BSOD on new EL-80

Need some help from the gurus here on this beast.

I am getting random BSODs, sometimes while watching a movie, playing a game, on the internet and even just sitting at desktop. Device manager indicates no issues including the hidden devices. The OS has been checked with 2 registry cleaners/checkers that show no issues so I am convinced the problem lies in options turned on in the BIOS. The error messages doesn't point to any specific driver but does mention disabling "shadowing" on the BIOS and video card, both of which are on. So how do I access the "real" bios" to make changes? F2 is useless for my needs.

I am a long time builder of desktop pc's but a veritable neophyte in laptops.

Appreciate any help in this matter before I am forced to RMA the laptop.

 

Hello and Welcome to the forums
Reinstall the Video drivers.They sometimes cause stability problems.
What windows are you using ?

 

Also, is everything "as-is"--meaning the way everything was when you received it from the reseller? You may want to contact them as it could be a faulty hardware or software install. They may be able to troubleshoot your issue very quickly and get you set up for the needed work/repairs/walkthrough.

I had problems with a notebook I bought last year and although I didn't have time to find the problem, I am quite convinced it was a faulty hardware installation causing those pesky BSODs.

 

if you want to check your hardware, you should run memtest86 for your ram and your hd manufacturer's hd utility to check out your hd.

but really...you should check your event logs to see what exactly went wrong.

 

Video and all other drivers were replaced 2X. Drivers are most up to date and ones recommended here. OS is Media Center.

The logs are giving me nothing definitive, most gave the MS pop-up which was totally useless and uninformative. Some of the errors were hangs, some crashes to desktop, and the majority are the BSOD. The BSOD has said more than once to turn off shadowing but without knowing how to get to the real BIOS optioning this is problematic. I have run into this before with desktop systems and resolved it, this laptop is another thing altogether.

I will have to download memtest as the memory is Mushkin and though good memory I have seen this brand more prone to errors than some of the other leading brands. If the memory proves good and I can't access something of a real BIOS, I guess it will be RMA time. I did not get any other diagnostic software from the vendor sadly.

Time to download memtest.....

 

Did you have any issues before updating your drivers? That may be the problem.

 

Issues have been the same both before and after. I don't get the impression they did much of a burn-in before they shipped it to me.

 

Perhaps it's a failing component. I'd give them a call and report the issue. You'll be covered by your warranty, so it should take care of that.

 

Thanks for all the advice folks, seems my first issue is a **drumroll** failed Mushkin 1 gig memory stick. Already past where it failed before so time to switch to the bad stick to confirm. Only 2 weeks old and memory usually has a lifetime guarantee so it should be no problem returning it one way or another.

On another note, how are the voltages and memory timings etc set up on these laptops? I always like to see what they are set at and run at lower voltages if possible. Not seeing a normal BIOS configuration worries me.

Thanks again all.

 

These modifications are usually not allowed on laptops.So they run at a single voltage [1.8v?] and at a single clock [what is set at the factory].The timing are usually 5-5-5-15-2 (I think)

 

Appreciate the info, guess I will have to get used to keeping my hands out of the BIOS. LOL But I still have my desktops to fiddle with.

Bad memory stick confirmed, glad it was not the socket or connector for the memory stick that was the issue.

 

Yeah, that could turn into a potential problem