Gaming Multiple BSOD, thought RAM issues but memtest passes?

[jamesaa]

Warning, long post I'm trying to cram in as much info as I can think of as I go.

As per title I have been experiencing multiple BSODs since installing 2 additional RAM modules and a SSD in my laptop.

My first thought was the SSD so i removed that and reinstalled Windows 7 on the original HDD, the BSODs continued :-(

I have tested each stick of memory individually in multiple slots with no errors showing in memtest, I am currently running a test with all the memory installed, and as of now there are no errors (test is still running, and I'm planning on leaving it overnight)

Assuming this test also passes what else can I look for to resolve these crashes, it's becoming very frustrating not knowing what is causing the problem.

Some of the errors reported by the BSODs have been:
Driver IRQL not less or equal
modification of system code or critical data structure detected
System service exception
Page fault in nonpaged area
And my favourite; "A problem has been detected" (thanks, windows )

The crashes seem to occur more frequently when first loading windows and just before/after logging in, and if the system survives the first 15-20 minutes without a crash it can almost always survive for many hours of use, even in heavy use such as games etc. without crashing, this "surviveability" carries over reboots, making reproducing the crash very difficult - it only seems to crash if it has been off for a while, but even then the randomness doesn't guarantee a crash.

The only other variable I can think of is the reinstall of windows, so maybe a software or driver issue? I obtained all the latest drivers and grabbed all windows update, so am unsure.

System specs (going from what I can remember atm):
Dell XPS L702x
Intel i7
GeForce 555M 3GB
250GB HDD
120GB OCZ Agility 3 SSD (not installed atm)
4GB (2x2gb) DDR3 1333mhz ram (original ram)
8GB (2x4gb) DDR3 1333mhz ram (new ram, tried with and without the old ram installed at the same time)
Windows 7 64bit

Anymore info needed just ask and I'll try my best to provide it.

 

[FireEmblemGuy]

It's possible that it's some sort of driver issue; you made all your drivers were the correct and latest ones?

Also, how long did you leave memtest running each time you tested?

 

[jamesaa]

Each memtest I let it go through three passes minimum, the current test with all the ram installed is obviously taking a lot longer and is currently at 78% of the second pass (still no errors) and I plan on leaving it going until I wake up (about 9 hours from now) the current configuration being tested has blue screened a couple of times so I figured if it is a ram issue now was a good time to test it.

I also tested with the windows memory tester and dell diagnostics, both passed.

I ensured when installing windows to get the latest and correct drivers for everything, but will go through it all again tomorrow when I return from work.

 

[kevan]

Graphic cards are a known culprit for BSOD issues. Make sure everything is all good with that. But in your case its a bit fishy considering it happened after you installed more/new ram.

 

[Rydian]

Can you upload the dump files for us?

 

[kevan]

Can you upload the dump files for us?

Off Topic: Damnit Rydian everytime I see your sig drawing It brings back a lot of memories.
On Topic: Have you gone back to your original RAM setup to see if it works fine then?

 

[jamesaa]

Can you upload the dump files for us?

I would, but i cannot find any :/

Even did a search on my drive for files ending in .dmp and .mdmp which is what i assumed they would be and it didn't find anything
I'm sure i am just being dim here, any hints

FYI the long memtest i left overnight ended up doing 5 passes (and 80% of a 6th) with no errors so i shut it down, went to work, came back turned on the laptop and boom BSOD as soon as it hit windows (i noticed the file listed was ndis.sys) - so i really am doubting the RAM as the issue and can only assume it's a driver causing it (maybe networking due to ndis.sys?)

Have you gone back to your original RAM setup to see if it works fine then?

I did, and it didn't BSOD, however it doesn't always do so as it currently is so cannot be sure if that fixed it or not, I can try doing it again and using it with just the original memory over the weekend to see if a crash happens, afterall I was trying to get this fixed by tonight and so couldn't simply wait for a random crash to happen - but it isn't fixed so i have plenty of time to sort it now

Damn technology. what happened - we used to get along so well

 

[Originality]

Damn technology. what happened - we used to get along so well

It may help if you can tell us the make/model of your RAM sticks. Particularly if they're from different brands or model series.

 

[emmanu888]

uh ndis.sys is the network card wrapper try reinstalling your network card driver

 

[raulpica]

Search into C:\Windows\Minidump and post here the most recent one.

 

[jamesaa]

Here you go, latest minidump.

I had to rename the extension from .dmp to .txt to upload it.


QUICK EDIT: Dell have just given me a BIOS update (which strangely doesn't appear for me on their drivers page when using my service tag... but they assured me it was compatible) and a some older driver for my wireless/bluetooth combo card, I have installed both and I guess time will tell to see if the issue has been fixed. (i wish they'd have warned me the BIOS update makes the damn thing beep so loadly during the flash... it's past midnight and some people were trying to sleep )