Various BSODs---need help

I'm trying to fix my sister's desktop. I'm sending from my PC.

System:
Dell Inspirion 530.
BIOS Revision: 1-0-16; newer ver. 1.0.18 is available but I haven't installed
OS: Vista 64-bit
RAM: 6GB - Windows Mem Diag Tool detected no problems
Virus Protection: none...ugh!

No new devices have been installed.

A few weeks ago, sister attempt to install a BUNCH of updates. She isn't literate just a user...so can't recall what she did or what happened. All she knows is since that time, systems has been flaky. She also claims the Internet doesn't work so she fixes it by turning everything off and starting over again...that seems to work.

I've taken system home and been trying to resolve issues. Below is summary of what I have attempted.

Removal of Malware. I was able to run SAS (no problems found); MB (a bunch found-over 750 items marked for deletion); couldn't run ComboFix; and able to run MGTools (will attach report). Reason I couldn't run ComboFix was system would BSOD and still does.

The BSODs types are:
--IRQL_not less than or equal--most frequent
--System Service Exceptions--several times
--A problem has been detected and windows has shut down to prevent damage to your computer--several times
--cache manager--only once

I've run thru SAFE MODE several times and experienced BSODs in both safe mode as well as normal windows. Various types but most frequent is IRQL. Only devices are USB keyboard and mouse. I have experienced same problems using both DELL devices and MS devices. Have also tried different USB ports...back and front...same results. As mentioned, memory test using Windows Diagnostics has found no problems.

I have booted using reinstall disks and tried restoring to two points..the latest ones available. First one was not successful due to missing files; second attempt of a later date was successful but still experiencing BSODs. Don't know if restoring to another point will be fruitful.

Internet still doesn't connect. She was using DSL at home; I have cable setup. I've attempted to resolve connectivity while in safe mode but am unable to do much. Can't get to working on connectivity due to BSOD.

I would really appreciate assistance. The frequent BSODs related to IRQLs is frustrating. How does one look at IRQ assignments? These were available in earlier systems in system setup/BIOS.

Waiting to hear from anyone with advice and information.

Thanks,

Blaine

 

Yes and no. I have been able to reboot into safe mode. After I do that and return to normal Windows, I get BSOD again. I have a few questions:

In safe mode, I notice that a box pops up which says and shows that a problem has been resolved. Do I need to wait in safe mode until that appears? Sometimes, when I don't wait and reboot into normal windows, the box appears there. Should I wait in safe mode first?

Last night, as I continued to resolve these problems, in addition to IRQL's, a few more BSOD's have begun to appear, specifically:

-- WIN32k.sys - something about image being marked pagable instead of non-pagable.
-- Interrupt exception not handled

Well, here is where the PC currently stands. I was able to get a stable normal windows boot and into the desktop with all of the previous icons. Then an WIN update message popped up...I was able to get thru a reduced list of 12 updates...only those related to windows VISTA x64-based OS and security. Two security updates failed. There are many others related to IE, MS Office, and MS WIN Defender which I won't bother with until a more stable system is up.

The desktop booted much faster than previously which is a good sign I hope. I will try to cycle thru a restart as a guage to see the status.

Oh darn, another BSOD...

Thanks for responding.

 

DavidGP,

Tried to add this update as an edit but was denied.

Anyway, after another round of BSODs, it seems to be behaving as previously, various BSODs>shutdowns, mainly IRQL-related and no reason--other than possible damage to computer. I've followed same steps of rebooting into safe mode, waiting for pop-up box, then rebooting into normal WIN. Sometimes, I can proceed to desktop; other times can't get that far--like right after entering password--IRQL. When I get to desktop, after just sitting on desktop with and without display of all the other desktop relish, i.e., clock, calendar, reminders, etc, a BSOD appears.

This machine is simply flaky at this point. I may or may not be able to do the malware removal guide except when only in safe mode but will try.

Since I don't have access to internet, I can't get updates to McAfee VSE which I have from work.

Thanks for assistance.

 

Thanks...Is this self boot or just put into CDROM then click on file after booting into safe mode? I have always had hard luck with burning ISO image to CD.

 

i am having identical symptoms same exact bsod's can't run combofix etc.. windows 7 x64 i am about to cry

 

Plodr,

Thanks, I will give it a try and get back to you.

Blaine

 

Well, I gave it a try...didn't work...errrrr. Here's what I did:

1. downloaded copy of memtest and opened the zipfile containing what I believe to be the essence of the test software.
2. using my desktop and Roxio Easy Media Creator 10, selected DATA DISC and "added" files to be burned.
3. selected option to make bootable, then selected option "Bootable image on hard drive".
4. after routine completed burn, inserted cd into problem computer and selected boot from CD.

The system has been completely shutdown and off. What happens is the system will go to the CD which spins for about 1 minute then stops spinning. The screen reads:

Boot from CD:
1. FD 2.88MB System type-(00)
_ (flashing dash)

...nothing else happens. There is no indication that the system is running the memory test.

The newly burned CD indicates a total of 49 files with total size of 24.9MBs. Is that correct?

...Sigh...

 

Plodr,

Thanks. As you probably can tell I never really had a clear understanding what burning an ISO image and/or creating a bootable ISO was all about. So, thanks for getting me straight.

I was able to burn the Memory Test image to a CD and got the test to run completely. No problems with my memory were noted.

I still continue to get BSODs with the latest being IRQL_NOT-LESS_OR_EQUAL AND DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL.

Here's what I did following memory test completed. I booted up thru normal WIN and system went all the way thru to desktop with all icons. I then received messages that updates were available. So I clicked on that and selected only those updates related to VISTA OS64. It started and I stepped away from computer. When I returned the BSOD with DRIVER... was on screen. Subsequent reboots into safe mode produced the IRQL_.... BSODs.

I am frustrated as heck...

Tomorrow, I will attempt to go thru the malware cleanup procedures and start a thread there with explanations and logs, etc.

Thanks for your patience and assistance thus far.

Blaine

 

Plodr,

I tried to look at the restore log to select a date prior to Dec 14, 2010. Unfortunately, the system is too unstable and I cannot get too far. Many more BSODs with latest one being INVALID_PROCESS_ATTACH_ATTEMPT. I have no clue what that means.

Anyway, I just ran CCleaner in safe mode. For what it is worth, here's what it found.

Internet Explorer-Temp files 4,016KB 301 files
Internet Explorer-History 32KB 1 file
Windows Explorer-Recent Docs 1KB 2 files
Windows Explorer-Thumbnail Cache 1,040KB 5 files
System-Temp files 9,492KB 99 files
System-Memory Dump 443,104KB 12 files
System-Windows Log files 17,495KB 7 files

Total of 464MB removed

Don't know if a log is saved anywhere.

OK, moving on to others and will post in Malware thread.

 

Plodr,

Mission accomplished...case closed. My sister's computer is clean and fixed. I'm using it for this response.

Thank you to you and your colleagues who provide invaluable community service by monitoring and providing assistance to all of us who are less knowledgable and skilled in these areas.

Happy New Year!

Best regards,

Blaine