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Memory Compare Error, BSOD on startup with STOP: 0X0000007E


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#1
JessA

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I have a Dell Inspiron 530s that will not start up. It had been functioning normally a week ago, I left it on overnight and it shut itself down. When I attempted to restart it, it would not boot and displays the black screen stating "Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause. Etc." It displays the two choices: 1) Launch Startup Repair 2) Start Windows Normally.

When choosing 1) Launch Startup Repair, the BSOD with the following information is displayed "STOP: c0000221 Unknown Hard Error \SystemRoot\System32\ntdll.dll

When choosing 2) Start Windows Normally, the same black screen returns with "Windows failed to start..."

I can use F8 to get to the Advanced Boot Options screen, with the following results. 1)Repair your computer returns BSOD with the following information "STOP: c0000221 Unknown Hard Error \SystemRoot\System32\ntdll.dll 2)Safe Mode returns "Windows failed to start..." screen but before this screen shows the boot process with the last displayed item being "\Windows\system32\drivers\crcdis.sys" 3) Last Known Good Configuration (advanced) returns "Windows failed to start..." screen 4) Start Windows Normally returns "Windows failed to start..." screen. I know there are several other options on the Advanced Boot Options screen but I am not comforatble with trying them without the guidance of someone more computer literate than me!

At various times, I will get a BSOD with more detailed technical information. The following are all examples of what I have seen. "***STOP: 0x0000007E (0xC0000005, 0x8174A17E, 0x80599A4C, 0x80599748) ***NETIO.sys - Address 8174A17E base at 8173D000, DateStamp 47919103" "***STOP: 0x0000007E (0xC000001D, 0x81776607, 0x805994BC, 0805991B8) ***wdf01000.sys - Address 81776607 base at 81774000, DateStamp 47919015"

Because of these errors I have tried the Dell Diagnostics from the CD provided with my computer. During the Memory Test everything passes except the XMATS32 TEST fails and states "Memory Compare Error,". While running the extended test within the Dell Diagnostics everything passes except for the following Error: "Error Code 5300:0119 Msg: Detected a failure while writing and reading video memory. Video mode Dh (3200x200x16) Address AFFF4h, expected to read 0h, but read 400h instead." This error continues for each video mode tested.

I know this is a lot of information, but I am not sure what info is needed in order to pinpoint the issue. I am willing to try to troubleshoot from home (with the help of someone here of course) but admit I do not have much experience with this, so please explain thoroughly if you are able to provide assistance! Thanks in advance for your help!

Also, my system information is located on my profile page...
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#2
Broni

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A. If you have more than one RAM module installed, try starting computer with one RAM stick at a time.

NOTE Keep in mind, the manual check listed above is always superior to the software check, listed below. DO NOT proceed with memtest, if you can go with option A

B. If you have only one RAM stick installed...
...run memtest...

1. Download - Pre-Compiled Bootable ISO (.zip)
2. Unzip downloaded memtest86+-2.11.iso.zip file.
3. Inside, you'll find memtest86+-2.11.iso file.
4. Download, and install ImgBurn: http://www.imgburn.com/
5. Insert blank CD into your CD drive.
6. Open ImgBurn, and click on Write image file to disc
7. Click on Browse for a file... icon:

Posted Image

8. Locate memtest86+-2.11.iso file, and click Open button.
9. Click on ImgBurn green arrow to start burning bootable memtest86 CD:

Posted Image

10. Once the CD is created, boot from it, and memtest will automatically start to run.

The running program will look something like this depending on the size and number of ram modules installed:


Posted Image

It's recommended to run 5-6 passes. Each pass contains very same 8 tests.

This will show the progress of the test. It can take a while. Be patient, or leave it running overnight.

Posted Image

The following image is the test results area:

Posted Image

The most important item here is the “errors” line. If you see ANY errors, even one, most likely, you have bad RAM.
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#3
JessA

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Thanks for the reply!

I am not sure if I have 1 RAM stick or two, if I do have 2 I am also unsure of how to remove one, which one I should remove, etc. Since it shows on my system info that I have "dual Channel RAM" does that mean I have 2? Sorry for the seemingly uneducated questions!

Thanks for your help so far!
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#4
Broni

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There is nothing to be sorry about :)
If you have dual channel RAM listed, then you have at least 2 memory sticks.
For the best performance dual channel RAM should be installed in pairs (explained here: http://www.legendmem...p...le&sid=317), but for testing purposes, you can run the computer on one stick.
So you do that, but I have another question.
Your error may be also caused by video card RAM. Do you have on-board video, or separate video card?
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#5
JessA

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Again, unsure on the video cards... The description I have for the video card is "Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3100". I haven't made any additions or changes to the video cards since I bought the computer.

Also, on my list it shows the memory as "3GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 800MHz - 4 DIMMs". Thought this information might help. I'd like to try to remove one of the sticks, do you have a link that could walk me throug this process. That is if this is what you would advise as my next step...

Thanks!
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#6
JessA

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Alright, I did a little research on my system. Went to dell's website to see exactly what was included with my system. This is what I found out on the memory sticks: There are 2 "Dual In-Line Memory Module 512,800M,64X64,8,240,1RX8 - part #WG440" and there are 2 "Dual In-Line Memory Module 1GB,800,128X64,8,240,2RX8 - part #XG700"

Edited by JessA, 09 January 2010 - 02:16 PM.

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#7
Broni

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The description I have for the video card is "Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3100"

That means, you have on-board video. We'll come back to video card later.

"3GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 800MHz - 4 DIMMs".

That means, you have 4 RAM sticks, most likely 2x512MB and 2x1GB.
This manual should show you, how to do it: http://www.memorysup...memory-ram.html

Your configuration will probably look like this:

Posted Image

At first try to remove both 512MB sticks and see, if that solves the problem.
If not, remove both 1GB sticks and put both 512MB sticks in.
If you still have a problem, you'll have to test RAM, just ONE stick at a time.
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#8
Broni

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I didn't see your last reply, but I guessed correctly, what you have :)
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#9
JessA

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Awesome, I'll read the manual on how to install the sticks and get back to you. Thanks again, wish me luck!
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#10
Broni

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All the luck, you can get :)
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#11
JessA

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I didn't see your last reply, but I guessed correctly, what you have :)


Yes, very good job :) Okay, so I have removed a couple of the memory sticks and it appears that your photo is accurate except the 2 1-GB sticks are in the green slots and the 2 512-MB sticks are in the purple slots. Which slots should I put the 2 1-GB sticks into to run the first test?
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#12
JessA

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Broni - THANK YOU! :) :)

I started by testing the RAM sticks one at a time. One of the 1GB sticks is the culprit. I am running on the other 1GB stick at this time, currently backing up all of my personal files (which I hadn't stayed current on :S ). I was wondering if I could run on 1x1GB and 2x512MB? I notice that it is running much slower on just the 1x1GB. If so, which slots do I run these on?

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!
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#13
Broni

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Cool :)

One of the 1GB sticks is the culprit

No errors without it?

I notice that it is running much slower on just the 1x1GB

Yes. Vista definitely likes to have at least 2GB.

I was wondering if I could run on 1x1GB and 2x512MB?

You could, but then you don't take advantage of dual channel in 1GB stick case.
I'd rather buy another 1GB. RAM is cheap.
As for placing RAM...
Take a good look at those slots. They may be numbered, like 0, 1, 2, 3
You put the bigger stick in slot #0.
If they're not numbered, put 1GB stick in a slot, which is the closest to the CPU (processor - that "thingy" with a fan on it).

Edited by Broni, 09 January 2010 - 04:16 PM.

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#14
JessA

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Thanks again for that info! Yes, the computer works with no errors as long as that 1 1GB stick isn't in there.

I plan to buy a replacement stick, but for the time being wanted to put the 2 512MB sticks back in. So, my slots are numbered DIMM1, DIMM2, DIMM3, DIMM4. I know I won't be able to take advantage of dual channel with the 1GB, however, will having the 2 512MB at least help? I am thinking I would put the sticks in as follows:
DIMM 1 - 1GB stick
DIMM 2 - 512MB stick
DIMM 3 - ?
DIMM 4 - ?

Should I put the second 512MB stick in 3 or 4?
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#15
Broni

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I can't see your motherboard, but, if it looks like on my picture, you can put 512MB sticks in slot #2 and #3. Just make sure, they sit in different color slots.
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