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atikmpag.sys BSOD Help?

S

Sorce

Supreme [H]ardness
Joined
Mar 30, 2001
Messages
6,092
Okay, so whenever I start up my computer, I get a BSOD generally right after the green slider that shows the computer is loading Windows. It's a 0x116 error, and it lists atikmpag.sys as the offending file. I've been having this problem for the last few days, and I'm running out of patience (and options) to fix it. So I'm asking for help here.


Here's what I've done so far:

-Overlaid 10.9 Cats with 10.10e. Didn't work.
-Used Driver Cleaner to start over (and to save typing, did so after every driver-related step from here on out).
-Installed 10.10 Cats (APP version), then installed WinUpdate ATi driver.
-Installed WinUpdate Driver, then installed 10.10 Cats.
-Installed just 10.10 (APP version) Cats.
-Installed 10.11 (APP version) Cats.
-Installed 10.11 Cats
-Installed 10.11 driver, without CCC.
-Switched PCI-E power rail
-Re-seated Video Card
-Installed just WinUpdate Driver
-Tried to revert to 10.9 Cats, can't find INF file during installation.
-Re-installed 10.11 Cats.

And that's where I'm at now. So.. where do I go from here?

System Specs:
Intel E7200 (2.53GHz) C2D CPU
Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3P Rev 2.0 Mobo
4GB DDR2-800 RAM
Sapphire ATi HD 5850 Video Card
850W Corsair Power Supply
Windows Vista 64-Bit

Nothing is overclocked.
 
Last edited:
[UPS] Sorce;1036454543 said:
Okay, so whenever I start up my computer, I get a BSOD generally right after the green slider that shows the computer is loading Windows. It's a 0x116 error, and it lists atikmpag.sys as the offending file. I've been having this problem for the last few days, and I'm running out of patience (and options) to fix it. So I'm asking for help here.
Click to expand...

I would advice you to check beyond the GFX card and drivers at this point (since your troubleshooting couldn't find anything there). Here are common causes for the TDR error you are having and if you follow the link, you'll find things and ways to check:

Common issues that can cause a TDR:
- Bad memory
- Insufficient/problematic PSU
- Corrupt driver install
- Overheating
- Unstable overclocks (GPU or CPU)
- Incorrect MB voltages (generally NB/SB)
- Faulty graphics card
- Your asking too much of your graphics card. Not one that many people like to hear, but as the blurb from Microsoft states, if your game falls below a certain FPS and something graphically complex occurs, it could trigger a TDR.
- The issue can potentially be caused by a badly written driver or piece of software, but this is an unlikely cause in most cases.
Click to expand...
http://forums.nvidia.com/index.php?showtopic=65161
 
Going down the list:

- Bad memory
Click to expand...
Passed Memtest with flying colors.
- Insufficient/problematic PSU
Click to expand...
Possible, but I haven't had any indication of problems before.
- Corrupt driver install
Click to expand...
Nope, as all the installing/re-installing seems to have covered that.
- Overheating
Click to expand...
Possible, as I've just re-routed the wires in my case this past weekend, but I moved cables away from the video card. And heat has never been an issue before.
- Unstable overclocks (GPU or CPU)
Click to expand...
Not overclocking.
- Incorrect MB voltages (generally NB/SB)
Click to expand...
Unlikely, as I'm running the stock voltages.
- Faulty graphics card
Click to expand...
Possible, but I don't have another system to test in.
- Your asking too much of your graphics card. Not one that many people like to hear, but as the blurb from Microsoft states, if your game falls below a certain FPS and something graphically complex occurs, it could trigger a TDR.
Click to expand...
I really think the hardware in an Radeon HD 5850 should have enough horsepower to boot into Windows, which is where the problem is occurring.
- The issue can potentially be caused by a badly written driver or piece of software, but this is an unlikely cause in most cases.
Click to expand...
Don't think so.


So if anything, this seems to be a hardware problem, one I can't diagnose without either RMA-ing a part (or two), or purchasing another system to test in. Awesome.

Anyone else have a suggestion that could save me that trouble?
 
I would first check the temps in gaming, since you mentioned overheating as a possibility. You can use MSI afterburner for GPU and see if the temps are insanely high in games.

If you want to check temps in 2D, to see if they are high to begin with, SIW is free and can check all temps (under sensors):
http://www.gtopala.com/

Everyone checks CPU and GPU, but forget to check the NB temps as well. If the NB chips have a bad thermal paste or something, they can reach temps where you can get TDR's from.

There are spesific programs to test temp and also log temps on different parts. Google it.

If you use 10.10 (any version), you can try to enable overclock. This is to get a higher 2D clock. As alternative, you can also connect a second screen. This is to check if your system can handle low 2D clocks switching to 3D clocks.

Try to manually enter memory timings and voltage according to the specs found on the memory makers homepage. Here's an example of someone solving TDR issues by dropping memory from 1066mhz to 800mhz (those memory chips are actually 800mhz tweaked to 1066 by Corsair):
http://forum.corsair.com/v3/showthread.php?p=324584
 
Format, and start afresh. If it does it after a clean install, i'd say the card is toast.

Had the same headache with one of my 6870s recently.
 
Arthur Hucksake said:
Format, and start afresh. If it does it after a clean install, i'd say the card is toast.

Had the same headache with one of my 6870s recently.
Click to expand...

I think it would be wise to check other parts as well. I had a lot of GSODs, which I spent a lot of time troubleshooting. Turned out that my PSU was crapping out. Change of PSU solved the issue and if I'd changed the GFX card, I would still have had issues.
 
Tamlin_WSGF said:
I think it would be wise to check other parts as well. I had a lot of GSODs, which I spent a lot of time troubleshooting. Turned out that my PSU was crapping out. Change of PSU solved the issue and if I'd changed the GFX card, I would still have had issues.
Click to expand...

Format has to be a good place to start though, if only to confirm it's a hardware issue.

Shame you don't get many little independant PC stores anymore where you can take your rig in and just swap bits about to find what's up. I miss those days.
 
Arthur Hucksake said:
Format has to be a good place to start though, if only to confirm it's a hardware issue.

Shame you don't get many little independant PC stores anymore where you can take your rig in and just swap bits about to find what's up. I miss those days.
Click to expand...

Format is a good start, since it will avoid software conflicts and give better control over the troubleshooting process. My point was that it will not determine if its the GFX card or other hardware. TDR can be caused my many things. Even turning off Aero have solved it for some.

I also miss those days. Today, most happens online and you need to send stuff far away to get it troubleshooted. :(
 
[UPS] Sorce;1036454543 said:
Okay, so whenever I start up my computer, I get a BSOD generally right after the green slider that shows the computer is loading Windows. It's a 0x116 error, and it lists atikmpag.sys as the offending file. I've been having this problem for the last few days, and I'm running out of patience (and options) to fix it. So I'm asking for help here.


Here's what I've done so far:

-Overlaid 10.9 Cats with 10.10e. Didn't work.
-Used Driver Cleaner to start over (and to save typing, did so after every driver-related step from here on out).
-Installed 10.10 Cats (APP version), then installed WinUpdate ATi driver.
-Installed WinUpdate Driver, then installed 10.10 Cats.
-Installed just 10.10 (APP version) Cats.
-Installed 10.11 (APP version) Cats.
-Installed 10.11 Cats
-Installed 10.11 driver, without CCC.
-Switched PCI-E power rail
-Re-seated Video Card
-Installed just WinUpdate Driver
-Tried to revert to 10.9 Cats, can't find INF file during installation.
-Re-installed 10.11 Cats.

And that's where I'm at now. So.. where do I go from here?

System Specs:
Intel E7200 (2.53GHz) C2D CPU
Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3P Rev 2.0 Mobo
4GB DDR2-800 RAM
Sapphire ATi HD 5850 Video Card
850W Corsair Power Supply
Windows Vista 64-Bit

Nothing is overclocked.
Click to expand...

I would try some of the suggestions Tamlin WSGF gave you, in addition go to event viewer and look through the logs especially in hardware and system. Look for any yellow or red flags and read into what's going on. It'll give you an idea of what could be going on, e.g. bad hdd or bad videocard etc.. If the errors all say error on hdd0 or something to that effect then you have something else to troubleshoot before sending it out to rma.

Cntrl Panel, Administrative tools, event viewer, system everything is timestamped so you can track it down to the last crash and back track from there. If all else fails and the event viewer looks peachy then my advise would be to back up your data and do what Arthur suggested Good luck.
 
Last edited:
I've seen systems walk through the memtest without any issues as well, changed the RAM, and the problem disappeared too.

It is a pain in the ass you don't have a second system to try your hardware on, but in this situation, I would start with software first, could be as some stated a crap or corrupt driver (you can be a hardcore fanboy as long as you want, but some drivers are pure crap revisions, nVidia are guilty of it too).

Reload the system fresh, start from there, if it BSODS after that, then start pointing fingers at hardware, one at a time.
 
Yeah, I'm gonna take a look at the logs this weekend, but more than likely still format the HD and start over. If it IS a hardware problem, then so be it; at least I still have a laptop I can use.

I might be able to get another PCI-E video card (an older Radeon) as well, so while I won't be able to test my card, that could help with a diagnosis.
 
People just don't understand the level of crap you have to go through with this as a hobby, it's evil at times.
 
use driver cleaner to get rid of everything, then go with the manufacture's cd driver?
 
In an unexpected turn of events, booting up just now completed without a BSOD. Still contemplating the format anyway, but I thought it was worth mentioning.

It could also be a fluke.
 
I'm having this problem as well, sending my Radeon 5850 to XFX for a third time via RMA. I don't know whether is XFX or ATI thats having the hardware issues, but I am starting to get really ticked off. I'm pretty sure its a hardware issue, because each time I get the new cards back it stops for a few months until the cards go bad again.

I've already checked my PSU with a voltmeter, its fine.
 
It may not be the video card in your case; if anything it might be the PCI-E port on the motherboard. That said, have you formatted just to be extra sure it's not a software problem?

I booted up today with no issue; this is almost annoying. Like the computer was screwing up, was threatened with a format, and now it works.
 
UPDATE:

Decided to format the hard drive anyway, and the problem still remains. Definitely a hardware issue, so I'll be starting up the RMA process in the next few days for the video card. c'est la vie, and at least I still have a working laptop.
 
I literally JUST went through this, about 10 minutes ago, so far im running fine, but heres what i did to fix:

Im using a 4870x2 atm, ive had it for a little over 2 years now it seems. I would get BSODS and non-posts constantly, with heavy artifacting the times it did work for about 30 minutes before crashing. I googled for hours trying to find similar problems people have had and couldnt find anyone, i had the middle red light constant on.

That points to temperature issues. But the times i did get to desktop the temps were always around 35-40 degrees, which isnt overheating, so i was still at a loss.

Finally i got fed up and ripped the card out, and took it all apart, cleaned the dust etc. etc. etc.

Ripped off EVERY piece of shit heat pad that comes stock, applied some ceramique to every chip/gpu, and so far its doing rather well. I dont know if one of the chips was just overheating that didnt have a temp sensor on it or what, but so far its working.

Im too afraid to restart my computer right now lol.
 
Ive been having the issue since day 1 with the new AMD 6870 card.

This is the first time i have got it to run without a BSOD at login of atikmpag.sys error.

---I have installed 4800 series drivers (the incorrect ones) and I have also removed all Intel drivers---

So I have an unknown device in my device manager, however I have a working video card now too lol.

SPECS:

Intel DG45ID motherboard - Newest BIOS installed
6GB Kingston DDR2 800
Intel 80GB SSD
Genuine Windows 7 x64 - Fully updated
Using Intel Matrix RAID 1 with 2x 500GB drives
Thermaltake 600W PSU
XFX AMD 6870 PCI-E Card


I believe it comes down to strange motherboard incompatibility with drivers or something of the sort, along with x64 OS.

But there is so many configurations when it comes to having this error its almost impossible to tell what the heck is going on.
 
Does everyone that has this error have an Intel Chipset\CPU\Mainboard setup???

Maybe its AMD's way to piss off their rival customers...ha
 
---------------UPDATE---------------


So far everything is stable, have done multiple reboots and I have already gotten the card overclocked and ran benchmarking tools along with playing lots of Black Ops.


Like i said, all I have done is un-installed the Intel INF\chipset\NIC drivers and let windows handle them, along with using the 4800 series AMD\ATI drivers.
 
Core2lord said:
Does everyone that has this error have an Intel Chipset\CPU\Mainboard setup???

Maybe its AMD's way to piss off their rival customers...ha
Click to expand...


Curious.....I wonder. My HD 3870 had a VPU Recovery last week and today I got the ATI2dvag BSOD error.ATI video card with a Gigabyte GA-G31M-ES2L.Think I'll give your idea a try.
 
Cant hurt anything, however my current results are for the "atikmpag.sys" BSOD thus far.
 
About 5 hours later my system crashed again, however it was a different BSOD still claiming a TDR event.

In my opinion this situation is just a pure motherboard hardware incompatibility.

I have switched out all other components except the CPU and MOBO.

Today I will see what happens when I install the proper AMD driver along with the removal of the Intel drivers.
 
-UPDATE-

With the Intel motherboard drivers still uninstalled - I had installed the proper and newest available AMD Catalyst for the 6870 version 10.10e.

Immediately after the install and reboot, I logged in and lo and behold, I received the atikmpag.sys BSOD.

AMD(ATI) will be releasing their 10.12 Catalyst driver here soon, so lets keep our hopes up that maybe this problem can be resolved for some.

Since I have been utilizing the 4800 series driver - I have only received a BSOD once last night - I have been completely stable today.
 
Core2lord said:
-UPDATE-

With the Intel motherboard drivers still uninstalled - I had installed the proper and newest available AMD Catalyst for the 6870 version 10.10e.

Immediately after the install and reboot, I logged in and lo and behold, I received the atikmpag.sys BSOD.

AMD(ATI) will be releasing their 10.12 Catalyst driver here soon, so lets keep our hopes up that maybe this problem can be resolved for some.

Since I have been utilizing the 4800 series driver - I have only received a BSOD once last night - I have been completely stable today.
Click to expand...

what driver version are you using stable? Mine is giving it to me a lot now, and Im about to bake it.
 
I am currently using the 4800 series 10.11 Catalyst.

The only way I was able to get it installed was to install it while I had the 4850 card in.

Then I remove the 4850 and pop in the 6870.

I cant install the 10.11 Catalyst while the 6870 card is installed.
 
ok, i dont know wtf is going on with my card now.

I havnt baked it yet, decided to troubleshoot a little more.

Every time i power on, there is no display, the cpu fins spin/card fan spins, and it just sits idle for about 1-2 minutes. then finally the screen displays (most of the time with artifacts in the bios, two large bars running down the screen vertically red/pixelly) posts, loads win7, then bsods with the atimpak.sys or w/e it is.

restarts, and works fine. fast startup, posts fine, no bars.

temps are all good. Try to play a game, and i start seeing red pixelly boxes popping up everywhere in game, i minimize and it goes away. temps still fine, so i underclock it to the minimum ccc will allow me to. 500 - 500, re-maximize game and it works fine. So apparently i cant run my card stock now or the video card will fail. If i dont exit in time the video card just turns itself off it seems and i have to restart 23489723948 times to get it back.

im on 10.11 drivers

sometimes even watching my amazon in demand ill start getting the red boxes popping up after an hour or so of watching in full screen, and i have to exit full screen and re maximize to get it back to normal.

seriously confused.
 
Unfortunately he is correct.

Artifacting in BIOS commonly means there is failing memory on the video card.

Did you over-clock it or pump to much voltage to it?
 
I've been having this issue, too.

AMD Phenom II X4 945 @ stock
MSI 870A-G54
Sapphire 5830 @ stock
Win 7 x64

Did a uninstalled all ATI software, ran DriverSweeper in safe mode, and installed 10.11 with still the same issue. Also had Adobe Flash videos crashing the display driver until I disabled hardware acceleration.

About to run Memtest but the Flash issue makes me think the GPU is dying.
 
Core2lord -UPDATE-

With the Intel motherboard drivers still uninstalled - I had installed the proper and newest available AMD Catalyst for the 6870 version 10.10e.

Immediately after the install and reboot, I logged in and lo and behold, I received the atikmpag.sys BSOD.

AMD(ATI) will be releasing their 10.12 Catalyst driver here soon, so lets keep our hopes up that maybe this problem can be resolved for some.

Since I have been utilizing the 4800 series driver - I have only received a BSOD once last night - I have been completely stable today.
Click to expand...


-UPDATE- This is still core2lord, but I remembered my original username and password.

I have re-installed my Intel mainboard drivers while still utilizing the 10.11 drivers and so far I have yet to BSOD.

So it's looking like video driver incompatibility with something that I cant seem to pinpoint yet.

I am starting to wonder if the PCI version 2.1 on the card has something to do with this situation. My board is only 2.0 capable, but everything is supposed to be fully backwards compatible.

Still waiting for those 10.12 drivers I guess.


-Kyle
 
I JUST had this problem too (for the past few days). My issue is that atikmpag.sys would crash anytime I tried to play video (youtube, windows media player, ect).

The way I fixed it was by flashing a new BIOS to my 5870. I uninstalled drivers, swept the registry, ect and nothing worked.

The interesting part is the issue wasn't solved by re-flashing the "stock" BIOS to my 5870. I tried the stock 5870 BIOS from Sapphire as well as the ATI one from TPU's database.

I also accidentally flashed my old Sapphire 5850 BIOS on my 5870 and everything worked fine too, but obviously that wasn't ideal.

In the end I found the MSI unlocked OC slider BIOS and flashed that. Since then I haven't had any problems.
 
Core2lord said:
Ive been having the issue since day 1 with the new AMD 6870 card.

This is the first time i have got it to run without a BSOD at login of atikmpag.sys error.

---I have installed 4800 series drivers (the incorrect ones) and I have also removed all Intel drivers---

So I have an unknown device in my device manager, however I have a working video card now too lol.

SPECS:

Intel DG45ID motherboard - Newest BIOS installed
6GB Kingston DDR2 800
Intel 80GB SSD
Genuine Windows 7 x64 - Fully updated
Using Intel Matrix RAID 1 with 2x 500GB drives
Thermaltake 600W PSU
XFX AMD 6870 PCI-E Card


I believe it comes down to strange motherboard incompatibility with drivers or something of the sort, along with x64 OS.

But there is so many configurations when it comes to having this error its almost impossible to tell what the heck is going on.
Click to expand...

Sounds freaking identical to the issues I'm having with mine.

Got ~worse~ after I updated the bios - that fixed one issue (it totally losing track of what video card was powering the screens), but now I can't actually USE anything.

I'm rolling back to the 10.10s, and if that doesn't work, I'm probably going to throw in the towel and sell these 6870s. Go buy a 5970 and be happy with a single card solution again.
 
Unfortunately I cant find very much information on flashing a 6 series card.

If you guys can find a downloadable BIOS and a utility I would be interested.

K
 
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