacing it But Unlikely that the CPU is your Problem

Hope This Helps,
Josh

BigBoots · Sep 12, 2010

Hi, Josh

Many thanks for your advise.

I haven't actually added any new hardware at all - the PC is as it was built and assembed (by pcspecialist.co.uk).

I can feel warm air coming from the PC, and all the fans appear to be working.

I ran memtest on both sticks about a week ago, and that came back with no errors found. I've also downloaded and ran the diagnostic tool for the HDD from the manufacturer's website, and that came back with no errors. I've also ran chkdsk a few times.

I've had the ram in and out more times than I can mention, trying to narrow down whether it was a dodgy stick or slot. I downloaded SiSoftSANDRA to monitor the graphics card temperature, but than came back normal.

How would I go about running a CPU diagnostic? Is there a download that you could point me to at all, please? My technical knowledge isn't excessive, so I'm trying to pick a lot of this up as I go along. Also, what how can I complete a graphics card test? I don't have any spare parts to swap about, I'm afraid.

I think it would be fair to say it does only occur when the PC has been on for a while. I'll try another dust/clean around inside.

Many thanks again for your input, it's very much appreciated.

Shadowjk · Sep 13, 2010

For A CPU Test I would use CPU-Z See CPU-Z 1.39 – CPU Diagnostic Tool for more information

And for a Graphics Test I would try running some games and 3D Games as well If you don't have any then Run all the Games in the Start>All Programs>Games Folder and if you get a BSOD With the Stop Error 124 then it is Likely that your graphics card has Gone

Hope This Helps,
Josh

Patonb · Sep 13, 2010

You can use hwmonitor to check all your temps, can get it at cpuid.org Its actually made by the cpu-z folks.

But I don't think this is heat related... Heat is usualy a throttleing and instant shut down.

Hows your ATI Catylst? uptodate? I've heard many issues with that and bsods.

Shadowjk · Sep 13, 2010

Patonb said:
You can use hwmonitor to check all your temps, can get it at cpuid.org Its actually made by the cpu-z folks.

But I don't think this is heat related... Heat is usualy a throttleing and instant shut down.

Hows your ATI Catylst? uptodate? I've heard many issues with that and bsods.

Many BSOD's Are instant Shutdown and it may be heat since it happens when the Computer has been on for a Long time

Also What do you do when it happens? (For example Playing Games or Running Certain software)

Many Thanks,
Josh

BigBoots · Sep 13, 2010

Hello again.

Many thanks for your continuing feedback and support.

Many thanks for the cpu diagnostic link - I will run that later once the house is a bit quieter and let you know how I get on. I will also run the games in the games folder, and see how that goes, too.

I did update the ATI catalyst last month when it was starting to play up again. After reading your post above, I've rechecked, and version 10.8 is now available (I have 10.7). Again, I will update this later and let you know how I can get on.

The vast majority occur when playing World of Warcraft (only PC game I own!) and, after about three days withouth one, one has just happened. It crashed to a BSOD with the following code:

0x00000124 (0x0000000000000000, 0xFFFFFA80067D8030, 0x00000000B655C000, 0x0000000000000135)

Only two or three times has it happened whilst surfing the internet. Tonight the PC had been on for about 90 minutes before the BSOD. However on Saturday, the PC was on for around 16 hours, on WoW a lot of the time, and no BSOD occurred. There just doesn't seem to be any set pattern as to when they happen. They can also happen when there isn't much at all happening on screen.

Shadowjk · Sep 13, 2010

You say there isn't a pattern but there is the BSOD seems to only happen when you are using your Graphics card for example World of Warcraft and Surfing the Internet both use Graphics cards and I Think your Graphics card is the Problem what make and Model is it?

BigBoots · Sep 14, 2010

Apologies for the delay in getting back to you.

I couldn't find the link to the CPU diagnostic tool on the site. I downloaded and ran CPU-Z 1.55 64-bit, but no idea what I'm looking for when it brings up the info box about my CPU!

My graphics card is an ATI Radeon 3870 HD.

Again, many thanks for your continuing assistance.

Shadowjk · Sep 14, 2010

No Problem Okay next I would like to Know your Windows Index experience score for your Graphics and Did you try running the Games folder and use World of Warcraft if so did you get any Problems or BSOD's?

Many Thanks,
Josh

richc46 · Sep 14, 2010

Although Josh is doing a tremedous job trying to solve your BSOD, there is no such thing as too much information. For your reading enjoyment:
Stop 0x124 - what it means and what to try - Windows 7 Forums

BigBoots · Sep 15, 2010

Hello, again.

Josh, my graphics score on the windows index is 5.9. I have been out of the house the past two nights, but will be online tonight, and will run WoW through the Games folder - I'll let you know how I get on!

Rich, many thanks for the link - that was quite a read. I should be able to accquire a fan tomorrow, so I'll take the side off as it says, and turn the fan on.

I'll keep you fully updated as to how everything is going. Thank you again for your support!

richc46 · Sep 15, 2010

Yes, I am trying to help, the entire membership will help if necessary.
We will get that computer up and running again.

Shadowjk · Sep 15, 2010

Okay Thank you for Keeping us Updated

I Hope it Helps

BigBoots · Sep 18, 2010

Hi, again.

Just a quick update. I've been running WoW the past couple of nights through Start > Games. All good so far.

I also noticed a LOT of dust between what I assume is the CPU fan, and some kind of grated, metal square (forgive my technical gaps!). Having never been brave enough to do so before, I unscrewed the fan, I was able to peel off a blanket of dust that was covering around a third of this metal grate object. I really don't know how I'd not seen it before.

I've just been given a can of compressed air, so will use that later on today. The PC will probably get a lot of use this weekend, and I will report back to let you know how everything is going.

richc46 · Sep 18, 2010

Sounds good, wish you luck

BigBoots · Sep 18, 2010

Well, my son had been playing on and off the PC (the PC remained on the whole time) for around 4 hours, and it's just BSODed again. Error 124, whilst playing WoW, which he'd launched from the desktop.

I'm about to get the compressed air on it, as I hadn't had chance to yet.

richc46 · Sep 18, 2010

Sorry to tell you 124 is a hardware problem and hard to diagnose
Stop 0x124 - what it means and what to try - Windows 7 Forums

BigBoots · Sep 30, 2010

Well, it had been 12 days since I got the compressed air to the PC, and had been totally BSOD free. And, boy, has the PC been hammered in that time.

Until just then.

PC had only been on 5 minutes, and I clicked on a video link on facebook - and BSODed with STOP 124 again.

Damn, I thought I'd nailed it.

Oh well, looks like I'll have to work through what you posted, Rich, step by step.

Regular BSODs

My Computer

Attachments

My Computer

Network Enthusiast

My Computer

My Computer

Network Enthusiast

My Computer

My Computer

Network Enthusiast

My Computer

My Computer

Network Enthusiast

My Computer

My Computer

Network Enthusiast

My Computer

My Computer

My Computer

My Computer

Network Enthusiast

My Computer

My Computer

My Computer

My Computer

My Computer

My Computer