Discussion
Possibly memory? BSOD is a memory reference error, is the machine very old, it could just be bunged up with dust?
Try opening the case and giving the memory a dust. Make sure you follow ESD procedures before pulling the memory out or you risk frying the chip. Although I loose count of the amount of memory modules I've removed, cleaned up and put back without any trouble and I never worse ESD Straps.
Try opening the case and giving the memory a dust. Make sure you follow ESD procedures before pulling the memory out or you risk frying the chip. Although I loose count of the amount of memory modules I've removed, cleaned up and put back without any trouble and I never worse ESD Straps.
I would also suspect that it's memory at fault.
Be careful though. Before opening the case, take the power out of the back and WAIT for a few seconds before setting about it. The motherboard will probably hold charge somewhere for 30 seconds or so (maybe as much as 2 minutes - but unlikely). I've fried memory chips for not heeding my own advice.
Touch the metal case before poking around the insides. Ground yourself. Don't shuffle around on a carpet either. Be careful not to spit when blowing the dust away. Whatever you do, don't vacuum it!
Other than that, you should have no problems.
There are a couple of memory testing products out there (such as from www.memtest86.com) which are free and do a very thorough test if you want to check it out before getting into the guts of your PC.
Be careful though. Before opening the case, take the power out of the back and WAIT for a few seconds before setting about it. The motherboard will probably hold charge somewhere for 30 seconds or so (maybe as much as 2 minutes - but unlikely). I've fried memory chips for not heeding my own advice.
Touch the metal case before poking around the insides. Ground yourself. Don't shuffle around on a carpet either. Be careful not to spit when blowing the dust away. Whatever you do, don't vacuum it!
Other than that, you should have no problems.
There are a couple of memory testing products out there (such as from www.memtest86.com) which are free and do a very thorough test if you want to check it out before getting into the guts of your PC.
rebelstar said:
Be careful though. Before opening the case, take the power out of the back and WAIT for a few seconds before setting about it. The motherboard will probably hold charge somewhere for 30 seconds or so (maybe as much as 2 minutes - but unlikely). I've fried memory chips for not heeding my own advice.
Touch the metal case before poking around the insides. Ground yourself. Don't shuffle around on a carpet either. Be careful not to spit when blowing the dust away. Whatever you do, don't vacuum it!
Other than that, you should have no problems.
There are a couple of memory testing products out there (such as from <a href="http://www.memtest86.com">www.memtest86.com</a>which are free and do a very thorough test if you want to check it out before getting into the guts of your PC.
I would switch off the power, but not remove the power cable.
If you remove the power cable from the back then the static you are discharging into the chassis does not discharge as there is no ground for it to go to. If yo leave the power cable in the charge flows through it to ground.
>> Edited by m-five on Wednesday 7th January 11:08
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