Solved Random Crashes Even After Fresh Install

[AMQB]

Hi there,

I've got a Dell Optiplex 7020 MT which was crashing mostly after I resume it from hibernation (and continue playing a game or performing a heavy task, or sometimes even when just browsing). Instead of finding the root cause, I decided to re-install the OS (Windows 10Pro x64) afresh but that somehow seems to have worsened the problem as now the PC won't even complete the boot process at times. It would reach the login screen (no password so it would load) and just freeze. The keyboard keys work (caps lock, num lock), the HDD LED indicator on the front of the PC shows that it is not stuck. This forces me to do a hard reboot and then it would work. Event Viewer doesn't reveal much to me at least. Previously I was seeing kernel power error 41 or something of that nature.

Speccy: http://speccy.piriform.com/results/DGV2mTfmUljY7sEmRUbvt7Y

I can only see 2 .dmp files (attached) which are from the day reinstalled the OS while the PC froze some minutes ago as well when I powered it on. I've exported the event logs for today and all of the others from event viewer as 2 separate files for ease of accessibility.

I had 3 SATA HDDs connected and disconnecting one of them made me believe that I sorted the issue.. apparently not.

Any leads? What further information do you require to be able to assist me?

 

[AMQB]

Update: I decided to open a game and around 5 minutes in, it froze.. and rebooted. No BSOD. No minidump created even though I've set it up as per the instructions in the sticky thread.

I've gone a step further and used the Sysnative software to collect more details if required. Also attached today's event logs as well so that it includes any crash related information.

 

[veeg]

Hello

Hopefully some of our members will chime in soon..

@jmarket @phillpower2

 

[phillpower2]

Took a look at both dmps, the first being NT related could be just about anything but the second points towards the Intel rapid storage technology driver, this ties in with the first dmp as NT often points towards the HDD drivers.

Since you clean installed Windows, have you reinstalled the Dell drivers for the motherboard and starting with the chipset drivers first.

 

[AMQB]

Took a look at both dmps, the first being NT related could be just about anything but the second points towards the Intel rapid storage technology driver, this ties in with the first dmp as NT often points towards the HDD drivers.

Since you clean installed Windows, have you reinstalled the Dell drivers for the motherboard and starting with the chipset drivers first.

Hi. Yes, I've downloaded and installed all drivers from the Dell website specifically for my service tag, updated BIOS, and even used Intel's software for updating Intel drivers which as far as I remember did not find any updates to the intel rapid storage technology driver.

PS: These are not the HDDs that came with the Desktop. There is a third HDD as well which I've disconnected during my troubleshooting as I suspected perhaps it or the SATA cable to be faulty (even though crystal disk shows all disks are im good quality).

 

[phillpower2]

Can you post the PSU brand and model name or number details + do the following for us;

Download and run DriverView which you can get from here

Save the results to text and attach to your next reply for us if you will.

 

[AMQB]

Can you post the PSU brand and model name or number details + do the following for us;

Download and run DriverView which you can get from here

Save the results to text and attach to your next reply for us if you will.

It is a Dell PSU, model AC290EM-0, Dell P/N: 0NFX6T. Pic attached along with the driver view file.

 

[phillpower2]

Hello AMQB,

I wouldn`t be surprised if it were the PSU that is causing the freezing problems, Dell PSUs are notoriously weak and just about cover the bare minimum of the computers specs.

Can I ask when and who fitted the Quadro K2200 workstation card, the computer specs here list the 290W PSU but no add on video card, the 290W PSU is just about enough for the system without the GPU and only the one HDD, first suggestion that I will make is that the Quadro K2200 workstation card be completely removed from the motherboard and you connect the screen to the appropriate video port on the back of the case, try this set up but if still freezing disconnect the two HDDs that do not have Windows on them and see how that goes.

In addition to the above, the minimum recommended PSU to power a system with a Quadro K2200 workstation card is 350W and looking at the list of drivers the only ones that I can see that are likely to cause trouble are the Avast drivers, get rid of Avast at your earliest convenience and use the better and no trouble Windows Defender instead.

 

[AMQB]

Hello AMQB,

I wouldn`t be surprised if it were the PSU that is causing the freezing problems, Dell PSUs are notoriously weak and just about cover the bare minimum of the computers specs.

Can I ask when and who fitted the Quadro K2200 workstation card, the computer specs here list the 290W PSU but no add on video card, the 290W PSU is just about enough for the system without the GPU and only the one HDD, first suggestion that I will make is that the Quadro K2200 workstation card be completely removed from the motherboard and you connect the screen to the appropriate video port on the back of the case, try this set up but if still freezing disconnect the two HDDs that do not have Windows on them and see how that goes.

In addition to the above, the minimum recommended PSU to power a system with a Quadro K2200 workstation card is 350W and looking at the list of drivers the only ones that I can see that are likely to cause trouble are the Avast drivers, get rid of Avast at your earliest convenience and use the better and no trouble Windows Defender instead.

Hi there, The Quadro K2200 was installed by me as I require the GPU power for some graphics stuff but this has been working fine (with two HDDs, the same graphics card, the same PSU as well) for over 3 years now. Why the sudden issues? There has been nothing removed nor added apart from the third HDD.

 

[AMQB]

Also, removing the graphics card and using the onboard video port would not help in resolving why this only happens when something graphically intensive such as a game. Not always too, only sometimes.. Mostly when resuming from hibernation but that is not always the case.

Could it be an indication of a faulty PSU or GFX card?

 

[phillpower2]

Hello AMQB,

Had you been a gamer something would have give well before now, using an underpowered PSU slowly but surely damages the PSU and other hardware over a period of time.

Take a look at the OP and subsequent reply here

Fwiw, the Quadro K2200 specs including the PSU requirements can be found here

 

[AMQB]

Hello AMQB,

Had you been a gamer something would have give well before now, using an underpowered PSU slowly but surely damages the PSU and other hardware over a period of time.

Take a look at the OP and subsequent reply here

Fwiw, the Quadro K2200 specs including the PSU requirements can be found here

Well, that is most intriguing and very informative.

Thank you.

I'll uninstall Avast, disconnect the other hard drive, and look into a better power supply. Can you suggest one that would fit and connect with the Dell Optiplex 7020MT?

 

[phillpower2]

Before replacing anything I would do as was previously suggested in my reply #8, this will hopefully lighten the power draw on the PSU to allow you to use the computer until you get things sorted, for your convenience;

first suggestion that I will make is that the Quadro K2200 workstation card be completely removed from the motherboard and you connect the screen to the appropriate video port on the back of the case, try this set up but if still freezing disconnect the two HDDs that do not have Windows on them and see how that goes.

Regarding Avast, dealt with it so many times that I have a canned info for removing it see below;

You can uninstall Avast in the Control Panel but should you have any problems see Avast clean removal info here Please create a new system restore point first.

Once Avast has been correctly uninstalled, check to see if Windows Defender has auto enabled and allow it to update and carry out a full scan of your computer.

Can I ask that you do not quote every reply, it really does not help any and just makes for unnecessary reading, thanks.

 

[AMQB]

Thank you for your support, and apologies for quoting your reply every time.

I will try the suggested.

For future reference, can you suggest a power supply that would fit and connect with the MBD?

You can also go ahead and close the thread.

Thanks again.

 

[AMQB]

Hi,

Just an update. I powered on my PC today to uninstall avast and before I even started using it, it restarted

After that, I've now uninstalled Avast..

 

[phillpower2]

Hello AMQB,

It is even more important that you do the suggested tests then post back with an update for us.

If the computer runs ok with no add on GPU in the MB you have somewhat narrowed the issue down to being between the PSU/GPU or worse case scenario the both of them.

 

[AMQB]

Hi phillpower2, I'll do that and get back to you.

 

[phillpower2]

 

[phillpower2]

Any update for us AMQB?

 

[AMQB]

Hi,

Yes, my PC works fine without the GPU and just one hard drive.No issues thus far. I even tried plugging in the second hard drive for testing and it seems to be fine. Could it be the GPU is overheating? I've popped open the heatsink and applied thermal paste. Not sure if this should've been done.. :X3: