2012 Samsung Series 9 BSOD, Windows 10

I've been getting constant BSOD for the past few months with my 4 year old Series 9. I don't know what to do, I've been keeping up with most of the software updates. How do I got about fixing this?

 

Which model Series 9? NP900X3A?

BSODs are most likely caused by either device driver problems (Windows 10 might be putting an incompatible driver onto your old notebook), or hardware such as RAM. Try to get a photo or write down the error message of the BSOD because it may help you look identify the cause. If the RAM is removable then try each module in turn and leave MemTest86 running overnight.

John

 

The model is NP900X3C and its been occurring well before I updated to Windows 10. The screen doesn't last very long, sometimes only for 2 or 3 seconds before it restarts.

 

The X3C has soldered RAM so you won't be able to replace it in the unlikely circumstance it has a problem. So we should suspect Windows 10. There is some troubleshooting advice here. You can disable the automatic restart using Control Panel > System > Advanced System Settings > Startup and Recovery. Then deselect Automatic Restart.

Another possible culprit could be the SSD, particularly if it doesn't have mcuh spare space for wear levelling. Check the SMART data and see if it is reporting errors.

John

 

Hi,

I'm having the same issue, also on an NP900X3C.
I've taken the laptop to get it serviced, and they told me that the BSOD (whea uncorrectable error) is caused by the video card drivers not functioning correctly with Windows 10. They told me that the only solution is to go back to Windows 8.1 until Samsung and Intel bring out a stable driver. The guy also told me that Samsung "said" that they really don't wanna deal with this and they don't wanna support Windows 10 until it is absolutely necessary. I really don't wanna believe that this is true, and wanna find a solution. Please help if you can. THX!

 

I have to side with Samsung on this - they can't be expected to spend money fixing problems created by Windows 10 on a notebook that's about 4 years old. That's why, with considerable difficulty, I resisted Microsoft's attempted to force windows 10 into my NP900X3B. Does Samsung's Windows 8.1 graphics driver work with Windows 10? The challenge is to install it while windows 10 isn't looking and then stopping Microsoft from updating with a newer driver.

I would note, however, that I have had windows 10 working without problems on the NP900X4C which is basically the same hardware as the NP900X3C with one exception: It has two RAM slots and is usually configured with 8GB RAM. Perhaps it is the combination of the Windows 10 standard Intel graphics driver, Samsung hardware and only 4GB RAM which causes the BSOD.

It would be worthwhile spending a little time trying different options in the Intel Graphics Control Panel, particularly the 3D settings. There might be something which trades a little performance for better stability.

John