Stop Code

[Sparkus]

Hello,

I’ve been receiving this Stop Code blue screen error message and I tried everything I could find to fix the problem but nothing helps (auto repair says it can not fix it. Tried several command prompts I found online and while it seems like it helps, the problem returns. I tried system restore and also reset the system twice).

Sometimes the computer completely freezes and I don’t even get to see the blue screen. It can happen after 2 minutes and also after a few hours. Sometimes when it freezes and I try to restart the computer, it fails to turn on and gets stuck in a loop of restarting until I force shutdown.

Everytime the blue screen appears the error message changes. One time it said “DRIVER_OVERRAN_STACK_BUFFER”. Other times it said some file name like intelppm.sys and others.

What else can I try to resolve this issue?

Thank you in advance.

[Bruce]

Let’s get your complete PC specs.
Get Speccy; Speccy - Download Builds
In Speccy, click File > Publish Snapshot (hit Yes if prompted to proceed with publish) > Copy to Clipboard > Close.
Now you can paste that link into your next post.

Speccy doesn’t show the Power Supply Unit so, if a Desktop PC, list the make/model of the PSU.

Is Speccy safe?

Not knowing what you have already tried, do the fopllowing from an elevated command prompt;
[ul]
[li]chkdsk c: /r[/li][li]sfc /scannow[/li][li]dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth[/li][li]dism /online /cleanup-image /startcomponentcleanup /resetbase[/li][/ul]

[Sparkus]

Hi Bruce,

Thank you for your response.

It is a desktop PC but not sure what the make/model of the PSU is without opening it.

Unfortunately, the commands you mentioned is one of the things I have already tried.

I tried to confirm something and left the computer on the entire day/night and it didn’t freeze once but when I started a game it froze after 2 minutes so I am starting to think it is an issue with the graphic card even though everything says it is working fine.

I don’t believe it is an issue with RAM memory usage or high CPU as I was checking the PC performance while the game was running (before it froze) and there were no visible issues. CPU was at around 40% and I have 16 RAM while the games I tried require 8 (max 16) and it also worked before.

[Sparkus]

I ran a Windows Memory Diagnostic and found no errors

[Bruce]

Don’t forget the Speccy report, and to get the PSU specs, take off side cover and the sticker on the PSU will have the make/model.

[Bruce]

@Sparkus - still need help?

[Sparkus]

Sorry for the delay, I don’t get on the computer too often.

Speccy: http://speccy.piriform.com/results/R...zjfCSi7c7AiHFf

About the PSU, I am not sure. The only thing written on it is “MWE bronze 450”. Is that enough?

[Bruce]

From Speccy…
D:\ drive has 2% free space - time to be ruthless and reclaim some space.
Your BIOS says v2208 dated 7th July 2021 - ASUS has the latest also at v2208 but on 24th July 2021, so that may be worth checking.

Your PSU is only just adequate enough. NVidia recommends min of 450watts for that GTC1650 card.
Cooler Master make a MWE model of PSU, so assuming it’s one of theirs, they do a V2 series which is mid-range and a V1 series which is low-end. Any idea which you have? Include a photo if it helps.
But anything less than 80+ Gold is typically not recommended when using add-on graphics cards.

[Sparkus]

Thank you Bruce.

Regarding the space in D:/, yes unfortunately I am aware of the low space but it has been like that for a while so I don’t think that’s what causing the problems now. I’ve made a mistake buying too low of space. I will buy more at some point but may take some time.

Regarding the GTC1650 card, it actually didn’t come with the computer. My previous card burnt and they replaced it. Could it be the reason? If I upgrade the PSU it might solve the issue? It says 80+ bronze.

Sorry I didn’t mention Cooler Master written on it as well (thought it’s not relevant). I can’t tell for sure but assuming it’s V1 as it doesn’t say V2 anywhere.

As I mentioned I don’t use the computer often but I don’t remember having a problem after they changed the card but it’s possible I didn’t use the computer enough after they changed it to notice the problem.

Could you clarify regarding the BIOS, please? Not sure what I should check.

[Bruce]

Regarding space (or lack of), Windows does some weird shite when it has to micro-manage space.
Admittedly, this isn’t the boot, but still - who knows what bad hair day Windows is having trying to deal with almost no space. Quick test would be to just unplug that drive. Hopefully there is nothing on it that a program, or Windows, is looking for. If there is, that would certainly add credence to the low space causing issues!

Same theory with the PSU - if the system, or GPU, suddenly wants more power and the PSU can’t deliver enough, or a clean signal, weird stuff happens. So while the current PSU may not be the cause, you couldn’t discount it out either. Getting a better one, in the 600watt range (or more) and 80+ Gold, with at least 7 year warranty, would serve you well now and into the future.

As to the BIOS, my concern was your date doesn’t match the one on the ASUS website - so either your PC, or they, are wrong. I’d be doing an update of your PC’s firmware just to make sure you are both on the same page.

While none of the above may be the cause of your Stop Codes, they are the low hanging fruit options to cross off the list.

[Sparkus]

I see. Would it have the same effect if I try to move a few GBs into C:/ to balance it a little bit instead of unplugging? Rahter not deal with unplugging.

I feel the the PSU could be the main issue and I will upgrade it when I have a chance.

I wanted to try to update the BIOS but for some reason I don’t have the “Firmware” option in the Device manager.

[Bruce]

You have two SSDs, the Kingston 240GB is your C:\ drive - the SanDisk 480GB is your D:\ drive.
It’s the SanDisk you want to unplug, it’ll have two cables going to it, the large one is data, the smaller one is power - pulling out either will have the desired effect.
When re-connecting, they are ‘keyed’ and can only go in one way, impossible to get it wrong.
So take off the tower side cover and have a crack - no guts, no glory! (y)

As to the BIOS firmware update, they are doing it a bunch of different ways these days.
Could only do them via a file download onto a floppy (yes, floppy) or USB stick.
Now some let you do it via a Windows Update, then others have an app to install on your PC that’ll do it for you, some have it built in to the BIOS and a button click does it for you, and of course the old way is still available as well.
On the motherboards website, where you see the latest BIOS version for download, they should give you the process they expect to update their BIOS.

[Bruce]

@Sparkus - any news?

[Sparkus]

Hi Bruce,

Sorry, I don’t think I will unplug it at this point. I will have to get more space when I have a chance and will upgrade the CPU while I’m at it. If that did not solve the problem I will definitely try to unplug the drive.

I appreciate all of your help.

[Bruce]

No worries.
Probably not a lot then to do until then, but let’s see if anyone else chimes in. (y)