[realapp]

I have had this error several times over the past few months. I have in the past just rebooted. This last time however, it took several times and it sounds like something serious. I just ordered some new memory as it only has 256 mb RAM. I'ts a Dell Dimension 4600 with Windows XP. I don't know if this will help or not? Any suggestions would be wonderful! Thank you!!

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In overall performance, an extra RAM surely will help. For XP, consider 512MB as a good minimum, and 1GB as enough.
As for memory dump errors, navigate to C:\Windows\Minidump folder. Zip all .dmp files, and attach zip file into your next reply.

[Broni]

In overall performance, an extra RAM surely will help. For XP, consider 512MB as a good minimum, and 1GB as enough.
As for memory dump errors, navigate to C:\Windows\Minidump folder. Zip all .dmp files, and attach zip file into your next reply.

[realapp]

I don't think I have zipping capablities. Is there another way to get these files to you?

Actually I just read that I could download winzip for free for 45 days, so I'll try that.

Edited by realapp, 01 January 2009 - 08:09 PM.

[Broni]

It's rather handy to have zipping program.
Download, and install free 7-zip: http://www.7-zip.org/

After installation, navigate to C:\Windows\Minidump
If there are more, than 1 file there, click on first file, hold SHIFT key, click on last file.
All files are selected, now.
Right click within selection, click "7-zip", then "Add to archive.."



Leave all default settings, and click OK.
New file with .zip extension will be created in very same folder.
Upload the file.

[realapp]

Don't think I did this right, I had already downloaded winzip. Let me know if this is not right. Help!Sorry!

 memdump.zip   247.2KB   299 downloads

[realapp]

Just since I posted on this topic I have had 3 of these errors and have so far been able to reboot. But this last time it acted like it was going to shut itself down. It didn't but just about everytime I get on the internet it seems to do it now. Today I did install the new AVG 8.0 and I have also been having a Rundll error. It says it was installed properly, so not sure if this has anything to do with it or not. I'm posting this message from a different computer and will try again later to reboot the computer with the issues. Thanks!!!

[Broni]

Both today's, and couple of errors from last month point to ntoskrnl.exe file.
The most common causes are: ntoskrnl.exe itself being corrupt, boot files being corrupt, or hard drive being corrupt.

I'd like to know what the errors, you can see on your screen, say.

Do you have Windows XP CD?

Edited by Broni, 01 January 2009 - 09:57 PM.

[realapp]

Ok, that doesn't sound good! I didn't get all of the error last time, when it happens again I will write it all down. But I know part of it said "page_fault__in_nonpaged_ area". Then it went on to say all the stuff about beginning dump of physical memory. Thank you!

[Broni]

Hmmm....PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA error usually points to bad RAM.

We have to start some tests. Do you have Windows XP CD?

Let's start with RAM testing.

Click this for a guide to using Memtest

Click this to download Memtest

Run it overnight if possible.

[realapp]

Here is what the error said this last time. It was slightly different from the time before. But both were dumping physical memory.


A problem has been detected and windows has been shut downto prevent damage to your computer

If this is the first time you've seen this stop error screen, restart your computer. If this screenappears again, follow these steps.

Check to be sure you have adequate disk space. if a driver is identified in the stop message, disable the driver or check with the manufacurer for driver updates. Try changeing video adapters.

Check with your hardware vendor for any BIOS updates. Disable the BIOS memory options such as caching or shadowing. If you need to use safe mode to remove or disable components, restart your computer, press F8 to select Advanced Startup options, and then select safe mode.

Technical information

***Stop 0X0000008E (OXC0000005, 0xF8A400005, 0XEEEC5FCBO, 0x0000000)


*** toside.sys - address F8A40005 base at F8A40000. Datesta,[ 3b7d83e8

Beginning dump of physical memory
Physical memory dump complete
Contact your system administrator or technical support group for further assistance.

[Broni]

Yep. toside.sys error is another indication of bad RAM.

[realapp]

Ok , so this might sound stupid, but would it just be better to put in new memory sticks ( especially since I just orderd 1 Gig stick from Dell). Or should I go ahead and do the memtest. I'm not terribly computer savvy and it sounded complex LOL!

And if I should go ahead and do the test, not sure what to click on in the above download? THANKS for your patience!

Edited by realapp, 01 January 2009 - 10:50 PM.

[Broni]

Wonderful. If you 100% sure, it's correct RAM, go ahead, remove the old one, and put a new one in.
This time, I don't want to sound stupid, but make sure, computer is off. When you open the case, make sure to protect yourself against static by touching any computer bare metal part (power supply will do). Handle RAM by touching its sides only.

[realapp]

Ok, I will try that. I won't have the RAM for a few days, but I will try it whenI get it. How cool woud that be it that was all it was? Guess we'll find out! Thanks for your help!

[Broni]

Make sure to report back