BSOD frustrating computer

[MeDS]

I try to help my Friends and Family when they are having computer issues.

I have come across a new problem with my Aunt's computer. It's a generic computer and I don't have all the specifications for it.

It randomly BSODs. I am thinking it is a virus, hardware problem (drivers) or a combination of the two.

I have read troubleshooting essentials: Troubleshooting Essentials

I'm just not sure in what programs I should run. I'm thinking that I should run memtest.

Any other suggestions, information you guys need that would help me solve this issue?

I appreciate any help
Chris

[Pike]

You can try this to see what the blue screens mean....might give you more insight? I haven't tried this software but it appears to be helpful. Maybe somebody else has experience with it?

BlueScreenView - blue screen of death (STOP error) information.

[MeDS]

Originally Posted by Pike

You can try this to see what the blue screens mean....might give you more insight? I haven't tried this software but it appears to be helpful. Maybe somebody else has experience with it?

BlueScreenView - blue screen of death (STOP error) information.

Thanks Pike!

I tried that on my PC and it seems to show more info then a BSOD provides. I shall try this later tonight and see what I come up with.

Feel free to provide any other tips/tricks.

[Perineum]

Where are you located? Where is your aunt located?

[stoanee]

Originally Posted by Perineum

Where is your aunt located?

Taking forum trolling to new heights!

[MeDS]

Originally Posted by Perineum

Where are you located? Where is your aunt located?

not sure how that helps.

But an update. The BSOD is saying PFN_LIST_CORRUPT which seems like it is related to the memory.

[gingerbee]

PFN_LIST_CORRUPT - Google Search
all you need to fix is right there

[MeDS]

I reformatted and still get the issue while installing Windows. So from the search, it appears it is the memory or potentially BIOS related.

[stoanee]

At what point does your reformat stall at? I did an install the other day that kept stopping at "installing devices". I identified a bad stick of brand new ram, pulled it out and then the install went smoothly.

[MeDS]

that's exactly where it failed.

Should I:

A: Buy a new stick of RAM and try it and hope to hell it works.
B: Let a computer store look at it

P.S. If anyone is from Kitchener/Cambridge area and has a spare stick of DDR to borrow this would be awesome.