Hi,
A while back i had a problem with my pc randomly turning off. replacing graphics cards did not change a thing, so please disregard the "try changing video adapters".

When i am working, my computer will randomly shut off, or go to this blue screen.

What does this error message mean?

http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/9076/error5hk.jpg

and how can i fix it?

Thanks!

How old is the computer? What is the make and model?

Any new hardware? RAM? Try a RAM test: http://www.memtest86.com/

If the RAM checks out I would next check your hard drive. Diagnostics are particular to your specific manufacturer: http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=287

STOP: 0x0000008E (0xc0000005

0x0000008E: KERNEL_MODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED

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).

http://search.microsoft.com/results....08E+0xc0000005

http://www.annoyances.org/exec/forum/winxp/t1060481303

http://www.google.com/search?sourcei...8E+(0xc0000005

http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/8283/nohd6qe.jpg

Im not sure what type of hard drive i have....
I did the Fujitsu ATA Diagnostic Tool) and i got that ^^^
perhaps it varies on the hard drive you have..

Apparently i have no hard drive attached to my computer....then why can i access it and use it?

I'm not sure how to do the memory Test....perhaps you could help me with that.

My computer..

Pentium 4, 3.2ghz, Radeon X850, Pt800-cea motherboard

If your drive is not Fujitsu then that scan probably won't recognize it.

Run this scan and post back what is listed under Drives

http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

As to Mem Test:

For windows installation begin by downloading the Pre-Compiled Windows package (Memtest86 3.2 Release) to build a boot-able floppy disk. After the file is downloaded an extract must be done to uncompress the file(s). To extract right click on the downloaded file and select the "Extract All" option. The extract option will let you choose where the files will be extracted to. To build a bootable floppy go the the folder where the files were extracted and click on the Install icon. The floppy disk will appear to be unformatted by Windows after the install is complete.

Then just boot this floppy. The test will run over a period of time. It is best to let it run for an hour or so (perhaps overnight).

80.02 Gigabytes Usable Hard Drive Capacity
43.43 Gigabytes Hard Drive Free Space

16X52X32X52COMBO [CD-ROM drive]
3.5" format removeable media [Floppy drive]

WDC WD800JB-00CRA1 [Hard drive] (80.03 GB) -- drive 0, s/n WD-WCA8E5164244, rev 17.07W17, SMART Status: Healthy

WDC = Western Digital

Data Lifeguard Tools 11 for Windows

http://support.wdc.com/download/index.asp?swid=1

The Data lifeguard thing gives me 4 different choices of options. None of which say Diagnostic, they are like copy a hd to another hd, format a new hd that is already connected, read the manual.

or should i be dling the lifegaurd diagnostics file?

Question
How do I test a WD Serial ATA or EIDE hard drive for errors using a Data Lifeguard Tools 11 diagnostic disk?
Answer
For instructions on how to create a Data Lifeguard Tools 11 diagnostic diskette please see Answer ID 1082. To test a Western Digital Serial ATA or EIDE hard drive for errors using the diagnostic disk, please follow these steps:

1. Boot your computer and set your system BIOS to boot to a floppy disk first. If you do not know how to enter or adjust your system BIOS please refer to your computer/motherboard user manual or contact the manufacturer.


2. Save the new BIOS setting and insert the Data Life Guard diagnostic disk into your disk drive.


3. You will be brought to the License Agreement screen, read the agreement and hit the Esc button.


4. Press the Y key to accept the license agreement.


5. You will be at the main menu for DLGDIAG 5.03. Use the down arrow button to highlight Extended Test and press the Enter key.


6. The software will tell you that a Quick Test will be run first. Press R to continue.


7. After the Quick Test is run you should receive a four-digit error code that will indicate the status of your drive.


For more a complete list of all error codes and their explanations, please see Answer ID 654

How to test a WD SATA or EIDE drive for errors with a Data Lifeguard Tools 11 diagnostic disk.
http://wdc.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/wdc....i=&p_topview=1

Originally Posted by Dingo5

The Data lifeguard thing gives me 4 different choices of options. None of which say Diagnostic, they are like copy a hd to another hd, format a new hd that is already connected, read the manual.

or should i be dling the lifegaurd diagnostics file?

Data Lifeguard Diagnostic for Windows
http://support.wdc.com/download/?cxml=n&pid=999&swid=3

Sorry I posted the wrong link.

K i did that, i still need to do the long check, but the short check passed the HD.

Here is a error message windows gave me when i rebooted after a crash

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/3...ed1copy9bp.jpg

Btw Jephree thanks so much for trying to help me! Your patience is well appreciated.