M17x R3 Constant nvkflt.sys BSODs.

Operating System: Windows 7 Professional 64-bit SP1
CPU:Intel Core i7 2760QM @ 2.40GHz
RAM:8.00GB Dual-Channel DDR3
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 3000 & NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580M

I've had my Alienware M17x R3 since December 2011 and I have had no issues until this summer. It all started in June when I was playing Marvel Heroes, I was a few hours into playing when I suddenly got a BSOD out of nowhere. I didn't think much of it so I let my laptop reboot and thought nothing of it. Then on the 2nd of this month it locked up in the nvidia panel. I had to go on vacation so I had to wait to look at it. I came back on the 11th, started Marvel Heroes and it BSOD'd as soon as the game loaded for me. I let the computer reboot again, then started checking everything. I booted up Marvel Heroes once again and this time it waited 10 minutes before doing it once again. So I updated my drivers hoping that it would solve this issue. On the 14th I was watching a live stream on twitch fullscreen, all was fine until I went to minimize and it BSOD'd again with the same error message. Yesterday I installed the official Dell driver 306.97 after another BSOD in Marvel Heroes. I played Sleeping Dogs for a few hours without any problem. Tonight I had another BSOD as soon as the game went full screen, before the title of the game even showed. I restarted and tried again. This time it BSOD after 30 minutes of play, my temps are all fine.

I also got a Kernel BSOD, I could not read the message and for some reason it didn't show up in the log. All I was doing was browsing the internet.

What would cause something like this? My laptop is in excellent condition (looks brand new) and has never had any problems. Here are the logs from the errors:

This is the first one in June:

On Thu 6/13/2013 2:49:36 AM MST your computer crashed
crash dump file: C:\Windows\Minidump\061313-32245-01.dmp
This was probably caused by the following module: nvkflt.sys (nvkflt+0x31704)
Bugcheck code: 0x116 (0xFFFFFA800DC22010, 0xFFFFF880045CC704, 0xFFFFFFFFC000009A, 0x4)
Error: VIDEO_TDR_ERROR
file path: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\nvkflt.sys
product: NVIDIA Windows Kernel Mode Driver, Version 310.90
company: NVIDIA Corporation
description: NVIDIA Windows Kernel Mode Driver, Version 310.90
Bug check description: This indicates that an attempt to reset the display driver and recover from a timeout failed.
A third party driver was identified as the probable root cause of this system error. It is suggested you look for an update for the following driver: nvkflt.sys (NVIDIA Windows Kernel Mode Driver, Version 314.22 , NVIDIA Corporation).
Google query: NVIDIA Corporation VIDEO_TDR_ERROR

The two from when I got back from vacation:

On Thu 7/11/2013 9:15:55 PM MSN your computer crashed
crash dump file: C:\Windows\Minidump\071113-18720-01.dmp
This was probably caused by the following module: nvkflt.sys (nvkflt+0x31704)
Bugcheck code: 0x116 (0xFFFFFA800E8C24E0, 0xFFFFF88004A31704, 0xFFFFFFFFC000009A, 0x4)
Error: VIDEO_TDR_ERROR
file path: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\nvkflt.sys
product: NVIDIA Windows Kernel Mode Driver, Version 310.90
company: NVIDIA Corporation
description: NVIDIA Windows Kernel Mode Driver, Version 310.90
Bug check description: This indicates that an attempt to reset the display driver and recover from a timeout failed.
A third party driver was identified as the probable root cause of this system error. It is suggested you look for an update for the following driver: nvkflt.sys (NVIDIA Windows Kernel Mode Driver, Version 314.22 , NVIDIA Corporation).
Google query: NVIDIA Corporation VIDEO_TDR_ERROR

On Thu 7/11/2013 9:31:27 PM MST your computer crashed
crash dump file: C:\Windows\Minidump\071113-87688-01.dmp
This was probably caused by the following module: nvkflt.sys (nvkflt+0x31704)
Bugcheck code: 0x116 (0xFFFFFA8009B9B4E0, 0xFFFFF88003FD5704, 0xFFFFFFFFC000009A, 0x4)
Error: VIDEO_TDR_ERROR
file path: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\nvkflt.sys
product: NVIDIA Windows Kernel Mode Driver, Version 314.22
company: NVIDIA Corporation
description: NVIDIA Windows Kernel Mode Driver, Version 314.22
Bug check description: This indicates that an attempt to reset the display driver and recover from a timeout failed.
A third party driver was identified as the probable root cause of this system error. It is suggested you look for an update for the following driver: nvkflt.sys (NVIDIA Windows Kernel Mode Driver, Version 314.22 , NVIDIA Corporation).
Google query: NVIDIA Corporation VIDEO_TDR_ERROR

This is the one from a few weeks ago:

On Sun 7/14/2013 1:01:08 AM MST your computer crashed
crash dump file: C:\Windows\Minidump\071413-19141-01.dmp
This was probably caused by the following module: nvkflt.sys (nvkflt+0x31704)
Bugcheck code: 0x116 (0xFFFFFA800D5884E0, 0xFFFFF88003E31704, 0xFFFFFFFFC000009A, 0x4)
Error: VIDEO_TDR_ERROR
file path: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\nvkflt.sys
product: NVIDIA Windows Kernel Mode Driver, Version 314.22
company: NVIDIA Corporation
description: NVIDIA Windows Kernel Mode Driver, Version 314.22
Bug check description: This indicates that an attempt to reset the display driver and recover from a timeout failed.
A third party driver was identified as the probable root cause of this system error. It is suggested you look for an update for the following driver: nvkflt.sys (NVIDIA Windows Kernel Mode Driver, Version 314.22 , NVIDIA Corporation).
Google query: NVIDIA Corporation VIDEO_TDR_ERROR


Tonight while trying to play Sleeping Dogs on steam:


On Sun 7/28/2013 1:32:34 AM MST your computer crashed
crash dump file: C:\Windows\Minidump\072813-29390-01.dmp
This was probably caused by the following module: nvkflt.sys (nvkflt+0x31704)
Bugcheck code: 0x116 (0xFFFFFA800D4BE4E0, 0xFFFFF88004447704, 0xFFFFFFFFC000009A, 0x4)
Error: VIDEO_TDR_ERROR
file path: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\nvkflt.sys
product: NVIDIA Windows Kernel Mode Driver, Version 306.97
company: NVIDIA Corporation
description: NVIDIA Windows Kernel Mode Driver, Version 306.97
Bug check description: This indicates that an attempt to reset the display driver and recover from a timeout failed.
A third party driver was identified as the probable root cause of this system error. It is suggested you look for an update for the following driver: nvkflt.sys (NVIDIA Windows Kernel Mode Driver, Version 306.97 , NVIDIA Corporation).
Google query: NVIDIA Corporation VIDEO_TDR_ERROR

On Sun 7/28/2013 2:00:00 AM MST your computer crashed
crash dump file: C:\Windows\Minidump\072813-15631-01.dmp
This was probably caused by the following module: nvkflt.sys (nvkflt+0x31704)
Bugcheck code: 0x116 (0xFFFFFA800D373010, 0xFFFFF88004431704, 0xFFFFFFFFC000009A, 0x4)
Error: VIDEO_TDR_ERROR
file path: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\nvkflt.sys
product: NVIDIA Windows Kernel Mode Driver, Version 306.97
company: NVIDIA Corporation
description: NVIDIA Windows Kernel Mode Driver, Version 306.97
Bug check description: This indicates that an attempt to reset the display driver and recover from a timeout failed.
A third party driver was identified as the probable root cause of this system error. It is suggested you look for an update for the following driver: nvkflt.sys (NVIDIA Windows Kernel Mode Driver, Version 306.97 , NVIDIA Corporation).
Google query: NVIDIA Corporation VIDEO_TDR_ERROR

 

Update: I landed up calling Tech Support and they used AlienContact to dial into my system. My laptop passed all the tests except when he did the gpu stress test it BSOD as soon as he hit start. They are sending out a tech to install a new 580m with a new heatsink. The disappointing part is that they are completely back ordered and he said hopefully the tech will contact me by the 9th or 12th of August (being the soonest). I'm just really bummed out that I have to wait that long and I really hope it works. He said if the new 580m does not work that they will reformat my laptop with a fresh install of windows instead of the backup image.

To those that had their 580m and heatsink replaced, how did it go? Are they good techs? Is there anything I should know?

 

Back when I had a R3, I had the exact same problem as you. A new motherboard and 580GTX fixed it. The tech that came was good but the computer kept having issues after anyway and ultimately a brick in the end, but a new R4 was issued for me. Anyway... a reformat will not fix your issue in the very least.

 

That's what I'm worried about which is why I quickly questioned the reformat. He said it must be done to eliminate possible issues. I really appreciate you replying, it's nice to know that I'm not the only one who has had this issue. How did your R4 work out for you?

 

the new VC will hopefully fix the issue for you. Let us know how that goes and we'll help you out as much as we can.

 

Thank you Luis, I hope it does fix it. I really miss gaming on it . I really hope they get one too me sooner than expected.

 

It could happen, video cards are always hard to get sent due to availability.

 

I wanted to update my thread and tell you all about the nightmare I had with a certain Alienware rep.

I got a call today from the Rep that is helping me with my case. He said they ran out of 580's and that he talked to his supervisor to upgrade me to a 680. He said once I got home that I needed to uninstall the drivers from my laptop because they will not work with the 680. I got home and booted up my laptop to have it lock up as soon as the desktop loaded and it BSOD. No file name just a number. I went to reboot and it went staight to a blank generic Windows 7 screen. No Alienware boot screen and no desktop. I called tech support and I explained my issue. I got the rudest rep I have ever dealt with during my 11 year relationship with Alienware. As soon as I explained my issue he started to blame me for the issue and told me "well what did YOU do to it?". He then told me to try the repair process and that he was going to put me on mute during this time. He then got very impatient and asked the status. I told him that it was still at "attempting repairs". He then asked for my Windows 7 disk, which my system did not come with and I only had the backup image partition on my hard drive. He got upset with me and put me on hold for 10 minutes. He then came back and asked if that's all I was calling for. He then told me "we are sending you a CD, thank you for calling Alienware, goodbye" then click. He was just straight out rude and would get upset when I would ask him to repeat what he said (his voice was very low tone and I couldn't hear him well).

Am I going to have any issues with the 680 and my M17x R3? Will everything still work properly like the Optimus? I'm really unsure about this and I'm worried that I'm going to have issues with this. I am very disappointed with the rep that I got and can't believe he blamed me for this. I haven't been using the laptop since they issued an order for the replacement GPU. Nothing has happened to it, all I did was turn it on.

 

A 680M will not work in a R3 without a modified BIOS which alienware does not have or support. If there is a shortage ask for a replacement system. Hopefully you can get a nice refurb R4 or even a R5. Alienware, in my opinion, has good support, I never had a problem. My R3 had 5 motherboard replacements, 3 580 GTX replacements, a hard drive replacement, and they even tried replacing the armrest as they said that might sometimes cause errors. Once I got my R4 replacement, it is really a solid system.

 

Yet another heart ache with support. This is becoming a serious problem. Read around on the forumn and you will see me and several others have had a bunch of issues with support, just be patient and keep calling, or even file a BBB complaint.

 

Really? I was told that if I did not have the 3D screen that I would be fine. I questioned the drivers and bios, they said it would install no problem. They also said the 680 is fully supported in the M17x R3. I started resarching on here after I got off the phone with the rep that told me they were going to send me the 680. Now I'm worried, I don't want to deal with a modified BIOS.

 

The 680m is not verified with your system. You should not be getting a 680m alone. Now what you should be requesting is a system replacement, what they are offering is a farce.

 

I'll have to talk to them then. They said the rep that owns my case would be contacting me (not sure when). After tonight I cringe just thinking about calling customer support, I really don't want to deal with another rep like that.

 

Just call back, try your luck. I bite my teeth every time I call ;/

 

This makes me nervous as I got a call last night that they were having problems sourcing a 580m for my r3 as well. Hope I don't have to wait too long either!

 

Another update:

The tech came today and installed the 680. After an hour he finally got windows to boot and left. When he left I started getting hard drive errors and blue screens on start up. I called tech support about this and to install the correct drivers. They had me delete all the partitions and install fresh. The problem is they cannot get the drivers to install for the 680. Both the nvidia and Dell drivers won't install. They're going to try to come up with a resolution and call me tomorrow.

I'm still unsure about the hard drive, chkdsk recovered a lot of files and found a lot of bad sectors. At this point I don't know what to say or do .

 

You will have to mode inf files in the nvidia drivers to allow them to install.. This has heavily been gone over in other posts .. As said this card isn't authorized in your system so basic drivers will not ever work with out the Inf mods.

 

I got a call today. They dialed into my laptop again and could not get the 680 to work on my system. He said they were out of answers and instead of waiting for a 580 that he will look into another laptop for me. He said I will have the latest, with Windows 8 but it would be refurbished. He told me not to think bad when I hear refurbished. Has anyone been in the same situation as me? How are their refurbished systems? I stated that I would not like Windows 8, I would like to have Windows 7 if possible. Where do these laptops come from? What are my options?

Just a little confused here.

 

A little late to the party here but the driver AND inf file from here will get your 680 running in an R3: LaptopVideo2Go: Drivers

You have to manually save the inf file and put it in the right place after folliowing the inf link. Info will be there somewhere about where to put it

To the refurb. This is dells SOP and as long as they find something that is same-or-better then that is your only point of argument with them. Refurbs are returned machines or cancelled orders and it should (check with them) come with a full warranty. It could be any model from the R3 on but since he said win 8 I'm guessing one of the latest models. Could be a good result

 

Thank you for responding MickyD. Have you had any experience with Windows 8? I have little experience with it and am not so sure I will like it. I will take whatever they give me, I just want to make sure I can enjoy the laptop. At this point anything is better than all the issues I've had with this R3 and the 580.

 

Sure NP

I tried win 8 for around 10 mins. The interface frustrated the hell out of me so I junked it. Usual thing of not liking change. I think if I persevered then it would have been OK but it's clearly not an OS for computers, just win 7 with a touch-pad interface. Not even any enhancements that tempted me - I can't use fast boot since my model has the iGPU disabled.

The Win 7 CD you have for the R3 will probably be just fine (along with the drivers from the dell support site) but I have no idea about the licensing of it. M$ do say that their licenses are same version or earlier, but just how you achieve that is beyond me!

Dell somehow managed to bypass the key entry so I have never even needed to enter it - it just hooks up to MS and all is fine.

I have a good feeling about this one....

Edit: Forgot to add, I feel your pain with the R3/580, that's how I got the one built for me in my sig

 

I'm worried that they're going to find another R3 with a 580 to offer me. I honestly don't want to deal with that card again. What do you think my options are?

 

That could happen but do you really think that there are many of them still working, and in an outlet? If they had found one you would already have the offer - and be obliged to accept it. Just push for an early resolution if they try to get you to wait, but I honestly don't see that happening. They have even tried to use a non-approved card to get you running so I'm sure they just want this to be resolved.

Chill, and think positive. You should have an offer by the end of day tomorrow, or chase them up with a 'what do you intend to do, I'm really fed up and just want a decent working machine soon.'

 

nah I doubt it at this point. You will probably end up with either an r4 or one of the flashy new Alienware 17's.

 

They probably will not find one. I just got a call last night that they were looking minimum 20 days for a replacement 580m so they are instead specing out a new alienware 17 to replace mine.

 

Thanks guys for your responses. Made me feel better. I just don't want to go through this again. I love my R3 but this has been a nightmare.

Really? They didn't try to offer a 680 like they did with mine? So they're specing the laptop to equal in their eyes what would be the equivalent to your laptop?

 

They should have never tried to put a 680m in an R3. I guess since they could not find one, somebody thought it would work (without a modified driver).

Take a look at the new models and see what is close to yours or you would find acceptable. I would think a 770m is where it will be. Sometimes a weird logic creeps in and you could get a 780. The 580 was top of the line for the R3 so offer you the top of the range in the new model! Sounds crazy but does happen....

 

Honestly if they do happen to offer me a new m17, I'm not going to be picky. I just would prefer Windows 7 and hopefully the equivalent of my gpu. I'm just grateful that they have worked with me and that they are offering this. I really appreciate your feedback MickyD. It really has made me feel better. All of you guys on here are awesome!

 

As said by Micky it's a quick fix getting the 680 to work in your r3 and rectify your problem. Because what might happen is you will get a machine with less graphical power then the 680m so please follow the steps with modding the inf file.

 

It doesn't rectify the problem. I'm still getting BSOD's with the computer. They also think something happened to the hard drive as well. How will I get a machine with less graphical power? I'm also having issues with other drivers as well.

 

The 680M is a really good GPU, if you get any new Alienware 17 with a GTX 770M or less, then it will be slower than the 680M. But a working machine is better than your R3 with a 680M that's not working! Also, the 770M is about 60% faster than your old 580M anyway, so that would still be an awesome deal. But if I was you I wouldn't accept anything less than a 770M, because the slower GPU's are also slower in some games than your 580M! Yep, push for at least a 770M! Good luck.

 

Yeah man, don't stress it too much yet, you've been through some bad times with your AW but it does sound like the corner has been turned. Just post the offer spec and you'll quickly get either, 'That's not quite good enough', and why, 'That's OK, go for it', or grab it and say 'Thank you very much!' The only potential hiccup I can see now is a false delay while they try to wait out a decent spec in the outlet. Just don't sit back and let that happen, although the sending of a 680 says to me that this will probably not happen.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware/727224-system-exchange-help-8.html#post9325806

 

I really appreciate all the advice and information you have given me. I guess part of me is worried they'll find an exact R3 like mine in the outlet and I'll be stuck worrying. I honestly would rather prefer one new or unused. I can't complain though, I have done everything asked of me even if it was questionable. I just have to continue to be patient and see what Monday brings. Hopefully I get some good news. More importantly it will nice to finally game once again without worrying about blue screens. Why does the sending me a 680 make you think it will probably not happen?

 

Simply put, someone messed up and it cost Dell money. Now, I don't blame the guy at all, he was trying his best to get you back up and running with an extended wait for the correct part. But now a senior is probably going over the records and may just want this whole thing to 'go away' ASAP

If they do find an R3/580 then pleading is your only option, 'Please guys, I've had so many problems with that config, and I see from users posts that it is not an isolated case. Is there any way I can get away from the 580 without loosing performance?'

And you sound like you have been the 'perfect' caller which helps a lot when it gets tiresome :thumbsup:

 

I'm curious, what are the odds of an R3/580 popping up? Especially with the R4's going away? With all the issues with the 580 you'd think they'd want to put that behind them.

I think I have been nice and more than cooperative. The only time I was upset was when I got that terrible rep but I was more so disappointed than mad. I haven't questioned anything they've done except expressing my concern about the 680. I've been very patient and more so concerned about everything going on.

 

That's a magic 8 ball question I'm afraid . Focus on the fact he mentioned win8, this has to be a new model refurb at the least.

Far too many people get angry with the run around and (in their opinion) pointless trouble shooting. Disappointment is exactly where I go when it gets rough. I agree re the 580. IF you get a savy senior overlooking the case then I would expect he/she would want you to get something better.

I have to admit that some time ago in a foreign clime I got so fed up with trying to get support I took the AW out to the woods and put it out of it's misery (AK47). I did feel so much better

 

Just got a call and I must say that I'm extremely disappointed. This is the specs:

Alienware M18x R2
1 P6XPR Software
2 PJGG2 12 Cell Battery
3 R8GHP Service Software
4 TYNN7 8 GB Dual Channel DDR3 SDRAM at 1600MHz (2X4G)
5 W3HMK Label
6 V9KPP Processor Label
7 V627F Processor: Intel Core 3rd Generation i7-3840QM Processor (8MB Cache, up to 3.8GHz w/ Turbo Boost 2.0)
8 Y9VHJ Information
9 XM544 Image Restore Software
10 W753G Information
11 G71MJ English keyboard
12 YG2GN Software
13 Y5G3F Dell Outlet Alienware M18x R2 Laptop
14 WF2X0 Service Software
15 Y4M1H Software
16 43CHH 128 GB Solid State Drive
17 2FDNJ Information
18 21VR0 Information
19 1JGYY 750 GB 3.5-Inch SATA Hard Drive (7200RPM)
20 4WYVT Software
21 6JY27 Soft Contracts Dell In-Home Hardware Agreement for Alienware
22 JY635 Alienware AVATAR 5
23 NDGPD Windows 7 Professional
24 M239M Software
25 JY574 AlienFX Color, Plasma Purple
26 D1MN3 Intel Centrino Wireless 2230, 2x2 bgn + Bluetooth
27 F52YT English keyboard
28 K68JV Slot-Loading Dual Layer DVD Burner (DVD+-RW, CD-RW)
29 G0YNF 2GB GDDR5 Nvidia GeForce GTX 660M

 

Aw man, Not the hoped for new model, more of whatever can find in the outlet. If they ant to add another 660m to compensate a bit and get the gaming performance back then you do have an good upgrade. All you can do is say that the offer is in no way comparable or like-for-like and you want it escalated to the resolution team within Dell - if you feel that the 660 is too much of a downgrade?

Oh, and I see it comes with new warranty and SSD so pretty decent apart from the single GPU.

 

He said that it doesn't come with a new warranty and that I would have to pay to extend mine on my current one. I never agreed to this laptop and I could tell he was not happy when I told him that I wanted to think about it. He then told me that tomorrow it would be released from my name and that he would have to search for another match and kind of threatened the same exact model as mine. The video card is what disappoints me the most, I just don't think a 660 is equivalent especially after they tried to put the 680 in my R3. How does the resolution team work? I honestly don't feel comfortable speaking to this guy anymore. What should I do?

 

SSD are cheap now a days and a 660m is nothing :\ .. I agree the actual system is an upgrade but not the actual gaming hardware. I would opt for dual 675's or one 680.

 

Unfortunatly you are going to have to stick to your guns. This sort of bully tactics is disgusting from a reputable company as Dell. Now you feel uncomfortable just talking to him

Just call back on the general line (you probably will not get him) and refer to the call reference, tell them you have taken advice and the gaming performance is not like-for-like. You are not prepared to wait any longer considering all the time you have had to deal with this. You want his supervisor or the resolution team to come back with an acceptable offer in the next 24 hours. You have been nice but now it has to stop. You have come up against rep that is taking advantage of you (IMO) and he needs removing from the loop. Under no circumstances accept being put on hold while they find him - it has to be his supervisor.

Good luck and fingers crossed for you,

Edit: If you tweet then @dellcares can track open calls and maybe provide a better resolution - did for me once

 

Now I have been put on hold while they find me a supervisor and this has worked for me several times in the past always needing help from the higher ups.

 

Confused post! Removed. Where's it at now veeshun?

Yeah, I meant while the find the original guy, I also have had 5 mins on hold to get the supervisor

 

I did not hear back from the rep, I'm going to let that M18 go. I got a call later in the day out of nowhere from a completely different department asking me if I wanted to extend my warranty? Very confusing. I told the rep about what happened and he said it's my right to refuse the M18 but he could not help me. I tried Twitter like you suggested but they couldn't do anything either, just update me on the notes on my account.

 

Afraid you can only call in and ask for escalation, and an action plan on how they intend to resolve this in a time-frame as per their T's&C's. You could get local independent consumer assistance involved (BBB in the US) but this is also wearisome and should not have got this far.

This one might be of help... [email protected]

 

Oh I perfectly understand now thanks!

 

The BBB will get it solved, when you have tried so many times, they can get some hell raised on dell's end. With that said, dell will then have to follow all of their specifications for a replacement to the letter!

 

Good idea man, I never used them but I hear they can force reg's on suppliers

 

You guys really think so? I actually read through like 40 pages of the complaints on the BBB website against Dell yesterday. It's sad to see so many people. It didn't seem like a lot of people got on Dell's good side or got them to listen.

 

They are forced to listen, I've read some on the forums that it works. I even threatened to file a complaint with them and I got what I deserved. It puts things in motion on a fair basis.