Unknown problem.. help

I have a problem that has been happening for two weeks now.

I started to get IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL and PAGE_FAULT_NON_PAGED_AREA BSOD at random times. Sometimes before the desktop loads, sometimes after 5 minutes of work. So i thought it was memory. Since i have only one memory stick, i tried to put the ram in the other slots, but the problem persisted. At this point, i was certain the memory was the problem, but i borrowed another ram module from a friend, and i kept getting these BSODs. I even formatted, and now i cant install windows, i get ram BSODs while installing windows.

And now i have another problem. Sometimes, when i turn on the computer, it starts up for like 2 seconds and then gradually turn off.
My powersupply/case: Raidmax Scorpio
My ram: Corsair 512 ddr pc3200
my friend's ram: Kingston 512
Motherboard: Asus A7V8X-X
CPU: AMD Athlon 2600+

What's the problem? I think its my motherboard since the 2 sticks didnt work on the 3 different slots.

Thank you and sorry for my poor english.

Add a reply

Register or log in to remove.

I don't think it's the PSU, this happened to mine and when I got it working again the PSU was (and is) fine.

When you reformat, don't just reformat - delete the partition and then create a new one in it's place and install to that.

Reply to mesarectifier

Quote :

I have a problem that has been happening for two weeks now.

I started to get IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL and PAGE_FAULT_NON_PAGED_AREA BSOD at random times. Sometimes before the desktop loads, sometimes after 5 minutes of work. So i thought it was memory. Since i have only one memory stick, i tried to put the ram in the other slots, but the problem persisted. At this point, i was certain the memory was the problem, but i borrowed another ram module from a friend, and i kept getting these BSODs. I even formatted, and now i cant install windows, i get ram BSODs while installing windows.

And now i have another problem. Sometimes, when i turn on the computer, it starts up for like 2 seconds and then gradually turn off.
My powersupply/case: Raidmax Scorpio
My ram: Corsair 512 ddr pc3200
my friend's ram: Kingston 512
Motherboard: Asus A7V8X-X
CPU: AMD Athlon 2600+

What's the problem? I think its my motherboard since the 2 sticks didnt work on the 3 different slots.

Thank you and sorry for my poor english.

PAGE_FAULT_NON_PAGED_AREA is caused by a pagefile error, which is caused by a bad hard drive. Your hard drive might be going bad or may be corrupt, try installing Windows to a new hard drive and seeing what happens.

~~Mad Mod Mike, fixin' the world 1 rig at a time

Reply to MadModMike

Yep, could be a damage sector in your hard drive. Try running the windows os and run the diagnostic. Select the problematic hard drive and type chkdsk /p to run the check error diagnosis. If errors are present then type chkdsk /r to recover the sectors with errors. This should fix it unless it is a physical damage to the hard drive. If not then get another hd and try installing the os on that and see if that would work.

Reply to chuckshissle

Quote :

When you reformat, don't just reformat - delete the partition and then create a new one in it's place and install to that.

Yeah thats how i do it... it's the only way to do it with my CD anyway.

I will try chkdsk and see what happens.

EDIT: hmm... how am i going to run chkdsk if i dont even have windows installed?

Reply to couris

Some utilities have a bootable disc that you can use to check a hard drive. I know Norton does, and others are sure to, as well.

Reply to Human1

I ran chkdsk and repaired all the errors, it took enough time. Still crash. What do i do now?

Reply to couris

Quote :

I ran chkdsk and repaired all the errors, it took enough time. Still crash. What do i do now?

Try a new hard drive.

~~Mad Mod Mike, fixin' the world 1 rig at a time

Reply to MadModMike

Okay, i'll try this tommrrow. Thank you.

Reply to couris

Grrr... Just tryed installing windows with another Hard Drive.... IRQL_NOT_LESS_EQUAL BSOD.

Could it be the motherboard?

Heres what i did so far:

Tried with 1x512 corsair ram on each of the 3 slots (1 slot per try) - FAILED
1x512 Kingston on each of the 3 slots (1 slot per try) - FAILED
Another videocard - FAILED
Chkdsk /r hard drive and try to install - FAILED
Tried with another hard drive - FAILED

Reply to couris

Quote :

Grrr... Just tryed installing windows with another Hard Drive.... IRQL_NOT_LESS_EQUAL BSOD.

Could it be the motherboard?

Heres what i did so far:

Tried with 1x512 corsair ram on each of the 3 slots (1 slot per try) - FAILED
1x512 Kingston on each of the 3 slots (1 slot per try) - FAILED
Another videocard - FAILED
Chkdsk /r hard drive and try to install - FAILED
Tried with another hard drive - FAILED

IRQL_NOT_LESS_EQUAL is caused by faulty drivers, do you get the error right after installation? It might be your BIOS, try either the newest BIOS or an older BIOS and see what happens.

~~Mad Mod Mike, fixin' the world 1 rig at a time

Reply to MadModMike

Last time i got the error was during the "Installing Network" part of windows xp installation. But usually, i get it randomly. And i never had such a problem in a year of use.

I think its either the psu or the mobo. Also, when i unplug the electric cable, replug it in and turn on the computer, the fans and all the parts slowly turn off, like a car that stops. I have to wait like 5 minutes and then it starts properly, but i get bsods.

Reply to couris

I have this happen on SCSI's periodically. I do a repair from the Windows CD and it usually works. If it doesn't, I reformat the drive first, then reinstall Windows. With SCSI's it's almost always a bad Adaptec 320 driver. For an IDE, I bet it's the same thing-for the IDE/SATA drivers.

Reply to texasgulag

Quote :

Last time i got the error was during the "Installing Network" part of windows xp installation. But usually, i get it randomly. And i never had such a problem in a year of use.

I think its either the psu or the mobo. Also, when i unplug the electric cable, replug it in and turn on the computer, the fans and all the parts slowly turn off, like a car that stops. I have to wait like 5 minutes and then it starts properly, but i get bsods.

I agree, it is probably the motherboard, PSU or both.

It's still possible it might be something else -- have you tried memtest?

Have you checked your temps and voltages in your BIOS?

Tried more conservative memory timings?

Are any parts OC'ed?

Reply to linux_0

Quote :

Asus A7V8X-X

That's your problem.
A newer BIOS might help, but I doubt it.

How is that a problem? 8O

To others: I have default ram timings, default voltages, default cpu clock, latest bios. Memtest reports thousands of errors, no matter what ram module (kingston or corsair), no matter on which slot.

Reply to couris

If i take a PSU from a p3 800 mhz and put it in my amd 2600+, would it work? (for testing purposes)

Another question, is the a7v8x-x known to have these issues?

Reply to couris

Of course. PSUs are universal (with very few exceptions)

Reply to mesarectifier

Ok... do i risk messing up my hardware if the p3 psu lacks power?

Reply to couris

What's the power rating on the P3 PSU?

Reply to mesarectifier

Quote :

Ok... do i risk messing up my hardware if the p3 psu lacks power?

It shouldn't hurt anything.

Any standard ATX PSU -- even a 200W one -- should work fine at least for testing purposes.

You shouldn't run it with anything less than a 300W or 350W Antec, OCZ, PC Power & Cooling, Seasonic, Fortron / FSP Goup, etc for long term use.

Reply to linux_0

Quote :

Ok... do i risk messing up my hardware if the p3 psu lacks power?

It's going to be ATX most likely (I think definately) and as long as it has the proper connectors on it (20 or 24-pin POWER cable, and either 4 or 8-pin +12V cable, you can buy adaptors too) than it should work. Since you're just testing, any PSU of what Linux said of 200w or more is perfectly fine, just don't try and overclock .

~~Mad Mod Mike, fixin' the world 1 rig at a time

Reply to MadModMike

My p3 psu is 250W (my amd one is 450W). So i can try to install windows xp to see if it still crash without any hardware damage, can't i?

Reply to couris

You should be just about fine with a 250w I think.

Reply to mesarectifier

Ok guys, i just installed windows using the 250w psu, didnt crash once. I can even update windows (i couldnt before).

Can i try to play a game that dont need much ressource like Counter-Strike 1.6, with the 250w psu, to test stability? Or do i risk something?

Another question, can a PSU really be the source of memory errors, problems and crashes?

Reply to couris

I guess the problem was the PSU. Can i get a good, reliable PSU for maximum 80$ CAD? If yes, can you guys show me which one? www.tigerdirect.ca

Reply to couris

Quote :

Ok guys, i just installed windows using the 250w psu, didnt crash once. I can even update windows (i couldnt before).

Can i try to play a game that dont need much ressource like Counter-Strike 1.6, with the 250w psu, to test stability? Or do i risk something?

Another question, can a PSU really be the source of memory errors, problems and crashes?

Yes it can. A bad PSU can cause all kinds of strange problems.

I'd recommend getting an Antec or Fortron/FSP group 450W or better PSU.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] x=0&Go.y=0

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] =9&Go.y=39

The Antec true power series is very good :-D

OCZ, PC Power & Cooling, Seasonic, Silverstone also make great PSUs but they tend to be much more expensive.

If you're planning to upgrade to socket 939, AM2, Socket F or whatever in the future and want to get a good PSU now I would suggest the Antec TPII 550.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817103931

Good Luck!

Reply to linux_0

Try running memory tests, not sure which ones people would reccommend here, while your PC is in 'testing' mode.

Reply to mesarectifier

Quote :

Try running memory tests, not sure which ones people would reccommend here, while your PC is in 'testing' mode.

memtest86 and memtest86+ are VERY good http://memtest86.com/ http://www.memtest.org/

Download:

http://www.memtest86.com/memtest86-3.2.iso.gz

unzip

install ISORecorder:

http://isorecorder.alexfeinman.com [...] rV2RC1.msi

http://isorecorder.alexfeinman.com/HowTo.htm

Burn the ISO to CDR, boot from it and let memtest run overnight ( 8 - 12 hours ).

Reply to linux_0

Quote :

I have a problem that has been happening for two weeks now.

I started to get IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL and PAGE_FAULT_NON_PAGED_AREA BSOD at random times. Sometimes before the desktop loads, sometimes after 5 minutes of work. So i thought it was memory. Since i have only one memory stick, i tried to put the ram in the other slots, but the problem persisted. At this point, i was certain the memory was the problem, but i borrowed another ram module from a friend, and i kept getting these BSODs. I even formatted, and now i cant install windows, i get ram BSODs while installing windows.

And now i have another problem. Sometimes, when i turn on the computer, it starts up for like 2 seconds and then gradually turn off.
My powersupply/case: Raidmax Scorpio
My ram: Corsair 512 ddr pc3200
my friend's ram: Kingston 512
Motherboard: Asus A7V8X-X
CPU: AMD Athlon 2600+

What's the problem? I think its my motherboard since the 2 sticks didnt work on the 3 different slots.

Thank you and sorry for my poor english.

There is more than one problem and it can be few solutions to this comdition.

Always save your HD Data you don't want to loose, data you need.

1. The nost common problem might be the loading of the NETWORK drivers. Something might happen and the drivers were NOT properly installed, causing crash.

2. It could be also problem with setting "some" jumpers on Mobo itself.

3. It could be improperly seated one of the PCI ? cards - i.e. not fully inserted or bad contact, causing IRQ fault.

4. You might have the problem with BIOS which "jumps" some settings.

5. You might have wrong setting of the RAM itself, or to low voltage of the RAM.

6. You might have unstable PS (capacitors might be leaking).

So where to start?

1. Check MoBo jumpers settings, HD jumpers. Than reseat all your perifericals, check cable connections (bad contact). Your HDD cable might be bad. For ATA HD drives use only 80 wires cables. Check BIOS (ROM) battery sitting (contacts).

2. Check your BIOS setting, also RAM voltage, frequency and timing
Check BIOS version. Flash with the latest BIOS.

3. If WinCrap OS is installed boot on "Safe Mode".
Check hardware Device Manager for drivers ...
Windows XP SP has few problems with incompatible drivers (NETWORK !) i.e. PROXIM conflict with Windows crappy drivers.
Reinstall the drivers inquestion.

4. Boot your PC from CD such as KNOPPIX or BART PEKNOPPIX 4.0.2
check for "errors" during Linux boot.

5. Your HDD file system might be damaged or crashed.

6. Check th SATA drivers installation, as it might get corrupt.
Plan your drive partition.
Reinstall windows OS using proper drivers, formating and partitioning HD.

other advises were already mentioned.

Reply to pcrig

Guess what just happened.... i came back from school, started the computer, and... and.... all the partitions were deleted. I only see one part UNALLOCATED 190 mb (which is my hd size). what happened?

I put another hd and forgot to put it in slave mode... That makes 2 masters... Could it be this? Is there a way to recover the partitions? I didnt format or anything...

Reply to couris

Quote :

Guess what just happened.... i came back from school, started the computer, and... and.... all the partitions were deleted. I only see one part UNALLOCATED 190 mb (which is my hd size). what happened?

I put another hd and forgot to put it in slave mode... That makes 2 masters... Could it be this? Is there a way to recover the partitions? I didnt format or anything...

You cannot have 2 masters on one PATA channel. That will cause very strange results.

Remove the HDD you just added and set it to slave.

Reply to linux_0

Quote :

Guess what just happened.... i came back from school, started the computer, and... and.... all the partitions were deleted. I only see one part UNALLOCATED 190 mb (which is my hd size). what happened?

I put another hd and forgot to put it in slave mode... That makes 2 masters... Could it be this? Is there a way to recover the partitions? I didnt format or anything...

You have 200 MB HD drive.
Unfortunately with drive manufacturers 1 MB = 100 Kb (not 1024 Kb as it should be).

What happened simply you have lost the file system configuration either permanently or luckilly temporarily. When you reset the jumpers master you might regain it, but it all depends what you have done to it!

Under PATA you can have 2 masters considering that one is on Primary and other on secondary IDE channel. You can not have 2 masters on the same cable.

Under SATA no need for jumpers, you just select the boot drive in the BIOS!

You CAN recover all the data even after formating using:

http://www.runtime.org

for NTFS:
http://www.runtime.org/gdbnt.zip

for FAT
http://www.runtime.org/gdb.zip

software will cost you about 60 bucks.

you can check the Hard disk drive using:

To download the HDD Regenerator 1.51,

http://www.abstradrome.com

HDD Regenerator 1.51 for about $59.95
HDD Regenerator is a unique program for regeneration of physically damaged hard disk drives. It does not hide bad sectors, it really restores them. Bootable Regenerating CD option is now available.

http://abstradrome.com/products/hd [...] /hr151.exe

Many people "KNOW IT ALL" and rant on this site,
but to many know $hit!'

keep in mind that:
An EXPERT is always an a$$hole out of town

Forum Motherboards & Memory : Memory - Unknown problem.. help

Please mind

Focus On

Unknown problem.. help

Forum Motherboards & Memory : Memory - Unknown problem.. help

Please mind