BSOD problem avoids solution even after 8 months (26/01/2014 new update!)

[TidalWaves]

EDIT: The computer has now been to 4 techs who have all tested ALL hardware components and even replaced them with other components and were able to replicate the issues with the temporary replacements! they have told me that it's NOT a hardware issue.

I have also updated the BSOD error list that i've been experiencing

So I've been having BSOD errors for 5 months now. After dealing with Microsoft for this long, they're basically told me that I'm on my own (after they admitted to causing the issue and recently installed a codec containing a virus on my computer which i have since removed). the whole issue started After Microsoft manually cleared my registry -without my permission- while trying to install office 2013.

I've taken the computer to three different Computer technicians, who tested all hardware in the computer and were unable to find the cause of the BSOD, stating that ALL hardware was functioning properly. I have been told that -and I have even done it myself- that pieces of my hardware was tested individually by taking one gpu out/ one stick of ram out and testing it. they even went as far as trying other hardware (PSUs, RAM and GPU's) with my computer, only to get the same result. They even tested the motherboard and the issue persisted.

One of the recent computer techs as well as the Corel Tech I was speaking to yesterday said something about a hardware driver issue being the culprit but no one is exactly sure.

The blue Sceens mostly occur when i try to render videos/edit and save videos as a new file- in Corel Video Studio Pro Ultimate X5.

Here's what i've tried program wise to render the videos in to test if it was the program or not:

-Corel Video Studio Pro Ultimate X5: BSOD every time it reaches 3% or more
-Corel Video Studio Pro Ultimate X6: BSOD after 26%
-Windows Movie Maker: Will not Read .avi files due to a missing codec, despite K-Light being present
-After Effects CS2: Program crashed and needed to close before rendering was 27%
-Adobe Premiere Pro CS2: Will not Read .avi files due to a missing codec, despite K-Light being present

However, I noticed these other BSOD instances:

-when Microsoft tried installing some of their diagnostic tools via remote access
-sometimes while playing CoD, (Fixed three months ago)
-When using my HD PVR to live stream my game play footage to friends
-Today while installing Photoshop elements 10 while playing guild Wars 2

I do NOT have ALL the dump files as most of them were lost somewhere in the last.... 13 or 14 clean installs done on the computer in attempt to fix the issue. However I do have the errors codes written down:

-7E < most common
-1E
-3B
-4A
-0A
-34 ("cache Manager")
-124 < added to list as of 26/01/2014

Most of the time, it's a "Service exception not handled" or a "cache Manager" error message. who Crashed logs also point to the windows Kernal or in some cases a third party Driver.

Here's my computer Specs:

Windows 7 Ultimate 64 Bit
AMD FX 8350
ASRock 990 FX Extreme 4
32 GB RAM
2 Way SLI Nvidia GeForce GTX 670 (EVGA)
850W PSU
2 DVD/ CD blu-ray and lightscribe bay drives
SD card reader Bay with SSD rack
512 GB SSD (primary drive)
3 TB HDD (storage drive for music, videos, games, etc.)

Computer Drivers and updates are current and up to date.

I'd greatly appreciate any help on this. As stated, this issue has been on going for 5 months without any resolution. Even after 13 or 14 clean installs, the issue has not been fixed. Microsoft refuses to help me further, saying that it's faulty hardware which I find too convenient an excuse since the computer worked 100% FINE before they cleared the registry.

 

[himnextdoor]

I seem to be picking you up wrong.

I thought you had blamed Microsoft for screwing up your memory timing settings in an earlier post.

And I keep forgetting that some motherboard manufacturers are considerate enough to put CMOS reset switches on the back panel. Presumably you have pressed that button at some point?

And that should return all CPU and RAM clock settings to a safe default.

So, now all the settings are at their defaults, why don't you change the SATA Mode from IDE to AHCI if you can. I'm almost sure your SSD can take it.

I mean, as I understand it, AHCI is capable of better performance than IDE can produce and the general rule is - if you can, have it.

Can I ask, in the IDE ATAPI section of device manager, what is in the list? Is there a SATA AHCI reference there?

It occurs to me that you may have to change the type of driver you have here.

So, try that.

If your driver listed in Device Manager is an IDE driver then right-click on it and select update driver.

Choose to 'Browse your computer'.

Choose 'Let me choose from a list'.

Click on the AHCI driver relevant to your Chipset and go ahead and install it.

Then if you can: Select AHCI as SATA Mode in BIOS and set the Marvell thing to AHCI too, if it is available.

And restart.

In my view, doing this will give you a performance boost on the one hand and on the other, AHCI will take some of the administrative control over how the data is stored and supports Native Command Queuing whereas IDE doesn't, as far as I know which might provide a little bit more head-room for the system's Control Bus.

And SSD's do support CHQ.

Even if this doesn't fix the problem, it is still worth doing if the system will operate in that configuration..

 

[himnextdoor]

Oh, and how many mouse and keyboard drivers appear in Device Manager.

You should disable the ones you don't use. Your USB driver may be running with the standard P/S2 driver installed alongside.

 

[gamerk316]

I'm going to say something here: Every single BSOD error message received can be caused by a failing stick of RAM. In fact, several of the messages (especially 7E, 1E, 3B, and 0A) are downright typical of a failing stick of RAM.

So for kicks and giggles, run with only a single stick. Failing that, use a different stick in a different physical RAM slot. Some forms of RAM errors can pass memtest fine, but will causes a fully loaded system to die, and I'm guessing that's whats going on here. If the issues persist after a clean install, its hardware.

 

[USAFRet]

I'm going to say something here: Every single BSOD error message received can be caused by a failing stick of RAM. In fact, several of the messages (especially 7E, 1E, 3B, and 0A) are downright typical of a failing stick of RAM.

So for kicks and giggles, run with only a single stick. Failing that, use a different stick in a different physical RAM slot. Some forms of RAM errors can pass memtest fine, but will causes a fully loaded system to die, and I'm guessing that's whats going on here. If the issues persist after a clean install, its hardware.

Agreed. It has to be hardware.
As suggested way earlier - start with a minimal hardware config. Add and change things (one at a time!) things until it fails.

 

[himnextdoor]

A quick question:

When the crashes or problems occur, do you have a Firewire device connected to the system?

 

[TidalWaves]

I seem to be picking you up wrong.

I thought you had blamed Microsoft for screwing up your memory timing settings in an earlier post.

And I keep forgetting that some motherboard manufacturers are considerate enough to put CMOS reset switches on the back panel. Presumably you have pressed that button at some point?

And that should return all CPU and RAM clock settings to a safe default.

So, now all the settings are at their defaults, why don't you change the SATA Mode from IDE to AHCI if you can. I'm almost sure your SSD can take it.

I mean, as I understand it, AHCI is capable of better performance than IDE can produce and the general rule is - if you can, have it.

Can I ask, in the IDE ATAPI section of device manager, what is in the list? Is there a SATA AHCI reference there?

It occurs to me that you may have to change the type of driver you have here.

So, try that.

If your driver listed in Device Manager is an IDE driver then right-click on it and select update driver.

Choose to 'Browse your computer'.

Choose 'Let me choose from a list'.

Click on the AHCI driver relevant to your Chipset and go ahead and install it.

Then if you can: Select AHCI as SATA Mode in BIOS and set the Marvell thing to AHCI too, if it is available.

And restart.

In my view, doing this will give you a performance boost on the one hand and on the other, AHCI will take some of the administrative control over how the data is stored and supports Native Command Queuing whereas IDE doesn't, as far as I know which might provide a little bit more head-room for the system's Control Bus.

And SSD's do support CHQ.

Even if this doesn't fix the problem, it is still worth doing if the system will operate in that configuration..

OOps, should remember to specify things insteaad of being so vague.

At one point when they had control of my computer, they used a program that would reconfigure certain settings so that my computer took a major preformance hit, so things Like RAM and graphics cards would be affected. I only mentioned the load percentages to prove that I'm barely using even half of my computer's resources.

the CMOS Button has been pushed several times. I'll push it again in a bit for a good measure.

I'll have a look at the IDE/ AHCI settings and see if i could do it without needing a tutorial.

Can I ask, in the IDE ATAPI section of device manager, what is in the list? Is there a SATA AHCI reference there?

Accordint to the Device manager list, It lists IDE ATA/ATAPI Controllers then the list goes like this exactly:
IDE ATA/ATAPI
ATA Channel 0
ATA Channel 0
ATA Channel 0
ATA Channel 1
ATA Channel 1
ATA Channel 1
Standard Dual channel PCI IDE Controller
Standard Dual channel PCI IDE Controller
Standard Dual channel PCI IDE Controller

As for the preformance boost and better control over Data management, I never knew that. Thanks for the tip.

As for mouse/ keyboard drivers, The mouse only has 1 driver and they keyboard has 2, however since both drivers are listed at the same name I don't know which one to disable (as one driver includes the nessacary drivers to utilize all the game related functions on my keyboard, as well as the color changing function. (My keyboard's a Logitech G110 gaming keyboard)

I'm going to say something here: Every single BSOD error message received can be caused by a failing stick of RAM. In fact, several of the messages (especially 7E, 1E, 3B, and 0A) are downright typical of a failing stick of RAM.

So for kicks and giggles, run with only a single stick. Failing that, use a different stick in a different physical RAM slot. Some forms of RAM errors can pass memtest fine, but will causes a fully loaded system to die, and I'm guessing that's whats going on here. If the issues persist after a clean install, its hardware.

That has already been tried by myself and the local repair shops. I know for a fact that one repair shop removed ALL my RAM and tested different sticks of RAM in the computer and still produced the same result. I have already stated this in previous posts. I Also stripped the computer of any bells and whistles and tried one part at a time to test and it still happened! yes I tried a different RAM stick each time.

No I do not have a firewire attached. As a matter of fact, we don't even have one in the house.

It seems a coincidence that after Microsoft cleared the registry that the issue arose. The only thing I could possibly think is maybe the replacement motherboard I got from my RMA is bad? I had to Replace the Original Mobo 5 months into the warrenty and after fighting to get the right forms to request the RMA (Even Newegg on my request had to light a fire under ASRock's rear-ends to assist me, since at that time I was still under warranty) after the PCIE ports died (right after one of my Graphics cards decided to royally give out on me. Microsoft's little stint happened a mere month after that. In the month Before Microsoft worked on m computer, the PC worked great and I was rendering 15-30 minute long videos at 780p without a hitch. now I get a Blue screen while attempting to render a video of any quality that's over 2 minutes long.

 

[himnextdoor]

This:

If your driver listed in Device Manager is an IDE driver then right-click on it and select update driver.

(That is, right-click on 'Standard Dual channel PCI IDE Controller' and select update driver. You may have to do this for the others too.)

Choose to 'Browse your computer'.

Choose 'Let me choose from a list'.

Click on the AHCI driver relevant to your Chipset and go ahead and install it.

You'll probably have to restart.

Then if you can: Select AHCI as SATA Mode in BIOS and set the Marvell thing to AHCI too, if it is available.

And restart.

Please, please, please, give this a try.

 

[TidalWaves]

This:

If your driver listed in Device Manager is an IDE driver then right-click on it and select update driver.

(That is, right-click on 'Standard Dual channel PCI IDE Controller' and select update driver. You may have to do this for the others too.)

Choose to 'Browse your computer'.

Choose 'Let me choose from a list'.

Click on the AHCI driver relevant to your Chipset and go ahead and install it.

You'll probably have to restart.

Then if you can: Select AHCI as SATA Mode in BIOS and set the Marvell thing to AHCI too, if it is available.

And restart.

Please, please, please, give this a try.

sorry for the long lapse in replies. i was staying with my grandmother for the longest time and had no chance to fix my computer.

When i follow your steps, It does not list any drivers related to my chipset. it only lists a Standard driver. I updated them anyway. I'm going to try the AHCI as Sata mode now though in the bios if I can. wish me luck

Edit: Setting AHCI as Sata mode only caused the computer to blue screen before reaching the desktop. Unsure if this is because the drivers are not on the computer thus can't be installed or what but obviously it won't work. I had to load the UEFI bios settings to Default to fix it.

Now what? The only option I have left is to install Windows on my HDD, unplug my SSD and test everything that way to rule out a misbehaving SSD. Unless anyone else has any suggestions.

 

[TidalWaves]

Okay guys, I really need another suggestion on what to do here. I'm almost finished backing up all my data so i can unplug my SSD and use the HDD as the primary Drive to determine if it's RAM/Mobo related or if it's my SSD failing.

If you have any other suggestions as to what it could be or what else i can try, now's the time! 6 months is far too long for this issue to be unresolved

MAJOR UPDATE #1: IT'S NOT THE SSD.

Narrowed down to RAM or bad RAM slots.

Update 2: one stick did BSOD this time. first test it froze, second test it BSOD. The second Stick also froze the first test and froze again on the second test.

Maybe the RAM slots on the Mobo are bad?

Update 3: on the 6th try the second RAM stick FINIALLY made a BSOD. the last 5 tries, the computer locked up solid.

Anyone want to explain what COULD be happening here?

Update: 12/18/13

The computer has been checked over by a fourth technician who has stated that the computer no longer completes the Windows experience checks. At this point, the only remaining part that hasn't been replaced to test is the CPU but according to the techs, if it was the CPU it would have popped up by now.

All are suggesting either a driver conflict or hardware conflicts. if i include the list, can anyone check?

 

[TidalWaves]

This:

If your driver listed in Device Manager is an IDE driver then right-click on it and select update driver.

(That is, right-click on 'Standard Dual channel PCI IDE Controller' and select update driver. You may have to do this for the others too.)

Choose to 'Browse your computer'.

Choose 'Let me choose from a list'.

Click on the AHCI driver relevant to your Chipset and go ahead and install it.

You'll probably have to restart.

Then if you can: Select AHCI as SATA Mode in BIOS and set the Marvell thing to AHCI too, if it is available.

And restart.

Please, please, please, give this a try.

Saw another tech last month who suggested something almost identical. Apparently, you have to set the SATA modes to AHCI and do a clean install of windows.

Soo i preformed that step with a slight difference:

-computer is much faster now.

-I have increased the time frame of the videos that will render sucessfully- I had a 6 and a half minute video render today, and so far that seems to be the max.

But i have some oddities and other issues that poped up with the recent tech.

the tech -we'll call him c. clone- looked at my computer before christmas after i picked it up from the previous tech -call him webby. (calling the managers/ techs by their abbreviated store names)

Now when webby packed up my computer, i actually got a chance to look it over before he packed it . Everything was intact and he put my PUS's cord in the box. After picking my computer up from C. Clone , i discovered that not only had he not given me back the power cable for my computer but the completely broke off 2 out of 3 PCI-E clips for the slots and some of the wires for the SATA cable for my HDD looks scraped. When i asked him about it, he lied about both untill I told him that i had seen the computer before Webby packed it up.

1. After telling C. clone I had watched Webby put the power cord into my computer's box, he stated that it's company policy not to use the power cord that comes with the computer, and it was never in the box. He later fumbled with his words and said "well maybe it fell out. He allowed me to look through all their cords since i knew what the outlet cord looks like. Unfortunately, i couldn't find it and they gave me their "highest guage cord" as a replacement -they stated that it wasn't a 850 watt cord but it would be what they would replace.

2. when I asked them about the PCI-E slot clips, they stated that they were never there after words their story changed after telling them that the unused slot had the slider still intact and quite firm, and i had also seen the clips on the slots and they were very firm. He then stated that when they touched them they just fell off, saying that the clips were never sturdy to begin with. I stated that i knew the sliders weren't frail because it was hard to get them to move/ slide period. He then told me "well I don't know. it was like that." If that was the case, how come he never called me to say they had fallen off? I had replaced the graphics cards with an ATI GPU and got the same BSOD so... why didn't he ever tell me? anyway, the GPUs are in the slots with the only support/ seciring location being the screw holding it to the back of the computer and the SLI bridge. the part meant to be held down by the clip looks like it's pulled up a bit.

ANYWAY...

i did do everything up today -clean install basic drivers and a few tests- and as i said, I can now render videos that are under 7 minutes long, however I did get a few new BSODs.

Updated BSOD list!!

-7E < most common
-7E Etronhci.exe
-1E
-3B
-4A
-0A
-34 ("cache Manager")
-124 < newest and recent

i found out that the Etronhic. exe was a driver for the USB 3.0 driver, and o n this install i didn't install it and so far the 7E errors haven't listed it.

the 124 error lists no specific program as the issue.

Any one have any ideas? If anyone can help me figure this out I'd be forever grateful. I'm dying to fix this issue since it's driving me insane.