Serious Error Messages

[UncleDave]

Ok..basically the computer will reboot itself then say the system has recovered from a serious error, and when I look in the Technical details it mentions the following files:

C:\DOCUME~1\Dave\LOCALS~1\Temp\WERd6b2.dir00\Mini121005-03.dmp
C:\DOCUME~1\Dave\LOCALS~1\Temp\WERd6b2.dir00\sysdata.xml


I've had this before with the mini*.dmp thing, but ended up reformatting then it is fine.
I cannot take another blow to my self respect by giving in and reformatting, I think I would rather buy a new computer

Any help VERY much appreciated!!
Dave.

[BliarOut]

There might be something about it in the error log. Basically it bluescreened. Chances are it's a buggy driver. Make sure everything is as up to date as it can be by downloading the latest drivers from the manufacturers website.

Formatting is not a cure for that particular problem, it will resurface sooner or later as you've just discovered.

Can you remember what you were doing at the time, as that may help track it down.

[UncleDave]

Well it is actually in GT Legends game, which would likely mean the Graphics card.. but if it is this.. why does it work partially, then stops?

Another thing I thought was maybe the PSU?

Dave.

[aranell]

As BliarOut suggested, have you had a look in the error logs?
(Assuming you are using 2k/XP, right click on 'My Computer', select 'manage' and then have a look in 'application' and 'system' under the 'event viewer')

It might point to what is making the PC crash.

[UncleDave]

Yeah sorry I missed that part.

Nothing in there that could be related to the crashes unfortunately.. and I have done a Memory Check - seems to be in order.

Dave.

[BliarOut]

Yup, graphics driver is the most likely culprit then, just check the driver is the latest. The other thing is cooling, could be getting a bit hot under heavy graphics load. Have you got good fans and space around the PC?

Are you reasonably tecchie? You can enable complete memory dumps and do a debug, but it definitely isn't for the feint hearted!

[UncleDave]

Yeah no prob.. I have just enabled the Complete memory dumping, but how to debug?

Or should I try and recreate the error, then upload the .dmp files here?

Dave.

[robbieduncan]

GT Legends includes some fairly invasive copy protection. It works by installing some drivers that sit between your CD/DVD drive drivers and the OS. I would point the finger at the copy protection myself.

On a side note this copy protection means I won't buy this game and support these practices.

[FourWheelDrift]

UncleDave said:

Well it is actually in GT Legends game, which would likely mean the Graphics card.. but if it is this.. why does it work partially, then stops? Another thing I thought was maybe the PSU? Dave.

Have you recently upgraded to a new GFX card?

[BliarOut]

It's not pretty

In a nutshell, you'll need to get the correct version of the debug symbols for your service pack OS version (Go for the small version and link to the MS debug server if you have good internet connectivity)

www.microsoft.com/whdc/devtools/debugging/installx86.mspx

This article tells you how to do it in a bit more detail. Basically you want to run !analyze -show to get the stop error code and !analyze -v to find the faulty driver.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en

As I said, it's not pretty and I would update the graphics driver first in case it cures it. Also check the game site for any patches.

Have fun!

[UncleDave]

No upgrades, and it did actually happen once when the game wasn't running that I forgot about..

I used Windows Key + L to 'lock' the computer, and when I logged back in she rebooted. That was the first time, but any times after that have been in GT Legends. It must be related.

Thanks for the tutorials, i'll have a read.
Dave.


Edit: It's too hard haha, no idea what it's on about and feel like crap at the minute.. might have a look tomorrow, but think i'm stuffed

>> Edited by UncleDave on Saturday 10th December 23:48

[lockstock2sb]

i dont think its related but 3 times yesterday (sat) i was booted out of GTL just when its loading the grid for the race (screen goes blank for a long time) and there was a nice fat XP error screen saying a serious error was encountered....it seems to happen when i'm up in the top 5 (barstewards !!!), although that could just be coincidence.... the only thing thats changed is i have clocked my graphics card.....hmmmmm

Steve

>> Edited by lockstock2sb on Sunday 11th December 02:16

[UncleDave]

Yeah thinks it's time to upgrade to be honest.....

I'll try and get the best AGP card I can find, otherwise i'll probably go PCI-e

Would that be better? I suppose cheaper in the long run, as AGP will probably be slowly disappearing.

Dave.

[UncleDave]

Just had an update.... I set to complete memory dump so I could see anything on the Blue Screen...

I got an

IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL

What next?

[BliarOut]

Unclock your graphics card?

[UncleDave]

Not overclocked now, but had been before..

[BliarOut]

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en

Also, bung IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL in the search box on http://support.microsoft.com it should help you home in on the fault pretty quickly.

It's a driver fault, not hardware.

[UncleDave]

Don't think so now.. thought about trying DXDIAG and she shut down with the error again.

Restarted Windows then dxdiagged again and it said there was DirectPlay problem detected last time, should it hbe bypassed this time.. I seleted yes and it rebooted with the error. But select no and it's fine.

So DirectPlay error, sound to me as though it is a hardware fault other than software?

Dave.