Random BSOD Error with Dell E1705

drakesteakn · Dec 7, 2007, 02:34 PM

i first state what the Specs are for this computer to the best of my knowledge.

SPECS:

DELL E1705

OS: Windows XP Media Center 2005
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo T52001.6GHz
Memory: 2GB DDR2 533MHz (don't have the manufacturer)
Graphics Card: Nvidia 7900GS 256MB
Motherboard: Intel based 945 Chipset with ICH7 SB Dell OEM Motherboard
Hard Drive: 120GB 5400RPM S-ATA Western Digital

Problem: At random times the computer will BSOD with this error message:

HARDWARE MALFUNCTION
NMI: PARITY CHECK/MEMORY PARITY ERROR
SYSTEM HALTED

I'm just guessing that the RAm is having a error? On the Microsoft website it states that it could be "hardware component malfunctions, or if there are damaged or incompatible drivers installed." My guess would be to go buy new RAM and try it to see if its the RAM. Anyone have and suggestions?

***Vikingod*** · Dec 7, 2007, 04:42 PM

Most likely, It could also be the RAM of the GPU, but I doubt it. The best way to see if its your RAM is to download and try Memtest 86. Check the site for all the instructions (its a free DL).

You can also pop out one of the sticks of RAM and try to reboot. This might give you an idea of which stick of ram it is.

Run memtest and see what it gives you, then post back with your results. Good luck.

drakesteakn · Dec 7, 2007, 04:44 PM

I forgot about that nice little tool called MEMTEST 86. I'll keep you informed.

drakesteakn · Dec 7, 2007, 06:58 PM

I'm going onto my 2nd completed pass right now. I have no errors as of yet.

***Vikingod*** · Dec 7, 2007, 08:09 PM

let it run for quite a while, several hours sometimes. I should have asked, do you OC? I've seen similar errors with OC'ed systems. If you find no errors, download prime 95 and run their tests for a while.

drakesteakn · Dec 7, 2007, 08:31 PM

No overclocking on this laptop. I still have it running and nothing so far. If i have to i'll let it run all night. If i still have no errors i'll download Prime 95. thanks for your help.

***Vikingod*** · Dec 7, 2007, 08:36 PM

No problem man, glad to do what I can. Hopefully we'll get this solved.

drakesteakn · Dec 25, 2007, 12:04 AM

Well i tried everything but new RAM. MEMTEST and PRIME 95 have no errors and finish after long continuous loops. I moved and haven't been on to report back my findings. So i'm going to try new RAM next. Hope this works now.