M17 Help

Help!! I keep getting some blue screen error...my system starts to freeze up then goes to a blue screen...this is what comes up after reboots and windows has problem thingy that reads problem details.....anyone have a clue whats going on? it has happened twice in 2 days now!!

Problem signature:
Problem Event Name: BlueScreen
OS Version: 6.0.6001.2.1.0.768.3
Locale ID: 1033

Additional information about the problem:
BCCode: 101
BCP1: 0000000000000031
BCP2: 0000000000000000
BCP3: FFFFFA6001963180
BCP4: 0000000000000002
OS Version: 6_0_6001
Service Pack: 1_0
Product: 768_1

Files that help describe the problem:
C:\Windows\Minidump\Mini042809-01.dmp
C:\Users\Matthew Esquibel\AppData\Local\Temp\WER-34585-0.sysdata.xml
C:\Users\Matthew Esquibel\AppData\Local\Temp\WERC698.tmp.version.txt

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Try running sfc.. and did this happen after the install of any specific software / drivers? If so rollback.. if nothing helps i suggest to use the aw respawn and do a fresh instal.. or go to windows 7 beta like me
It could also be the hardware though.. hope not

 

push f8 on reboot and choose last working config that should work

 

Have you run HWmonitor to see what the temps. are?

 

Sorry to hear you are having issues with your system. Can you please tell us what programs, games, applications, etc are running when this happens? any specific in particular? Any changes to the hardware or the OS prior to this error? Can you check under the event viewer to see what error is listed when this happens? Please let us know or feel free to send me a PM.

Thank you.

 

The only thing new that I did was install the new video driver that was on the alienware site.... Driver 5.7 for mobility Radeon 3870 which I thought is what I have X2 in crossfirex...only thing is this happened before I installed the new driver. Once when I was playing Crysis the other time when I was playing Warhammer 40,000 Dawn of War 2. Every thing seems to load up fine then when I actually start playing it starts to freeze the picture and the sound starts to be choppy then just freezes and goes to blue screen. Settings on both games are on medium nothing set to high, I was hoping for high settings but the first time I tried every thing was really slow, so I changed to lower settings...I figured this with 2 video cards would be able to play on high at least but I guess I was wrong. I do only have the Q9000 Quad a 2.0Ghz but even then I thought it would perform better than most. Internet flys, as does Office and other windows programs for work...I stopped playing games for now cause I need this for work more than games!! Any help would be great is it a game problem? It read something about a cpu problem on blue screen... and then on the error report that is what it stated in my first Quote up top!!

Problem signature:
Problem Event Name: BlueScreen
OS Version: 6.0.6001.2.1.0.768.3
Locale ID: 1033

Additional information about the problem:
BCCode: 101
BCP1: 0000000000000031
BCP2: 0000000000000000
BCP3: FFFFFA6001963180
BCP4: 0000000000000002
OS Version: 6_0_6001
Service Pack: 1_0
Product: 768_1

Files that help describe the problem:
C:\Windows\Minidump\Mini042809-01.dmp
C:\Users\Matthew Esquibel\AppData\Local\Temp\WER-34585-0.sysdata.xml
C:\Users\Matthew Esquibel\AppData\Local\Temp\WERC698.tmp.version.txt


This is all I could get though to come up about the problem!! Is this something I should send to alienware? will a full system restore maybe fix it? The computer has not moved off my desk at this time and has not been bumped or anything like that. Just really bummed that I can't play games as well as I thought I would be able too!! Thanks for all the help and answers back!!! Sorry I don't get to answer so often work superceds all!! I don't think I spelled that right

 

Isn't that driver extremely old? I'm running 9.4. That could explain your lack of gaming performance.

You've also got to remember that while, yes, you are running a quad core, it's only running at 2Ghz. The GPUs in the M17 only run as fast as the CPU will allow.

 

How do I take a picture of my temps using Cupid!! I show my max on second GPU is going over 100 degrees C. If you know please tell me how!! So I can post it here I think something may be wrong!!

 

Yeah,

I think something is really wrong. You shouldn't be hitting over 100C!

If I'm not mistaken, A.W. advises it's customers to contact them when the temps approach 100C.

This is why it's a good idea to use a program like HWmonitor to see what's going on under the hood.

If you're unsure how you want to proceed, give A.W. support a call.

I suspect either tape was left on the gpu or the thermal paste is not applied properly.

A system restore won't do anything to lower your temps. It's not a software based problem.

 

Thanks, I have HWmonitor installed and I noticed that when I loaded and started playing Warhammer 40,000 Dawn of war 2 it got too 102 Degrees C. on GPU 2. Is this something I can fix myself or would it be better to contact Alienware? Does anyone know how to take a picture of HWmonitor so I can post it here?

 

There is a good chance you could fix things yourself if you are comfortable doing it.

If so, you'll want to have a good thermal compound at the ready first. Arctic Silver 5 has a good reputation but if applied improperly you could end up with more problems because it conducts electricity. There are many other good thermal compounds as well and how-to guides here about applying new paste.

First, unplug the ac adapter from your puter and remove the battery.

then depress the power button for 20 seconds to ensure all stray voltage has been discharged.

Remove the 9 screws that fasten the access plate to the bottom of the chassis.

Now that you can see the internal it's time for you to decide if you are comfortable proceeding since you can now see what's at hand.

You'll have to remove the heatsink/fan assys.

You can now see all the places where the original gray thermal compound was applied.

There have been a few instances where tape was covering a GPU which of course will cause overheating.

If the thermal compound was not applied correctly then the thermal efficiency is reduced and can cause overheating as well.

If you have any doubts I would suggest you contact support since you don't want to void your warranty.

Good luck to you.

 

Thanks again, tried it again and yep it keeps going over 100 Degrees C. on #2 GPU, GPU #1 is at max 96 Degrees C....of all the things you would think they would get the video cards right...thanks for the input next call is to support!!

 

So, just to clarify, you checked for tape on the heatsink AND applied new thermal compound...with NO results? The only other problem would be that your fan isn't kicking in. At 100C, that thing should be screaming.

 

No,

He didn't check those things. He's going to contact TS instead.

 

Any chance we could get you to take the bottom cover off and at least look? Alienware is going to run you around in circles, and if you have to send it back in, you may be without your laptop for some time.

There is absolutely nothing you can mess up by trying what Rob suggested. And if you somehow manage to, we'll talk you through fixing it.

 

its not tape, the GPU would over heat in minutes or less and shut down .... sounds like a fan is screwed up or someone severly screwed up the paste

 

Agreed, wouldn't last long with tape.

 

fusions lasted second like maybe a min but not a couple mins .... lol

easy way to tell is open the bottom and fire up a game all the fans should kick on