M17x R3 Bsod

Hello, as some of you may know, I've been having serious issues with my M17X R3 lately...

At this point, I've done 2 clean installs, which have not fixed the smudged/blurred graphics while running on the discrete GPU. I've also been having many hard crashes (Event Viewer lists the problem as ID 41).

Now, I just had my first BSOD. I was listening to music while browsing on Chrome, when suddenly the screen started tearing and flashing and the music started looping. I powered off, and attempted to boot normally. A no go, obviously. In safe mode, this error was listed...

Problem: BlueScreen
OS: 6.1.7600.2.0.0.768.3
Local ID: 1033

BCCode: a
BCP1: 0000000000000000
BCP2: 0000000000000002
BCP3: 0000000000000003
BCP4: FFFFF80001A833EF
OS: 6_1_7600
Service Pack: 0_0
Product: 768_1

Here is the dump file: 031511-4726-01.dmp

I had to use MediaFire, as you can't attach a .dmp file. Would anyone be willing to help me out with this?

 

Okay, looking at that minidump, the error wasn't very helpful -- it was in ntoskrnl.exe, which is the kernel. The stop code was 0x0a, and the bug check string was IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL:

Bug Check 0xA: IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL

Basically it means there was a bad driver. Which, given that the display was flipping out, shouldn't be an earth-shattering revelation.

Have you run hard drive and memory diagnostics to make sure you don't have any hardware errors in those two systems? I would bet on bad memory.

B

P.S. I hope this is helpful -- I registered just so that I could post this

 

Have to ask the obvious since I have not reviewed any of your previous posts, regarding the " smudged/blurred graphics", does this occur with the Dell AMD Driver? I recall an earlier post somewhere where you mentioned updating to the latest AMD Reference driver... (at least I thought it was you).

If this is only happening with the AMD reference driver, perhaps go back to the Dell driver and see if the behavior continues (including the BSOD).

 

Was just playing a game and i had a BSoD as well. How do i check what caused it?

 

type

reliability history

into windows menu search, then run "view reliability history"
Pick the date it happened, double-click on whichever critical event coincides with the time that you had a BSOD

most windows events will give you something non-descriptive like "LiveKernelEvent", which could be pretty much anything.

 

Why aren't you packing it up and sending it back? A new machine shouldn't require you to fix it.

 

The smudged graphics occur only while on the discrete GPU, which has the Dell based AMD drivers, not on the IGP.

However, the crash occurred while I was on the IGP, surfing the web, and listening to music.

The fact that Dell does not offer the proper 6970M drivers on their Support site in irritating.

The current AMD drivers, 11.2, also do not work. This model requires the PX Profile (PowerXpress) for graphics switching, which is not in 11.2. I assume this is the problem.

I will send it back; see if I can get a replacement or my money back.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m17x/561575-strange-issues-m17x-r3.html

Here is the link regarding the smudged graphics and other issues I have been experiencing.

I ran CHKDSK, no issues, apparently.

I have not run a Mem. Diagnostic Test.

Ran SFC /SCANNOW, no issues.

I had another BSOD earlier, BCC = 1e, string was "KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED".

On both BSODs, the file that was causing the issue was "ntoskrnl.exe".

 

i'm having bsod problems too, just did another clean install. will keep you posted if it happens again.

 

Man i don`t hope all the AMD bull driver errors happen all over again...

 

Alright, so I call Tech Support, and they up the size of the paging file, which they say will fix the BSODs, though I doubt it.

The guy did notice the blurry, smudged graphics, and ran the Heaven benchmark to see if it was there, and it was.

He said they will decide on whether or not to replace the discrete GPU or offer me a "similar option from NVidia". Yeah, right, lol.

Honestly, at this point I've had so much damn trouble with this machine that I'd rather have a full system replacement or a full refund.

 

I would personally would push for a complete replacement. No reason to start building a "frankenstein" system. You just received the machine.

 

This is what dissappoints me about AMD. The Asus G73 with 5870m was also plagued with BSODs. It took many months with numerous driver updates to finally get rid of all the problems. It wasn`t AMD that fixed it either, there was a good technician that wrote custom drivers.
After this Asus ditched AMD and included Nvidia GPUs instead on the G-series and they all work without trouble.
Nvidia cards may be powersucking and less horsepower than AMD, but on the driver and support part they are #1

Hopefully you are just having a bad GPU and this is rare though. I am crossing my fingers because i want the R3

 

Oh boy. You all have me scared!! BSOD's happening-no support.

 

I will most certainly gun for a full replacement model.

If not, then I'll probably go for that Sager NP8170 w/ a GTX 485M.

 

so far after the clean install everything has been fine. running 11.4 and oc'ed @ 800/1000.

 

Concerning the G73 BSODs:
since my roomie has one, he was facing some bsods too, what i did for him was: total nuclear driver uninstall + 11.2 drivers = perfectly works for 2 months already no deadly blue screens, no bad graphics, no nothing noticed so far.

p.s. my understanding of the problem is that it is not ATI's fault that a few guys at least on NBR already got issues. I am most sure that it is dell with its modified motherboard bios stuff...

 

Will a clean install ultimately be the solution to OP's problems? Or should he just return it for a brand new one?

IMO, I think you should totally return it for a new one. The end-user should never have to deal with such hard work in troubleshooting this. Think of the average consumer, who would fret at a BSOD, and then just simply get a refund at Frys/BB. Dell's awfully lucky that prolly 90% of AW owners are nerds/geeks/computer-dudes like us (not me lolz, I'm just a beginner), who would be willing to learn how to do it ourselves.

 

"similar option from NVidia". what could this be ???? only thing that is similar or actually about 10% better is the Nvidia 485m hmmmmmmmm

observation, would it be correct to say that those that are having issues are overclocking - installing none Dell drivers etc etc, my advice to anyone would be to leave the system as shipped until you have a good feel for it and it has proved stable over several weeks........just my opinion


and I never liked ATi

 

Just had my 3rd BSOD, same issue as my 2nd one. However, the culprit was "tcpip.sys".

Yeah, thanks for fixing the issue, Dell.

Replacement model or bust.

 

I don't think I have ever used a dell out of box for more than 48 hours without at least 1 bsod. reinstalling always fixes this for me.

 

Already done 2 full clean installs by now, no dice.

 

Windows 7 Bluescreen Dump Product 768_1 - Windows 7 Forums

 

TechSpot OpenBoards - View Single Post - Windows 7 Bluescreen Dump Product 768_1

 

I have neither installed on this computer...

 

10chaaaaaaaaaaaar

 

I'll do a full scan with MSE now and give it a shot, but I really doubt I already have some sort of malware on this laptop.

The BSODs aren't even half the problem, the discrete GPU isn't functioning properly.

 

Blue Screen of Death - Google Chrome Help

there are posts that exactly describe your situation here
(chrome + playing music) and like 15 people found the posts helpful

 

I'll download FF, and uninstall Chrome.

 

Have you tried a system restore to the Alienware system image to see if you get BSOD on their build? This may help rule out the clean install being an issue.

The reason I mention this is because with the original R3 3D, we had trouble getting the video driver to not BSOD with a clean install. We ended up having to use a modded driver. We never figured out why.

Secondly, are you using AHCI or RAID? I found with my SSD that if I used AHCI, I was getting BSOD. I finally did a clean install with RAID and NOT installing Intel's RST driver and with this clean install I haven't had a BSOD yet.

 

I had countless BSOD when trying to do a clean install on my SSD. Problem stopped when I did not install Intel RST (I have AHCI selected in BIOS).

 

there's an entire thread devoted to that and other sandforce issues (like trying to update firmware before installing OS)

 

I'm in RAID, I do not have Intel RST installed as it was giving me issues.

 

That's most likely the source of your bsods.
reinstall after setting sata control to ahci in bios.

 

INR,

Do you have an Ultimate Boot CD? ( Ultimate Boot CD - Overview)

It sounds to me like with clean OS installs you continue to fight seemingly unrelated crashes. This often points to a hardware issue like memory.

The Ultimate Boot CD has utilities in it that will exercise memory, HDD, etc, and it might be worth while at least trying these to see if that's the underlying issue. That is, as long as you're troubleshooting.

B

 

There's a link on the first page detailing my problems with the discrete GPU, so yes, I believe it's a hardware related issue.

Tech Support is supposed to call today and decide on whether or not they'll fix my GPU, but at this point, I'm going to push for a full system replacement or a full refund.

 

They wouldn't offer me a replacement model, so I'm just gonna return it.

Thanks for all the help, really appreciate it.

 

I have owned 3 Dell's 2 xps and now an alienware over past 6 years I have never had a problem with any of there laptops. This is my first alienware I hope the trend continues.

 

All four of my Alienwares have run with no BSOD's out of the box just fine... core parking, thats another issue

 

just had a few more bsod this morning when i had my external monitor connected with hdmi, it would bsod on start up. switched to vga connection and has been good so far.

 

I really don't know if this is a hardware issue guys, it's gotta be drivers. The 460m does nothing but throw bsod's at me unless I install modded desktop drivers as well. Not a single Nvidia or Dell driver will work with my setup. Dell really needs to get on some drivers or at least push Nvidia/AMD to release some that will actually work and they need to do it SOON.

 

I made two or so threads detailing a whole myriad of issues I had with my M17X R3, and I won't even begin to describe those.

So, after talking with 3 tech support agents, all of whom said they would look into my issues and call/email back on a solution, system replacement, and the like never did (it's been 3 days since dealing with them), I went ahead a returned the system.

Not to mention they were pretty much useless...

"If you do a clean install without tech support guidance, you invalidate your warranty."

"Let me install the display drivers." (for the fifth time, spoilers, it does nothing)

Me: "Why do you ship these SSDs in RAID even if there's no actual array?"
TS: "Let me view your screen."
*Goes to Device Manager*
TS: "You have one hard drive. Why are you in RAID?"
Me: "You shipped it in RAID..."
TS: ...

*Shows them them the smudged graphics issue in browser, programs, and games. Shows them screen caps of the issue."
*TS goes into CCC, messes around with the video playback controls.*
:/

"I will call you tomorrow morning regarding your issue, be ready."
*3 days later, no call*

Probably spent around 5 hours w/ them, I'll bet some people here have had worse, though.

They even made me pay the restocking fee, even though I kept telling them there were hardware-related issues with the machine.

The thing, is I originally cancelled my Sager in hopes of receiving an overall better machine and support. While I believe the build quality was excellent, along with the great speakers, the fact that TS shunned me and refused to acknowledge my issue left a bad taste in my mouth.

My family and I have purchased Dell all our lives. I have a Dimension 3K desktop and a Studio XPS 16 laptop, both which had little issues.

I'm still wary going with another competitor, such as Sager, b/c I know if something goes wrong, I don't want to go though the nightmare that is Sager support (not the resellers, the actual company).

Any advice?

Note: I hate to vent, but I really have no else to turn to right now. Parents keep telling me this is my fault somehow.

 

I'd push for a replacement instead of eating that hefty restocking fee.

 

stop calling tech support, instead call customer support since your laptop is still in the return period. you can either choose a refund or replacement unit.

 

HAHA, I had posted a reply only to have the threat closed while I was typing. Anyway, here is the long and short of what I typed.

First and foremost, I would try every avenue possible with Dell before escalating this issue. Did you purchase through the EPP program? I would contact your sales rep if you did and explain what a go around you have had with tech support. If you didn't, and if you have tried talking to customer care and tech support with no resolve, I would file a complaint with the BBB:

https://odr.bbb.org/odrweb/public/getstarted.aspx?siteID=113

You are entitled to a laptop that works as it was intended to and described by the manufacturer. Paying the restocking fee should be totally out of the question as it is clear your M17x R3 was/is defective. We as consumers cannot and should not let these companies get away with crappy customer service.

I am due to receive my M17x R3 any day now. If this turns out to be a lemon for me, I will return and purchase a Macbook Pro. Not because it is a superior system, but because I can walk into any Apple Store and talk to someone face to face. You really can't put a price on that peace of mind.

This is why I loved my Thinkpad T43 and T60 so much: they had US based support in Atlanta Georgia.

Best of luck and let us know how everything turns out.

 

Try uninstalling the Catalyst driver. Then download and install the Intel integrated gfx driver off Dell's website. Let the system boot with that and then install the leaked 11.4 Catalysts (forego the wmv driver, avivo, amd sdk and hydravision during install) and then reboot a few times.

You will notice the system may either start with the intel gfx or 6970M but when you switch to Intel, the 6970M becomes disabled and you get a white screen temporarily. You will need to go to the control panel, right click on the 6970M and enable it. Once you do that and reboot, the system will work fine and you can switch between the two. I haven't had a single BSOD.

 

Sorry to hear about your luck. I would be furious if I was in your shoes.

You could always return the Laptop and then call your Credit Card Company to initiate a Chargeback since the Laptop was "not as described" and/or "defective merchandise". This is the reason I put all big purchases on my Amex card.. Let your Credit Card company fight with Dell. I wouldnt pay the restocking fee.

 

Do you meantersay that they're going into your computer REMOTELY, when they say "Let me view your screen"?? That's pretty fishy...

Also, glad that you returned it. TS and CSRs have been useless to alot of customers, from what I've been reading , which is pretty sad, cuz who the heck is the average consumer supposed to contact for help?

 

Yeah, they use this GoToAssist app to view your computer, it's called AlienContact.

I did return it, mainly b/c I was so fed up of doing nothing but troubleshooting for 5 days straight and no one at TS would hear me out, however if I do purchase a new one, I will buy the SSD separately and do a clean install in AHCI.

 

No you're not supposed to eat that cost! Get it back or get the law on your side.

 

Hello I need some help. I did a fresh install due to BSODS occuring thinking this would resolve the issue(common knowledge the system OEM is buggy. But Even with a fresh install im getting BSOD issues anyways. I installed and ran the debugger with symbols installed and here is what errors I got from the debubber on the minidump this is the basic analysis and the extend analysis using analyze -v. the unit is a alienware m17x r3 320 gb drive 12 gig mem nividia 460m.
Microsoft (R) Windows Debugger Version 6.12.0002.633 AMD64
Copyright (c) Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.


Loading Dump File [C:\Users\Matthew\Desktop\050111-28719-01.dmp]
Mini Kernel Dump File: Only registers and stack trace are available

DbsSplayTreeRangeMap::Add: ignoring zero-sized range at ?fffff800`042b3730?
Symbol search path is: SRV*c:\symbols* http://msdl.microsoft.com/download/symbols
Executable search path is:
Windows 7 Kernel Version 7600 MP (8 procs) Free x64
Product: WinNt, suite: TerminalServer SingleUserTS
Built by: 7600.16695.amd64fre.win7_gdr.101026-1503
Machine Name:
Kernel base = 0xfffff800`02c5a000 PsLoadedModuleList = 0xfffff800`02e97e50
Debug session time: Sun May 1 12:40:14.376 2011 (UTC - 4:00)
System Uptime: 0 days 1:49:55.407
Loading Kernel Symbols
...............................................................
................................................................
...................................................
Loading User Symbols
Loading unloaded module list
..........
*******************************************************************************
* *
* Bugcheck Analysis *
* *
*******************************************************************************

Use !analyze -v to get detailed debugging information.

BugCheck 9F, {3, fffffa800c8b5a20, fffff800042b3748, fffffa800abe9d30}

Unable to load image \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\nvlddmkm.sys, Win32 error 0n2
*** WARNING: Unable to verify timestamp for nvlddmkm.sys
*** ERROR: Module load completed but symbols could not be loaded for nvlddmkm.sys
Probably caused by : pci.sys

Followup: MachineOwner
---------

0: kd> !analyze -v
*******************************************************************************
* *
* Bugcheck Analysis *
* *
*******************************************************************************

DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE (9f)
A driver is causing an inconsistent power state.
Arguments:
Arg1: 0000000000000003, A device object has been blocking an Irp for too long a time
Arg2: fffffa800c8b5a20, Physical Device Object of the stack
Arg3: fffff800042b3748, Functional Device Object of the stack
Arg4: fffffa800abe9d30, The blocked IRP

Debugging Details:
------------------


DRVPOWERSTATE_SUBCODE: 3

IMAGE_NAME: pci.sys

DEBUG_FLR_IMAGE_TIMESTAMP: 4a5bc117

MODULE_NAME: pci

FAULTING_MODULE: fffff88000e00000 pci

CUSTOMER_CRASH_COUNT: 1

DEFAULT_BUCKET_ID: VISTA_DRIVER_FAULT

BUGCHECK_STR: 0x9F

PROCESS_NAME: VSSVC.exe

CURRENT_IRQL: 2

STACK_TEXT:
fffff800`042b36f8 fffff800`02d39273 : 00000000`0000009f 00000000`00000003 fffffa80`0c8b5a20 fffff800`042b3748 : nt!KeBugCheckEx
fffff800`042b3700 fffff800`02cd629e : fffff800`042b3830 fffff800`042b3830 00000000`00000002 00000000`00000000 : nt! ?? ::FNODOBFM::`string'+0x292b0
fffff800`042b37a0 fffff800`02cd5dd6 : fffff880`00fd22b0 00000000`0006737b 00000000`00000000 fffff800`02e6f5a8 : nt!KiProcessTimerDpcTable+0x66
fffff800`042b3810 fffff800`02cd64be : 0000000f`5b2b42c9 fffff800`042b3e88 00000000`0006737b fffff800`02e481e8 : nt!KiProcessExpiredTimerList+0xc6
fffff800`042b3e60 fffff800`02cd5cb7 : fffffa80`0ae967c2 fffffa80`0006737b 00000000`00000000 00000000`0000007b : nt!KiTimerExpiration+0x1be
fffff800`042b3f00 fffff800`02cd0865 : 00000000`00000000 fffffa80`113c0960 00000000`00000000 fffffa80`0a017210 : nt!KiRetireDpcList+0x277
fffff800`042b3fb0 fffff800`02cd067c : 00000000`00000000 00000000`00000000 00000000`00000000 00000000`00000000 : nt!KxRetireDpcList+0x5
fffff880`0a9c0a90 00000000`00000000 : 00000000`00000000 00000000`00000000 00000000`00000000 00000000`00000000 : nt!KiDispatchInterruptContinue


STACK_COMMAND: kb

FOLLOWUP_NAME: MachineOwner

FAILURE_BUCKET_ID: X64_0x9F_3_ACPI_IMAGE_pci.sys

BUCKET_ID: X64_0x9F_3_ACPI_IMAGE_pci.sys

Followup: MachineOwner

SOmebody know what this means I cant seem to figure it out for the life of me...