BSOD from ntoskrnl.exe, win32k.sys, BHDFVx86.sys

Topic

New Reply

I have a Dell 630i XPS running XP Pro SR2. I get a BSOD erratically. Sometimes 1X/day for several days, sometimes 2,3, or 4X in one day, sometimes not at all for days or weeks. I can always tell when it will happen because software opens slowly or preforms functions slowly. I use Adobe Photoshop 6, Word, WordPerfect, Excell, Thunderbird, Firefox, IE6, malware bytes, McAfee [and now Norton] antivirus, and etc.

In the last year I’ve probably had 100 BSODs.

From using BlueScreen View I know I keep getting BSOD with bug check 0x10000050 page_in_non_paged area and bug check 0x1000008E kernal_mode_exception_not_handled caused by BHDFVx86.sys, ntoskrnl.exe, and win32k.sys.

There appears to be big problems with some Dell 630i XPS machines that have this problem and it is due to hardware issues. I have run hardware diagnostics and my hardware comes through clean and with flying colors.

So, I called Dell Tech Support and they had me do another hardware diagnostic check which repeated the same positive results.

Then the tech said my issue must be related to my OS and I should reinstall the OS.

If I accept the tech’s premise that the the issue lies with my OS, is it really necessary to reinstall the OS in order to replace BHDFVx86.sys, ntoskrnl.exe, and win32k.sys?

Is there a repair function in XP Pro that would make it so I don’t have to not only reinstall the OS, but several years of MS bug fixes and security update downloads, along with all the other software on my machine?

Reply | Quote

Replies

Did part of the harware diagnostics include running MemTest86 on the memory? If not, try that and see if the memroy passes.

The tech wants you to reinstall both as an easy out for them but also because it will establish wether the problem is hardware or software (if it goes away, it was software).

There is a repair install you can try (you can also try check disk on the hard drive prior if you haven’t) but you’ll need an XP install disc for that to use as a source. If you google the procedure you should get plenty of hits.

Reply | Quote

Peter, just to be clear, are you currently using McAfee and Norton on your computer ?

Reply | Quote

If you mean BHDRVx86 instead of BHDFVx86.sys, that’s a Norton file. Gerald, above, asked the next question.

Reply | Quote

Rusty – thanks. My fingers misspoke. The file is BHDRVx86.

To answer other questions, my ISP provides antivirus software. It was McAfee but has changed to Norton. I am running Norton now and have uninstalled McAfee.

Check disk didn’t turn up anything.

I have not done a Memtest86 but will do that today.

Further research shows an Nvidia driver issue with the Dell 630i. A new driver was released last month and I have installed it. I will cross my fingers and wait [while doing a MemTest!].

Reply | Quote

I’m still getting BSOD, even with the new Nvidia driver I mentioned in my last post.

I’ve downloaded MemTest86 as Byron suggested and ran a test. Either it works at lightening speed or I don’t know what.

The test begins and after about 5 seconds my computer reboots. Byron, is this an indication of some issue with my memory or does it point to something else? Or does MemTest work that fast?

I have 4 gig of memory but only 3 gig are available since I have Win XP Pro.

Reply | Quote

Is it still the 0X1~8E and the BHDRVx86 file error? That would still point to Norton.

Reply | Quote

Did this problem occur when you were using McAfee? If not, download a copy of NoNav from Norton’s web site. Uninstall Norton, then run NoNav. Run it for a while and see what happens.

Reply | Quote

Rusty – I only got the BHDRVx86 error once.

Most every error is win32k.sys and/or ntoskrnl.exe

Chuck – the error also occurred when I had MacAfee.

Peter

Reply | Quote

Do any of you have experience with MemTest86?

As was suggested, I’ve downloaded MemTest86 and ran a test.

The test begins and after about 5 seconds my computer reboots. Does MemTest work that fast?

I have 4 gig of memory but only 3 gig are available since I have Win XP Pro

At this point I’m looking at doing an XP repair vs a reinstall. That way I won’t have to reload all my software.

Reply | Quote

Memtest86 should run continuously until you tell it otherwise.
Check the memtest log to find out why it failed.

Langa Letter: XP’s No-Reformat, Nondestructive Total-Rebuild Option

Reply | Quote

Clint,

Where does Memtest save its log?

Reply | Quote

The problem has been solved.

Remember, this was a Dell XPS 630i. Dell tech support wanted [insisted] me to reinstall the OS [XP Pro SR2]. That sounded like a stupid idea. So, I rang off and waited a few weeks and called back. I told them I had reinstalled the OS and I still got multiple BSODs on a daily basis.

After that I was able to talk them into replacing the motherboard, video cards, and all the memory [4 1gig sticks]. Since I bought the extended [3 year] warranty there was no expense to me. The next day a tech showed up, heard my description of what was wrong and said, “Sounds like memory to me.”

So, he swapped out the motherboard, memory, and video cards [there are two in this machine] and after two weeks I have not experienced any more BSODs.

Reply | Quote