BSODs on Startup

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neil7

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Mar 25, 2014
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Hello all,

I'm hoping someone can help me. For a few weeks now I've been trying to solve an issue with my DELL Studio XPS8100. Here's some quick specs: Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit; CPU Intel i5 650 3.2GHz; 6GB RAM; Graphics ATI Radeon HD5770 1GB.

Basically, when I start Windows in normal mode I get a BSOD each time. The only times I do not get them is in any of the Safe Modes or 'Last known good configuration'. Initially the BSOD quoted 'atikmdag.sys' file so I thought it was a software issue. I tried System Restore but it said that the "issue could not be resolved" and I had the same result with Startup Repair. I did some Googling and tried all the software fixes I could find step-by-step, including those on this forum. After my attempts so far I'm still getting BSODs on normal startup but now without quoting 'atikmdag.sys'.

This leads me to believe that it's a hardware issue. I've already eliminated the sticks of RAM. I was thinking that it could either be the Graphics Card or the PSU. Is there any way of knowing for sure without trying another graphics card in the machine - I don't have one lying around so would have to buy one....

If anyone has any suggestions or advice I'd be really appreciative. I'm used to being able to fix PC problems myself but this one has me on the end of my tether. :) :(

Regards,
Neil
 
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dovah-chan

dovah-chan

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Feb 5, 2014
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It appears to be a GPU issue to me I'd try to uninstall your drivers if possible and reinstall them but don't uninstall them like you regularly would use ATIman and then go to AMD's website and download your drivers like you normally would.

Although also I'd take a hand at seeing if microsoft's VESA driver works (probably called microsoft basic render adapter in device manager) after uninstalling your normal GPU drivers.

Then if that works then reinstall your regular drivers from the website or if your a bit more precarious you can use your OEM disc.
 
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neil7

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Mar 25, 2014
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Hi,

Thank you both for your responses. I have already tried to do both of the above solutions, but to no avail.

Also apologies - I forgot to mention in my OP that anytime I re-install the ATI/AMD Software I get an error that the driver software did not install correctly. As well as that, once I start Catalyst Control Centre it says that it cannot detect a GPU.

Thanks again
 
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neil7

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Mar 25, 2014
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Hi,

-It's about 4 years old now.
-The video card used to work absolutely fine, except the odd issue with updating drivers interfering with FSX.
-Not added any new parts at all since I got it.
-The only thing I ever altered was the clock speeds within Catalyst Control Centre, which I assume is safe enough to do...?

Regards
 
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neil7

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Mar 25, 2014
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I see, so maybe it was my fault then....

Is there a way for me to reset the clocks without Catalyst Control Centre? Like I said above, when I try to start CCC it says that it cannot find a GPU
 
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neil7

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Mar 25, 2014
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System Restore and Startup Repair don't work to restore the computer to a previous state - they both say that they're unable to fix the issue. I'm not too sure what 'Last known good config' is doing because the computer starts up with the up to date configuration as regards software and drivers. The only noticeable difference in 'Last known good configuration' is the resolution - it's similar to the resolution in Safe Mode (all the icons are larger, etc).

I can't remember how high the clocks were set. The only other computer I have is a laptop so I'm not sure if I'd be able to test it in that?

Thanks for your help so far :)
 
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