Problem with PC - Troubleshooting help

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Koslov

[H]ard|Gawd
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Aug 31, 2003
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I'm a little bit lost. Let me explain my problem:

I've got this Compaq Presario desktop PC (2.8ghz smithfield CPU, 1GB stick PC4200, integrated ATI video card) and I can't figure out the problem with it. It was working fine for 3+ days (100% uptime) then suddenly after a reboot I kept getting BSOD non stop, I couldn't log into windows at all, even in safe mode.

here's a few error I got (blue screen of death):

IRQL_LESS_THAN_EQUAL
PFN_LIST_CORRUPTED
PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA and another one related to ati2mtag

I ran Seagate Seatools for windows to check the hard disk for problem and all the tests 'passed'. I ran MemTes86+ 1.70 (2 pass) and found no errors. How many pass should I run? is 2 enough?

Now magically, without doing nothing, the PC is working fine today. I also ran Prime95 for an hour without problem and Everest stability test (all) for 30min. I know it would be better to run it overnight so this is what I'm gonna do. It sucks cause I was planning to sell the computer and I need to be sure it is 100% stable before selling it.

thanks for your help

edit: The problem might be driver related with the ATI chipset in the mobo. I will try to install the original Xpress200m drivers and chipset drivers. It is frustrating because I cannot replicate the problem and the computer has been working just fine today .

by the way a faulty PSU could be the cause right? hmm
 
You're on the right track. Run memtest overnight. Yes, possibly a dying PSU, try another if one is handy.
 
got 2 new BSOD a few minutes ago. Win32k.sys and [Fatal System Error]

ran MemTest86+ right after and it found 10 errors within 30 secs. Could it be the PSU or should I conclude the ram stick is totally ****ed
 
If the PSU isn't powering the 3.3 volt rail correctly it could throw memory errors. It seems unlikely the memory is bad if it works sometimes but I have seen stranger things when it comes to RAM.

Does it seem to get worse the longer it is on? If that is the case pop the side off and see what it looks like inside. If everything is completely covered in dust you may have a heat related issue that can be fixed with a few shots of compressed air.
 
I ran Memtest86+ 1.70 overnight for 10:30 hours (21 pass) and NO errors were found. Geez i don't get it. Should I conclude the ram stick is good ?

The computer is pretty clean, no dust. good case cooling. I'll check a look inside the PSU but I doubt it's dusty.

EDIT: a few minutes ago Firefox.exe crashed then I got 2 error: rundl32.exe and CTF LOADER then a blue screen of death 'FATAL SYSTEM ERROR'
 
Do you have any way of monitoring your processor temperatures? Could be overheating perhaps?

Page_Fault_In_Non-Paged_Area is almost definitely a memory related issue, either bad memory or bad PSU powering it. I'm voting bad memory though. Did you use the windows version of memtest or a bootable version of it on cd? The windows version can miss things sometimes.
 
MjrStryker said:
Do you have any way of monitoring your processor temperatures? Could be overheating perhaps?

Page_Fault_In_Non-Paged_Area is almost definitely a memory related issue, either bad memory or bad PSU powering it. I'm voting bad memory though. Did you use the windows version of memtest or a bootable version of it on cd? The windows version can miss things sometimes.
Click to expand...

Used the bootable version of it on CD for 10:30H (21 pass) and no errors were found. This is bugging me man ah! I've got no clue what the problem is.

edit: is there a software or something that could stress the PSU to know if it could be the source of my problem?
 
Could be the RAM on its way out. It could also be the board, cpu, or psu. Do you have another system you could test the RAM in? Do you have another PSU you could try? Did you try new ide/sata cables?
 
enginurd said:
Could be the RAM on its way out. It could also be the board, cpu, or psu. Do you have another system you could test the RAM in? Do you have another PSU you could try? Did you try new ide/sata cables?
Click to expand...

Hm damn nah I've got no spare PC or cable. I'm pretty limited which sucks. I might have to part the system if I can't find the problem

My CPU idle at 40C
 
Run Prime95 overnight and see if anything happens with your CPU. Also, do you hear a high-pitched whine or squealing noise eminating from your PSU?
 
I don't seem to hear any special noise no.
By the way, I just tried to reformat and I couldn't install windows. Kept getting BSODs

error: MEMORY_MANAGEMENT

seems like the ram no?
 
... or the board, or the cpu, or the psu. If you want, try RMA'ing the RAM first, since it has lifetime warranty.
 
Hmm I stopped using the computer for a few days and I've installed a fresh copy of windows xp pro this morning. I've been running Orthos for 5 hours now without problem. I plan to run it at least 24 hours. If it passes the 24 hours torture test, do you think it's stable enough to sell it?
 
ran Orthos for 18 hours without any errors or problem at all.
what do you think guys? stable enough to sell it>?
 
use it for a few days and if it doesnt crash, you should be good. did you run memtest again?
 
unbelievable geez. Now I keep getting BSOD again.
If I close the computer for a few hours then power it on, It seems to be stable for a day approx.

PS: no I did not run memtest again.

edit:: I forgot to mention the PSU is a lame 300W , weird brand. I really don't trust it.
Guess I don't have a choice to buy a new PSU and RAM to test.
oh well
 
Computer was working fine for a few hours, then I got a BSOD: RLKHDAUDIO.SYS (realtek hd audio)

then I ran Memtest and it found 867 errors?
what should I conclude eh?
 
Try another PSU. It seems like the board is on its way out, though. Bring it to a Comp. Shop to test the RAM and CPU in another system.
 
Koslov said:
you mean the motherboard is on it's way out?
Click to expand...

Yah... nothing has changed. I still thing its either the board, cpu, psu, or ram. A good way to test these parts was to use other, known-working hardware.
 
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