My PC which has run on XP quite happily for many months now has the annoying habit of producing the BSOD on bootup with the "8E" error indicating memory problems. I have run a memtest for 24hrs with many passes showing all OK. I have tried moving, substituting and reseating the RAM modules with no success. Occasionally it will boot normally and may do so for a number of occasions. If the BSOD does occur I can usually boot normally by switching off the power and holding the PC start button in for a few seconds (indicating that the PC is not discharging when switched off normally?). Any help appreciated.

Simpson

0x0000008E: KERNEL_MODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED
(Click to consult the online MSDN article.)
A kernel mode program generated an exception which the error handler didn’t catch. These are nearly always hardware compatibility issues (which sometimes means a driver issue or a need for a BIOS upgrade).

Important also to keep in mind that memory issues affect the CPU as well as Graphics Card which both use Memory as well.

I would pull up the dumps and see if we can see anything:


Go to start | search (type in) .dmp
Note the location of your .dmp files.

Then:

1) Download and install the
Debugging Tools from Microsoft
2) Download and install this
debugwiz
3) Open the Wiz & Browse to, or paste in the path to, your .dmp file.
4) After the Wiz creates a Text document attach it back to this thread.

Thanks for prompt reply as always. I'll let the machine do a full dump next time I get the BSOD and repost the results as you suggest.

Many thanks for lifeline!

Simpson

Actually, if you go to Start -> Run and type EventVwr.msc you'll be able to pull up logs to your computer dating back to your last reformat. Click on "System" and find the date of your last BSOD. It will say Memory Dump on the date you had your BSOD. Double-click on it and you'll see information for it.

You can also do this:

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=35246

By debugging the dumps, you get EVERY bit of information contained in them. The tutorial on that page is extremely simple and easy to use. Just download the debugging tool (it's an official Microsoft program) and read the steps. Then when you have the dump open and debugged, select the whole text and copy it here.

Thanks once again for prompt and helpful reply.

On seeing the post from Jephree which mentioned the BIOS, I reflashed my BIOS and guess what? Fetridge's Law of Frustration has kicked in (The likelyhood of something you want happening is inversly proportional to the event taking place) and I have now been waiting for a BSOD for 5 days - nothing I do will make it happen!

I therefore have no 'dump' to analyse but I am also greatly relieved! I'll keep you posted if the BSOD returns.

Yours gratefully

Simpson