Vista - ATIKMDAG.SYS

**BadMouth** · 04-15-2008

Just for the record folks: This DELL system is the first prebuilt system I ever bought in my life, and if god willingness will be my last. I always build my own systems, because I like to know what I have, but since I am in a budget I had to either pick from buying a prebuilt system, or build one from scratch. Since building a system would cost me way over what I would pay for this crappy system, I decided to buy this S@#%.
The first thing that went when I unpacked it was the operating system, and the partitions. I like to install my own system; not having any crap that I am not going to use is a waste.

As for the advice from ‘axmt’, about power management that is the first place I go when I first install my systems. Yes, I have all set properly for a desktop system.

Now for some results:
1. After my last post, my son and I ran the computer a total of 15hrs straight,
from running programs to running the games. Result AOK.

2. Before I went to work, I enabled the multithreading feature, and ran the
random image-creating program that I had made way back. This program will
take 5 pictures that I have taken and will combine them into one then save
the result into a file. I set the randomization to a total of 50, which
means it will create 50 images from several pictures before actually saving
the image. Now this program is a total CPU pig, if anything is going to happen
it is going to be with this program. Results FAILED.

3. After step 2, rebooted my system, ran Crysis. Results CRASH!

From the above results, we can say it is related to the following:
1. RAM
2. Monitor signal
3. Drivers

I am not upset with the results considering I am actually using the drivers and the Control Center, with no constant crashes like I used to get. I am very pleased with the results

.

I am leaving the multithreading enabled and I am going to make more changes, and will post the results later.

B.M

**BadMouth** · 04-15-2008

[FONT='Times New Roman','serif']IMPORTANT:[/FONT]
[FONT='Times New Roman','serif']Listen I am sorry that I have not mentioned this before, but since I got carried away in trying to figure out the problem of these dam drivers, I forgot to mention it previously.[/FONT]
[FONT='Times New Roman','serif']ANYONE who has installed the “Catalyst Control Center” package whether you made changes or not using the Control Center be sure to select the (Preferences) menu tab, and reset your adapter to “Factory Defaults” before un-installing the Control Center or the drivers.[/FONT]
[FONT='Times New Roman','serif']This is very important to do, especially if you are doing some testing with your system.[/FONT]
[FONT='Times New Roman','serif']If you do not, you will get the same results when installing another driver whether old or newer.[/FONT]
[FONT='Times New Roman','serif']So if you are experiencing the same results, after un-installing the drivers and the Control Center, be sure to install the Control Center, and reset your adapter to default even if you did not make any changes. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT![/FONT]
[FONT='Times New Roman','serif']Ok now that my conscience is cleared, I am still trying out some new changes, and will report later.[/FONT]
[FONT='Times New Roman','serif']B.M[/FONT]

**BadMouth** · 04-16-2008

Well folks after numerous testing with the ATI HD 2600 XT PCE the results are:

1. With multithreading enabled the system crashed extensively.
2. With multithreading disabled the system occasionally crashed.

1. With DEP disabled and multithreading on, the system crashed extensively.
2. With DEP disabled and multithreading disabled, the system crashed occasionally.

1. With DEP and DDC/CI enabled and multithreading enabled system crashed extensively.
2. With DEP and DDC/CI disabled and multithreading disabled system crashed occasionally.

1. With DEP and DDC/CI enabled, and background services set to full performance, system crashed
extensively.
2. With DEP and DDC/CI enabled, and foreground services set to full performance, system crashed
occasionally.

Now the above tests were done with the 8.3 drivers and the control center installed. These test range from
Printing, Gaming, Movies to productive programs such as CAD, Paintshop Pro, Visual studio 2005, Visual
studio 6.0, Delphi 7.0, Burning studio, Databases, Word etc...

Now from all the tests, that I have done so far for the past month and up to now is that the ATI drivers
are not completely the blame. What I mean is that they are partially to blame for this bug. It is not the
whole driver package causing this mess, and I have no reason to believe that the Catalyst Control Center
is the culprit. In fact, back a few weeks ago I ran the standalone driver and still got the same results
as if I had the control center installed.

Now I decided to go on ahead to Circuit City and talk to one of my friends, got a good deal on a GeForce
8600 GT, now mind you that this card is similar to the ATI HD 2600 XT card.
Ran all the tests the same way, no special tweaks or settings, and guess what? ALL PASSED!

So my solution to this problem folks is this:

1. Removed ATI favorites from my internet explorer, and in with Nvidia.
2. Deleted all my packages that I have created to run the 2600 XT, freed up 1.g
3. Deleted all references of ATI from my registry.
4. Deleted all email documents from ATI Techs.

For those who are curious as to what I did with the ATI HD 2600 XT:
WHOOOSH--- BING---BANG---CLING---CLANG---CLAMP

And in with the good!
B.M

06-03-2008

I solved all of my crashes by simply upgrading the monitor driver from
my monitor manufacturers website. I have been running crash and error
free now for three days now when I used to bluescreen five to six times
a day.

System:
Two 2.8GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon “Harpertown” processors
10 GB memory
1.32 TB storage
ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT
ATI TV Wonder HD 650 Dual Tuner
Windows Vista 64 Bit with all MS updates

I am not a MAC person but Apple had the most powerful and reliable
system on the market when I bought this system. It runs Vista better
than any other computer that I have encountered.

Not sure if this will help anybody else but it fixed my problems with
ATIKMDAG.SYS

Rick

--
AuroraDr

**mehuh** · 06-27-2008

Thanks! This seems to have resolved it for me too as I've been error free for about 1-2 weeks now. I also have a very similar system config as you (Vista x64 on a Mac Pro Early 2008, 2.5TB storage, 10GB memory). On my computer, the monitor driver that I installed was for my Samsung monitor. My Dell monitor didn't need a driver. I actually found this Samsund driver through MS Update, but I didn't install it initially because I didn't think I needed it (I didn't need it on XP). Just curious, what monitors do you use? I wonder if this problem is related to Samsung monitors in general.

**mehuh** · 07-03-2008

Unfortunately, I spoke too soon. The problem has returned and appears to be a slightly worse than before. Before the monitor would flicker and Windows would tell me that it attempted to recover, it would only sometimes BSOD after a few moments. Now, as soon as the flickering begins, it immediately BSODs within 5-10 seconds and I don't even see the dialog indicating that Windows attempted to recover.

Two days ago, I uninstalled the existing (old) ATI software and attempted to use the drivers available through MS Update for the ATI 2600HD. However, this produced the same problem. I just now reinstalled the newest drivers dated June 18 from ATI's site so I will report if this helps (this is with the Samsung monitor driver that I installed through MS Update).

I still have not discerned any pattern as of yet. The programs I usually have open are Outlook 2007, FireFox 3, Windows Explorer, Windows Photo Gallery and CuteFTP. In the background (system tray), I also have Roboform, USB Safely Remove, Logitech Mouse software, Windows Mobile Sync Center, Lightscribe and OneNote 2007.

I attempted to analyze the BSOD memory dump and found no other information beyond atikmdag.sys. Here are the details from this analysis (this is from the ATI driver from MS Update):

Code:

______________________________
 
*******************************************************************************
* *
* Bugcheck Analysis *
* *
*******************************************************************************
 
VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE (116)
Attempt to reset the display driver and recover from timeout failed.
Arguments:
Arg1: fffffa800ca0a010, Optional pointer to internal TDR recovery context (TDR_RECOVERY_CONTEXT).
Arg2: fffffa6002a2f558, The pointer into responsible device driver module (e.g. owner tag).
Arg3: 0000000000000000, Optional error code (NTSTATUS) of the last failed operation.
Arg4: 000000000000000d, Optional internal context dependent data.
 
Debugging Details:
------------------
 
 
FAULTING_IP: 
atikmdag+20558
fffffa60`02a2f558 4053 push rbx
 
DEFAULT_BUCKET_ID: GRAPHICS_DRIVER_TDR_FAULT
 
BUGCHECK_STR: 0x116
 
PROCESS_NAME: System
 
CURRENT_IRQL: 0
 
STACK_TEXT: 
fffffa60`02904a08 fffffa60`0326a398 : 00000000`00000116 fffffa80`0ca0a010 fffffa60`02a2f558 00000000`00000000 : nt!KeBugCheckEx
fffffa60`02904a10 fffffa60`0326a24a : fffffa60`02a2f558 fffffa80`0ca0a010 fffffa80`0dda5540 fffffa80`0ca0a010 : dxgkrnl!TdrBugcheckOnTimeout+0xec
fffffa60`02904a50 fffffa60`03224d8a : fffffa80`0aeacca0 00000000`00000000 fffff880`0130ac10 fffffa60`01843180 : dxgkrnl!TdrIsRecoveryRequired+0x1ee
fffffa60`02904a90 fffffa60`032e52cb : 00000000`00000000 00000000`00000002 00000000`00000003 00000000`00000002 : dxgkrnl!VidSchiReportHwHang+0x312
fffffa60`02904b40 fffffa60`032e3e6d : fffffa80`0dda5540 fffffa80`00000001 00000000`00a18f1e fffffa80`0dda5540 : dxgkrnl!VidSchiCheckHwProgress+0xdb
fffffa60`02904b70 fffffa60`032290f8 : ffffffff`ff676980 00000000`00000000 00000000`00000000 00000000`00000000 : dxgkrnl!VidSchiWaitForSchedulerEvents+0x199
fffffa60`02904bf0 fffffa60`032e3c8d : 00000000`00000000 fffffa80`09d37980 00000000`00000080 fffffa80`0dda5540 : dxgkrnl!VidSchiScheduleCommandToRun+0x398
fffffa60`02904d10 fffff800`02279de3 : fffffa80`0dd1dbb0 fffff800`02050677 fffffa60`01d66850 00000000`00000001 : dxgkrnl!VidSchiWorkerThread+0x95
fffffa60`02904d50 fffff800`02090536 : fffffa60`01843180 fffffa80`0dd1dbb0 fffffa60`0184cd40 00000000`00000001 : nt!PspSystemThreadStartup+0x57
fffffa60`02904d80 00000000`00000000 : 00000000`00000000 00000000`00000000 00000000`00000000 00000000`00000000 : nt!KiStartSystemThread+0x16
 
 
STACK_COMMAND: .bugcheck ; kb
 
FOLLOWUP_IP: 
atikmdag+20558
fffffa60`02a2f558 4053 push rbx
 
SYMBOL_NAME: atikmdag+20558
 
FOLLOWUP_NAME: MachineOwner
 
MODULE_NAME: atikmdag
 
IMAGE_NAME: atikmdag.sys
 
DEBUG_FLR_IMAGE_TIMESTAMP: 46fdc369
 
FAILURE_BUCKET_ID: X64_0x116_IMAGE_atikmdag.sys
 
BUCKET_ID: X64_0x116_IMAGE_atikmdag.sys
 
Followup: MachineOwner
---------
 
7: kd> lmvm atikmdag
start end module name
fffffa60`02a0f000 fffffa60`03210000 atikmdag (no symbols) 
Loaded symbol image file: atikmdag.sys
Image path: \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\atikmdag.sys
Image name: atikmdag.sys
Timestamp: Fri Sep 28 20:15:53 2007 (46FDC369)
CheckSum: 003AD823
ImageSize: 00801000
Translations: 0000.04b0 0000.04e0 0409.04b0 0409.04e0
 
______________________________

**mehuh** · 07-06-2008

Well, the BSODs have stopped, but I am still getting the vista recovery feature kicking in for no apparent reason. So, the newest drivers from ATI haven't corrected the problem.

Hopefully they will release an update to fix this soon.

**chuckbam** · 07-25-2008

atikmdag error message/computer freeze. - Page 2 - Vista Forums

What about the problem on like 1 out of 5 boots?

**mehuh** · 08-13-2008

I wanted to post an update.

I am still experiencing problems with this error on my computer. I looked through the logs and also discovered that apparently my video card memory was insufficient (I have a 256mb card). So, I decided to upgrade the card. When I went in to upgrade the card, I discovered that the card was seated very close to the area where the memory is stored. My memory produces a lot of heat (FB DIMM on a Mac Pro Early 2008 model). So, I used HWMonitor from CPUID to check the temperature of the video card CPU core. I found that it was the hottest component in my computer running at about 80-85 degrees celsius (not farenheit). So, when I installed the new card, I moved the video card to the next available slot. Now my card is running less than 60 degrees celsius.

So, it is quite possible that the heat was causing this problem for me. I would recommend that everyone check the temperature to ensure that their video card is not overheating. Of course, I don't know whether this will resolve my issue, but it seems very possible. I'll re-post if the problem persists.

**Backtothefuture** · 08-19-2008

Hi Guys,

I to have been having the same BSOD error code.
I have spent countless hours searching forums just like most of you.

Recently I built a new system and was originally running Vista 32bit, but have gone back to XP Pro, as this error does not occur running XP. (If I hadn't have gone back to XP my pc would be across the street by now). Anyway I came across this post on AMD game forums. As yet I haven't tested it due to work and time restrictions. Anyway, I thought this maybe of some use to everyone out there having the same problem. And who knows maybe someone else can verify if doing what this poster has done really works. At present the most I have done is updated my BIOS which was 3 revisions old.

Here's the link http://forums.amd.com/game/messageview.cfm?catid=279&threadid=98023

Good luck.

04-15-2008	#11 (permalink)
BadMouth Vista 32bit 7 posts	Re: ATIKMDAG.SYS Just for the record folks: This DELL system is the first prebuilt system I ever bought in my life, and if god willingness will be my last. I always build my own systems, because I like to know what I have, but since I am in a budget I had to either pick from buying a prebuilt system, or build one from scratch. Since building a system would cost me way over what I would pay for this crappy system, I decided to buy this S@#%. The first thing that went when I unpacked it was the operating system, and the partitions. I like to install my own system; not having any crap that I am not going to use is a waste. As for the advice from ‘axmt’, about power management that is the first place I go when I first install my systems. Yes, I have all set properly for a desktop system. Now for some results: 1. After my last post, my son and I ran the computer a total of 15hrs straight, from running programs to running the games. Result AOK. 2. Before I went to work, I enabled the multithreading feature, and ran the random image-creating program that I had made way back. This program will take 5 pictures that I have taken and will combine them into one then save the result into a file. I set the randomization to a total of 50, which means it will create 50 images from several pictures before actually saving the image. Now this program is a total CPU pig, if anything is going to happen it is going to be with this program. Results FAILED. 3. After step 2, rebooted my system, ran Crysis. Results CRASH! From the above results, we can say it is related to the following: 1. RAM 2. Monitor signal 3. Drivers I am not upset with the results considering I am actually using the drivers and the Control Center, with no constant crashes like I used to get. I am very pleased with the results . I am leaving the multithreading enabled and I am going to make more changes, and will post the results later. B.M
My System Specs

04-15-2008	#12 (permalink)
BadMouth Vista 32bit 7 posts	Re: ATIKMDAG.SYS [FONT='Times New Roman','serif']IMPORTANT:[/FONT] [FONT='Times New Roman','serif']Listen I am sorry that I have not mentioned this before, but since I got carried away in trying to figure out the problem of these dam drivers, I forgot to mention it previously.[/FONT] [FONT='Times New Roman','serif']ANYONE who has installed the “Catalyst Control Center” package whether you made changes or not using the Control Center be sure to select the (Preferences) menu tab, and reset your adapter to “Factory Defaults” before un-installing the Control Center or the drivers.[/FONT] [FONT='Times New Roman','serif']This is very important to do, especially if you are doing some testing with your system.[/FONT] [FONT='Times New Roman','serif']If you do not, you will get the same results when installing another driver whether old or newer.[/FONT] [FONT='Times New Roman','serif']So if you are experiencing the same results, after un-installing the drivers and the Control Center, be sure to install the Control Center, and reset your adapter to default even if you did not make any changes. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT![/FONT] [FONT='Times New Roman','serif']Ok now that my conscience is cleared, I am still trying out some new changes, and will report later.[/FONT] [FONT='Times New Roman','serif']B.M[/FONT]
My System Specs

04-16-2008	#13 (permalink)
BadMouth Vista 32bit 7 posts	Re: ATIKMDAG.SYS Well folks after numerous testing with the ATI HD 2600 XT PCE the results are: 1. With multithreading enabled the system crashed extensively. 2. With multithreading disabled the system occasionally crashed. 1. With DEP disabled and multithreading on, the system crashed extensively. 2. With DEP disabled and multithreading disabled, the system crashed occasionally. 1. With DEP and DDC/CI enabled and multithreading enabled system crashed extensively. 2. With DEP and DDC/CI disabled and multithreading disabled system crashed occasionally. 1. With DEP and DDC/CI enabled, and background services set to full performance, system crashed extensively. 2. With DEP and DDC/CI enabled, and foreground services set to full performance, system crashed occasionally. Now the above tests were done with the 8.3 drivers and the control center installed. These test range from Printing, Gaming, Movies to productive programs such as CAD, Paintshop Pro, Visual studio 2005, Visual studio 6.0, Delphi 7.0, Burning studio, Databases, Word etc... Now from all the tests, that I have done so far for the past month and up to now is that the ATI drivers are not completely the blame. What I mean is that they are partially to blame for this bug. It is not the whole driver package causing this mess, and I have no reason to believe that the Catalyst Control Center is the culprit. In fact, back a few weeks ago I ran the standalone driver and still got the same results as if I had the control center installed. Now I decided to go on ahead to Circuit City and talk to one of my friends, got a good deal on a GeForce 8600 GT, now mind you that this card is similar to the ATI HD 2600 XT card. Ran all the tests the same way, no special tweaks or settings, and guess what? ALL PASSED! So my solution to this problem folks is this: 1. Removed ATI favorites from my internet explorer, and in with Nvidia. 2. Deleted all my packages that I have created to run the 2600 XT, freed up 1.g 3. Deleted all references of ATI from my registry. 4. Deleted all email documents from ATI Techs. For those who are curious as to what I did with the ATI HD 2600 XT: WHOOOSH--- BING---BANG---CLING---CLANG---CLAMP And in with the good! B.M
My System Specs

06-03-2008	#14 (permalink)
AuroraDr n/a posts	Re: Atikmdag.sys I solved all of my crashes by simply upgrading the monitor driver from my monitor manufacturers website. I have been running crash and error free now for three days now when I used to bluescreen five to six times a day. System: Two 2.8GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon “Harpertown” processors 10 GB memory 1.32 TB storage ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT ATI TV Wonder HD 650 Dual Tuner Windows Vista 64 Bit with all MS updates I am not a MAC person but Apple had the most powerful and reliable system on the market when I bought this system. It runs Vista better than any other computer that I have encountered. Not sure if this will help anybody else but it fixed my problems with ATIKMDAG.SYS Rick -- AuroraDr
My System Specs

06-27-2008	#15 (permalink)
mehuh Vista Ultimate x64 26 posts	Re: ATIKMDAG.SYS Thanks! This seems to have resolved it for me too as I've been error free for about 1-2 weeks now. I also have a very similar system config as you (Vista x64 on a Mac Pro Early 2008, 2.5TB storage, 10GB memory). On my computer, the monitor driver that I installed was for my Samsung monitor. My Dell monitor didn't need a driver. I actually found this Samsund driver through MS Update, but I didn't install it initially because I didn't think I needed it (I didn't need it on XP). Just curious, what monitors do you use? I wonder if this problem is related to Samsung monitors in general.
My System Specs

07-06-2008	#17 (permalink)
mehuh Vista Ultimate x64 26 posts	Re: ATIKMDAG.SYS Well, the BSODs have stopped, but I am still getting the vista recovery feature kicking in for no apparent reason. So, the newest drivers from ATI haven't corrected the problem. Hopefully they will release an update to fix this soon.
My System Specs

07-25-2008	#18 (permalink)
chuckbam Vista Ultimate 64-bit 78 posts	Re: ATIKMDAG.SYS atikmdag error message/computer freeze. - Page 2 - Vista Forums What about the problem on like 1 out of 5 boots?
My System Specs

08-13-2008	#19 (permalink)
mehuh Vista Ultimate x64 26 posts	Re: ATIKMDAG.SYS I wanted to post an update. I am still experiencing problems with this error on my computer. I looked through the logs and also discovered that apparently my video card memory was insufficient (I have a 256mb card). So, I decided to upgrade the card. When I went in to upgrade the card, I discovered that the card was seated very close to the area where the memory is stored. My memory produces a lot of heat (FB DIMM on a Mac Pro Early 2008 model). So, I used HWMonitor from CPUID to check the temperature of the video card CPU core. I found that it was the hottest component in my computer running at about 80-85 degrees celsius (not farenheit). So, when I installed the new card, I moved the video card to the next available slot. Now my card is running less than 60 degrees celsius. So, it is quite possible that the heat was causing this problem for me. I would recommend that everyone check the temperature to ensure that their video card is not overheating. Of course, I don't know whether this will resolve my issue, but it seems very possible. I'll re-post if the problem persists.
My System Specs

08-19-2008	#20 (permalink)
Backtothefuture Vista 32bit 3 posts	Re: ATIKMDAG.SYS Hi Guys, I to have been having the same BSOD error code. I have spent countless hours searching forums just like most of you. Recently I built a new system and was originally running Vista 32bit, but have gone back to XP Pro, as this error does not occur running XP. (If I hadn't have gone back to XP my pc would be across the street by now). Anyway I came across this post on AMD game forums. As yet I haven't tested it due to work and time restrictions. Anyway, I thought this maybe of some use to everyone out there having the same problem. And who knows maybe someone else can verify if doing what this poster has done really works. At present the most I have done is updated my BIOS which was 3 revisions old. Here's the link http://forums.amd.com/game/messageview.cfm?catid=279&threadid=98023 Good luck.
My System Specs

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Vista - ATIKMDAG.SYS

ATIKMDAG.SYS problems?