Question

Hardware/OS problem (Windows 7 64-bit):

I've been experiencing a load of BSODs containing the error message: Page fault in nonpaged area error.

Even after using the system restore and the chkdsk (with the /f argument) utility, my machine still keeps on crashing and displaying BSODs. My machine just bombs after leaving safemode :(

Eventually, I figured it was probably a hardware issue, so I opened the desktop case and detached one of the DIMMs from the motherboard. My machine is now operating with ~2GB physical memory (compared to 4GB with both ram sticks), but it's worked for about 6 hours

Answer 1

My question is: is the memory stick I've removed from the motherboard the source of all these issues?

My machine performs just as well as it did with both sticks, but I want to have more memory to soak up those memory leaks from running applications like Adobe Flash, Firefox, and my own terrible "programs" :-P

I will try plugging the stick back in.

Answer 2

I thought I heard the sound of a popping capacitor days ago (or was it something else?)... but it's strange that the machine ran fine for several days unattended, only to crash all of a sudden O.o

Maybe this is what happens when you dereference NULL pointers in C :-P My C programs have finally unleashed my machine's inner demons.

Answer 3

I don't want to install Linux either... I need the MS Office suite, the MS Visual Studio collection, and all those fancy video games for school (but I think those will probably work fine with a compatibility layer like Wine)

Answer 4

dual boot windows and linux

Answer 5

I've plugged it back in, and I've got the DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL message... .yep it definitely is bad memory.

Answer 6

Still with the DIMM I've got yet another Blue Screen with a SYSTEM_EXCEPTION message...

I'm amputating away that rotten memory module for good... after I try removing the other stick first and see if the issue actually is with just that single stick.

Answer 7

did you bought computer with that stick?

Answer 8

I installed both memory sticks a year ago, replacing the old ones.

Answer 9

Another possible cause of such errors in socketed chips is that the connections can go bad, from corrosion, thermal expansion/contraction of the pins, or vibrations. I used to have to open my computer every few months and press all the chips gently back into their sockets.