Laptop Constant BSOD Issue

sajunky said:
Before trying to solve suspected overheating problem, follow response @ponder.
Run memory tests for couple hours with a single stick installed. If you see any single error, don't use it anymore, look for replacement. However if testing both stick shows errors, then is a signal that something else is faulty. It could be CPU, chipset or just noisy power supply (badcaps or failing MOSFET). Post your result for more suggestions.
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What do you mean for a couple of hours as the memory tests only last about 20 to 30 mins?

UPDATE:
I ran with only one stick and it passed all tests. I tested the other stick and it also passed all tests. I however only tested one slot so i dindt replictae the tests on the other slot as well not sure if this matters. I didn't test them both again as i didn't have the time last night. Might do so tonight. But since we can rule out ram issue at the present moment. What should be the next plan of action?
 
phly said:
What do you mean for a couple of hours as the memory tests only last about 20 to 30 mins?
[...]
[-]But since we can rule out ram issue[/-] at the present moment.
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How you can say this? There were already memory errors... Use different memory test, memtest86(???) from Hiren's Boot CD is a good one. It shows on the main boot screen menu. Leave it running for 2-3 hours, or even overnight. Yes, you must try in a different socket too.
 
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sajunky said:
How you can say this? There were already memory errors... Use different memory test, memtest86(???) from Hiren's Boot CD is a good one. It shows on the main boot screen menu. Leave it running for 2-3 hours, or even overnight. Yes, you must try in a different socket too.
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Agreed, also id blow out all the vents with a blowing machine, just to be sure its not overheating,

Id visit a matrix and ask to borrow theirs,
 
Darn, and here I thought I had crossed the memory issue. The reason why i said that we can count it out is all the rest of the tests performed later all went fine. So i presumed the original fail was just a fluke or related to another issue. Will run the tests overnight and see what comes up.
 
UPDATE:
So I got the hirens boot cd and had it on a usb and ran memtest 86. Tested one ram module for about 5hrs and it ran fine. No errors. Did the other for 3hrs and it too had no errors. So for the sake of completeness I tried different modules in different slots. On the lower slot the Green ram module brought up errors and i was able to duplicate this the third try. However when changing the slot i didnt observe the issue. Tried the lower slot with the blue ram stick and it too brought up errors. (will upload the pics tomorrow). What does this mean? That, that particular slot is not ohk? or both ram sticks arent proper??
Will do another test tonight on the upper slot to see if I get any errors on that. On a side note i did run prime and it stressed the cpu which climbed from average 50 degrees to around 90 degrees in a minute but laptop didn't crash.
 
phly said:
On the lower slot the Green ram module brought up errors and i was able to duplicate this the third try. However when changing the slot i didnt observe the issue. Tried the lower slot with the blue ram stick and it too brought up errors. (will upload the pics tomorrow). What does this mean? That, that particular slot is not ohk? or both ram sticks arent proper??
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Well done! As your notebook has i7 CPU, it is a later model with PM55 chipset, we must focus on the CPU or connection with CPU, as memory controller is on the CPU. Simply reseating CPU might help, but you need to clean old thermal compound and apply a new one. Hope it helps. Read old messages how to do it, remember CPU is very sensitive to static electricity. Never touch pins with your fingers!

Edit: service manual is for download here: http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/19/product-support/product/studio-xps-16/manuals#./manuals?
 
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Reseating cpu hmm this is interesting. So what exactly is the issue. I have some thermal paste not sure if it will be enough. I have tampered with CPU and reapplying thermal paste on my former desktop pc that was heating up and causing my pc to shutdown. Thanks a lot for the info. I will look into it this weekend when I have time. The crashed haven't been that often although I'm running on only one 4gb ram stick. A total of only two crashes yesterday. My apologies for not uploading the pics. Slipped my mind.
 
phly said:
Reseating cpu hmm this is interesting. So what exactly is the issue. I have some thermal paste not sure if it will be enough. I have tampered with CPU and reapplying thermal paste on my former desktop pc that was heating up and causing my pc to shutdown. Thanks a lot for the info. I will look into it this weekend when I have time. The crashed haven't been that often although I'm running on only one 4gb ram stick. A total of only two crashes yesterday. My apologies for not uploading the pics. Slipped my mind.
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You dont need alot ... too much thermal can be just as deterimental. (Thanks given to Rickster for pointing this out to me a few years back).
 
Update: I went to buy thermal paste and we decided to try change ram since that's the last thing I upgraded and the modules were mismatched. However they have been working fine. But since Saturday it has not crashed even once. However yesterday my beloved laptop fell. And it's not looking pretty anymore. So now I'm selling it as well as the fact that I'm now in the market for a new laptop. Any and all recommendations welcome. Will open a new thread though in the appropriate hardware section. Just figured I should update this thread for any future newbies.
 
It doesn't look good. Hinges are probably bent, so LCD can crack anytime. Besides, I wouldn't buy it with mismatched memory and suspected substandard memory controller. You should post link to this story on the other thread you just created. But you created impression that laptop had no existing hidden problems before fall. "A lovely laptop, just fallen and now looking for something similar". I feel sorry I was trying to help you.

Edit: It is even worse: http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/707946-Laptop-fell-looking-for-similar-upgrade
phly said:
So my awesome laptop fell. It's a Dell xps studio 1645. It's still working perfectly however being a 2010 laptop it's gonna be difficult to find its housing.
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I posted pics in the other forum where im looking to upgrade. But the fall happened this week. Its a strong laptop so it did not suffer any major issues. Besides the corner bits its working perfectly and i'm actually typing on it as we speak. I did not buy it with mismatched ram. I got the laptop last year and decided to upgrade ram several months ago. And because i did not have enough cash, I just bought 1x4gb then bought the other 1x4gb at a later stage however it was working fine with it.

the place i went to buy thermal paste is the same place i originally bought the ram so he is the same person that gave me another ram stick to try just to see if i can eliminate the issue. And that did the trick.
 
phly said:
I posted pics in the other forum where im looking to upgrade. But the fall happened this week. Its a strong laptop so it did not suffer any major issues. Besides the corner bits its working perfectly and i'm actually typing on it as we speak. I did not buy it with mismatched ram. I got the laptop last year and decided to upgrade ram several months ago. And because i did not have enough cash, I just bought 1x4gb then bought the other 1x4gb at a later stage however it was working fine with it.

the place i went to buy thermal paste is the same place i originally bought the ram so he is the same person that gave me another ram stick to try just to see if i can eliminate the issue. And that did the trick.
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Well, if it is the case, why you you didn't post a link to this thread as suggested?
Don't try to defend yourself in this thread, this type of hypocrisy is easily detected. If you are really a honest person, let the prospective buyer decide. In currect situation you are crying for help on this thread, while on the other thread you claim that there is nothing internally wrong with the laptop.
 
sajunky said:
Well, if it is the case, why you you didn't post a link to this thread as suggested?
Don't try to defend yourself in this thread, this type of hypocrisy is easily detected. If you are really a honest person, let the prospective buyer decide. In currect situation you are crying for help on this thread, while on the other thread you claim that there is nothing internally wrong with the laptop.
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"hypocricy??"
I'm not sure exactly where the problem is or what the problem is? I have already let the prospective buyer decide as those interested in viewing or buying the laptop I have personally emailed them and even gave them the directions to the place. Let me try and clarify things.
1. My laptop was having issues. Constant BSOD. I posted this thread asking for help and folks on here were very helpful with various suggestions and the final solution i went with was the reseating the CPU and apply the thermal paste. That was on saturday last week.
2. I got to the place where i normally buy my IT stuff to get gel. Tried to even do the opening of the laptop there. (I had bought 2x 44gb ram sticks both on different occasions. And that was the last upgrade i had done like about 3 months ago. Laptop was working fine with both ram sticks even though i knew they were mismatched, I found from google that the laptop will use the fastest speed of the lowest stick so i was content since i had already made the purchase and laptop was working fine.)
3. As I and the tech were playing around with different ideas. we decided to try change the one ram stick. And since he is the one that gave me the ram sticks he gave me one that matches the one i had.
4. I went home that saturday and right through sunday not a single crash and till date almost a week later i have not had a single crash.
5. Unfortunately this week, think it was on tuesday if not monday my bag fell, one of the straps cut and so it fell at an angle and bottom left of the laptop got chipped and top left got a small crack. I have taken and posted the pics to show damage. (Both closeup and slightly zoomed out to show the extent of the damage.)
6. So I posted in the hardware forum to ask for advice on an upgrade as I enjoy this laptop alot but feel any other laptop as far as i have looked will be a downgrade in terms of ports and features packed inside. Even the new macbook just has one port only.
7. I also contemplated selling my current laptop as I've already mentioned and yes i did say it does not have any issues inside as the only issue (the constant BSOD issue) is gone. Solved by changing ram stick.

I hope that clears any misconceptions anyone might have. And since I have the time now I will try update the other thread with a link pointing to this thread. And that should make everyone happy I hope.
 
During your testing both memory stick were generating errors on the same slot and no errors on the other, showing problems with memory controller, not a particular memory stick. You cured the problem by visiting the shop and plugging-in a memory stick which didn't generate errors. This is exactly what you wrote when you reported a 'solution', nothing more. Now you speak completely different story, so I am not going to comment on the improved version. My point is that potential buyer was given false information in the other thread that there were absolutely no problems with this laptop so far. This is my third post in this matter, we hear some new stories to delay action "Lets sell laptop first, then I will link pointing to this thread". ;)
 
sajunky said:
During your testing both memory stick were generating errors on the same slot and no errors on the other, showing problems with memory controller, not a particular memory stick. You cured the problem by visiting the shop and plugging-in a memory stick which didn't generate errors. This is exactly what you wrote when you reported a 'solution', nothing more. Now you speak completely different story, so I am not going to comment on the improved version. My point is that potential buyer was given false information in the other thread that there were absolutely no problems with this laptop so far. This is my third post in this matter, we hear some new stories to delay action "Lets sell laptop first, then I will link pointing to this thread". ;)
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I honestly see no problem with his sale or that it has bearing on this thread. :confused:

The BSOD issue was resolved. (Laptop is working) He's now trying to sell it since he wants to buy another one after this one fell. He indicated that it fell and disclosed the damage.

What else should he do? Disclose that he had his car serviced last year in February and used 20w50 oil in it :confused:
 
Pitbull said:
I honestly see no problem with his sale or that it has bearing on this thread. :confused:

The BSOD issue was resolved. (Laptop is working) He's now trying to sell it since he wants to buy another one after this one fell. He indicated that it fell and disclosed the damage.

What else should he do? Disclose that he had his car serviced last year in February and used 20w50 oil in it :confused:
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Agree I read his other thread and he made it clear it's the laptop in this thread, I then read this thread and still don't see the issue everything regarding the laptop and it's status is disclosed and available for me as a buyer to make an informed decision.
 
Thor187 said:
Agree I read his other thread and he made it clear it's the laptop in this thread,
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It had been disclosed 3 hours ago (or edited earlier post) after long battle. Now I don't feel sorry that I was helping this person.
 
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