Random Freezes on Vaio VPCSB running Windows 7 x64 Pro

Hi All,

I wanted to make a post here to chronicle my experience trying to fix the problem of random freezes (requiring hard reset) with my Vaio Laptop. I also wanted to see if anyone else is having this same problem.

# Problem

• Laptop is freezing on me randomly (I could just have a powerpoint open, and it still freezes on me). Hard drive light remains orange, and the screen freezes. I cannot move the mouse. Random mashing of the keys on the keyboard does not give off any beeps.

# Laptop

• Sony Vaio SB190X (purchased on April 2011)

# Specs

• CPU: Intel® Core™ i7-2620M processor (2.70GHz) with Turbo Boost up to 3.40GHz

• ONBOARD MEMORY: 4GB (2GBx2) DDR3-SDRAM-1333

• EXPANDED MEMORY: Corsair 4 GB DDR3 Laptop Memory CMSO4GX3M1A1333C9

• HARDDRIVE: CRUCIAL M4-CT256M4SSD2 256 MB Solid State Drive

• GRAPHICS: AMD Radeon™ HD 6630M (1GB VRAM) hybrid graphics with Intel® Wireless Display technology

• OS: Windows 7 x64 Professional SP1

• ANTIVIRUS: NORTON INTERNET SECURITY 2012

# What I've Done To Try And Fix This

Freezing on Start Up Problem (fixed) -

Originally the hard drive the laptop came with would freeze my laptop for the first minute on boot-up. I swapped out the original with the solid state drive. Crucial M4 SSD kept freezing on me start up.

Here is the link to fix this:
Solution: C300 Disk Freeze-ups in Windows 7 solved... - Crucial Community


Random Freezing Problem Problem (.... still a problem... ) -

Possible Solutions:

• #1 Memory - I thought it could be the corsair memory, but I ran memtestx86+, and it came out clean. I looked further into it, and a lot of reviews for this brand/type of memory are having similar problems.
  
  So, I went and ordered SAMSUNG 4GB 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Laptop Memory Model MV-3T4G4/US
  
  Gonna try and replace the memory to see if that resolves the issue. Then, I'll take it from there.

• #2 NORTON - The event log shows that the last few events were related to symantec/norton ? Id really like to say that this isn't the cause of the problem.

• #3 Overheating - I'm not sure if this is the problem or not. I went ahead and I have CORETEMP running taking logs. The highest the temperatures ever get is 80 degrees Celsius. I'll take it to the care center anyway to get it cleaned out.

• #4 Crucial M4 SSD - There's been noted problems iwth this hard drive.

• #5 Windows 7 - So, the problem could have been due a problem with the Microsoft Filesystem Filter Manager (Fltmgr.sys) Installed the Hotfix: Computer randomly stops responding because of a deadlock situation in Windows Server 2008 R2 or in Windows 7
  
  I'll see if this fixes the problem and update this post.

• update 12/31/11 - I have now installed the new memory and installed the Windows 7 hot fix. So far I have not had any problems. I will keep updates posted. Thanks.

• update 1/3/12 - I am still having freezing issues. It's the same error that occurs completely randomly. Under events, I see system watchdog activated immediately after SymEFA.
  
  
  Just for the hell of it, I checked the events of some of the display computers (the Vaio Zs and Ss) at the local Sony store, and they are also having the same logs/ errors.
  
  
  Must be some incompatability with Norton and the Sony computers?

• update 1/14/12 - Computer kept freezing on me randomly with the same errors below, I just uninstalled Norton Internet Security 2012. Installed Microsoft Security Essentials 2.1 and will be using that combined with weekly manual scans using Malwarebyte. Hopefully, the computer wont freeze up anymore. Thanks.

• update 1/28/12 Even with Norton Internet Security 2012 uninstalled, the computer would keep freezing. I have re-installed Norton now. I'll suck it up and do frequent saves from now on. Guess I'll have to wait for Windows 8 to come out.

• update 4/18/12
  
  <DEL>I'm fairly certain at this point that the problem lies with the Crucial M4 SSD. </dEL>
  
  I took it to the Sony Vaio Center and the tech was able to upgrade my firmware on my solid state drive to the latest version. I believe this will take care of the problem and have YET to experience any freezes. I will immediately update this post, if ever I continue to get any freezes.
  

• update 5/12/12
  
  So, stating that the random freeze issue was resolved was premature. I've now tried updating the Intel Rapid Storage Technology drivers after upgrading the Crucial M4 SSD drive to the latest 000F firmware.
  
  Will keep you all posted.
  

• update 5/18/12
  
  I've gotten so sick of the random freezing that I've just updated my Intel RST to version 11.5.0.1109 Alpha
  Everything seems to be running fine (stability wise).
  
  I'll keep you updated again. *fingers crossed* Hope my computer won't freeze on me again.
  
  Day 1: Have not had a random freeze yet. Usually, I'll have one every night if I leave the computer on.
  And I spoke too soon ...

• update 5/19/12
  
  Downgraded the Intel RST to version 11.1.0.1006.
  http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?DwnldID=20984

• update 5/21/12
  
  So apparently Intel RST version 11.1.01006 has TRIM support. My Crucial M4 SSD has TRIM.
  
  I found a site where people where experiencing the same problem and enabled TRIM in windows 7.
  
  Here are the sites:
  SSD Freeze-up Problems Solved! - The Corsair Support Forums
  How to Enable/Check TRIM/AHCI in Windows 7 - The Corsair Support Forums
  
  The command entered in dos prompt:
  "fsutil behavior set disabledeletenotify 0"

• update 5/22/12
  
  I have not had a freeze in over 24 hours. I have a good feeling about this one! *Knocks on Wood*

• update 6/02/12
  
  Freezing issues continued. So I did the following:
  
  1) Swapped out the SSD with a Samsung 830
  
  2) I did a fresh install, using Windows 7 x64 Pro (and not the back up disk)
  
  2) I optimized the SSD using the program it came with. Which pretty much does the same thing as:
  
  http://thessdreview.com/ssd-guides/optimization-guides/the-ssd-optimization-guide-2/3/
  
  I turned off hybrid sleep, but I kept hibernation on because I have a laptop.
  When plugged in, I kept the high performance mode on, but with battery mode, I changed it.
  
  3) Freezes still persisted, so I went to "cmd--> msinfo32 --> hardware resources --> conflicts/sharing"
  I updated all of the drivers that seemed to be conflicting, focusing especially on the Realtek Audio drivers and Broadcom Bluetooth driver. The Broadcom driver took forever to install, so I back tracked, uninstalled it and re-installed the original from the Sony Website.
  
  4) Turned off Disk Optimization with Norton Internet Security. Read that this would screw with the SSD.
  
  5) Computer turned off when I left for teh gym, I took a closer look at the system event log files. So I noted that I kept getting Application Experience in the event log prior to the System Hanging. I did what this site suggested:
  
  Windows 7 System Hang - Application Experience in Eventlog - The Real (and Virtual) Adventures of Nathan the IT Guy
  
  Open the Task Scheduler -->
  Select Task Scheduler Library in the left pane -->
  Select Microsoft -->
  Windows -->
  Application Experience -->
  Select each of the two task and select disable in the right hand pane for each one.
  
  6) Will see how long this lasts. It did not freeze/turn off over night, so that's a positive sign.

• 6/3/12
  
  Updated this hotfix from windows:
  
  http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2575077
  
  Titled: "Computer randomly stops responding because of a deadlock situation in Windows Server 2008 R2 or in Windows 7"

Thanks


1/13/2014 - Update

Hello, everyone or whoever is having this problem. I just wanted to update everyone on what's been going on.

I took my laptop to Sony and they exchanged my laptop for a new one (Sony Vaio SVS13A model). I've kept the Samsung 830 256 MB SSD. All firmware, intel drivers/motherboard drivers have been updated. Temperature runs in the 40's - 50's (not an overheating issue).

Again, I've been having issues with the computer restarting randomly. I've done everything from clean re-install of Windows 7, with minimal drivers. It must be an issue with the SSD drive.

From what I can guess it must be power related with the SSD. I've recently enabled HIPM+DIPM settings under advanced power settings and see if this will improve the stability. (http://www.abxzone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=120968)

 

^
80C is normal if you're running some heavy tasks on the machine. it's a small laptop and cannot be cooled as a 17-inch one. i don't know what exactly you mean by "care center" and "clean out" (i can guess), but i don't suggest opening up the laptop unless done by SONY service personnel, as it will void your warranty.

i haven't been using Norton for years now, but it used to be very poorly coded and heavy. i don't know its current state of affairs, but i suggest you use another anti-virus/security software.

 

I meant Sony Care Center to clean out all the dust inside the laptop. If the memory and cleaning out the dust doesn't work, I'll try switching antivirus / security software.

Any recommendations?

 

It must be the antivirus

 

i'm using Microsoft Security Essentials.

 

Are you having any freezes?

 

not at all.

 

I have the same PC (a bit different model, VPCSB1C5E), the same HDD and the same issues.

In my case, I see this problem only when Vaio can't detect local network adapter. This issue is not with drivers or software. This is VPCSB hardware problem, that sometimes LAN is detected, sometimes not.

I "fixed" this by disabling LAN in bios.
Sometimes, I enable it, and soetimes it works, but usually Windows shows that lan is simply not exist, and Vaio care shows this diagnostics info:


= Network Adapter Test did not run =

=No Network Adapter or invalid device (E-LAN-002)=

---
= Errors were detected. --- (E-LAN-004) =

-------------------------

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Errors were detected on this VAIO.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

 

^ why don't you send it back to SONY for a warranty repair?

 

I have the VPCSB19 and have experienced the Random Freezing Problem since I bought the machine. At first it happened once every three weeks, now it happens almost 5 times a day.

I don't have any antivirus software, and I am running Windows 7 Pro x64.

My intuition reckons it's a video card problem, since the computer will only freeze when watching a Flash movie (Chrome) or "previewing" pdf files (Evince) using the start menu mouse over. I believe that this preview is produced by Aero, which uses the video card.

And I now see that you usually have Powerpoint open, which essentially confirms my suspicion.

And, yes, I'm running the latest AMD drivers.

Edit: I should also point out that this only happens while the laptop is plugged into a monitor through HDMI.

 

was it also happening when you were using SONY GPU drivers as well?

 

lan is not a big deal for me, and i dont want to wait 2-3 weeks while they repair it