serious system error

[Guest]

My computer suffers from regular system errors which causes it to shut down
and restart. I've managed to figure out that its down to hardware but don't
know what. I have a feeling its down to my standard Power Supply Unit that
was supplied with my computer. Its only 250W and ive added USB ports, Hard
Drive, DVD - Writer on top of what was already in the tower. Any Ideas?

 

[Rich Barry]

I think you did a good job of diagnosing your own problem. Today, a PSU
with only 250W capacity is really struggling.

 

[glee]

I agree with Rich that your diagnosis of an inadequate power supply is probably
correct, but in addition it would be helpful if you told us exactly what the
"regular system errors" are, as they might point ot some other problem.

 

[Guest]

Well the Event ID is 1003, Category102). The Error codes are:
0000009c, Parameter1 00000000, Parameter2 8054d570, Parameter3 c447c000,
Parameter4 00000136
I'm trying to Debug the memory dumps as there are a few of them as this
keeps happening but i am having trouble with the symbol files in order to do
a proper analysis of them. Any help on that would also be appreciated.
I am training to be a PC Technician, so this experience will certainly help
me.

 

[Ron Martell]

Well the Event ID is 1003, Category102). The Error codes are:
0000009c, Parameter1 00000000, Parameter2 8054d570, Parameter3 c447c000,
Parameter4 00000136
I'm trying to Debug the memory dumps as there are a few of them as this
keeps happening but i am having trouble with the symbol files in order to do
a proper analysis of them. Any help on that would also be appreciated.
I am training to be a PC Technician, so this experience will certainly help
me.

From http://aumha.org/a/stop.htm
0x0000009C: MACHINE_CHECK_EXCEPTION
"This is a hardware issue: an unrecoverable hardware error has
occurred. The parameters have different meanings depending on what
type of CPU you have but, while diagnostic, rarely lead to a clear
solution. Most commonly it results from overheating, from failed
hardware (RAM, CPU, hardware bus, power supply, etc.), or from pushing
hardware beyond its capabilities (e.g., overclocking a CPU)."

Trying a larger capacity power supply (at least 350 or 400 watts)
would be a logical first step in troubleshooting the problem. If the
problem persists then you need to look at other hardware related
factors such as overheating or defective RAM.

Good luck


Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2008)
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca
Syberfix Remote Computer Repair

"Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference
has never been in bed with a mosquito."

 

[Guest]

Well i have an AMD Athlon(tm) XP 2700+ and have been running it at 2.21 Ghz
for a couple of months now without any problems untill recently. These system
errors occured occasionally even before i clocked it! But these errors only
occur when running a certain program! I have since readjusted the CPU speed
but i am not holding out much hope.
Upon reading one of many minidumps i have, it recorded the following error:
_VAL_OVER_ADDRV_MEMHIRERR-36
I have since run WINDIAG and tested the memory but all tests passed with no
errors

 

[glee]

The errors only occur when running one certain program? Well, what is the program?

 

[Ron Martell]

Well i have an AMD Athlon(tm) XP 2700+ and have been running it at 2.21 Ghz
for a couple of months now without any problems untill recently. These system
errors occured occasionally even before i clocked it! But these errors only
occur when running a certain program! I have since readjusted the CPU speed
but i am not holding out much hope.
Upon reading one of many minidumps i have, it recorded the following error:
_VAL_OVER_ADDRV_MEMHIRERR-36
I have since run WINDIAG and tested the memory but all tests passed with no
errors

According to the specs that I can find online the design speed for the
Athlon XP2700+ is 2.171 ghz.

Basically, if the chip were capable of sustained relaible operation at
a higher speed then it would have been marketed as such, as higher
speed chips sell for higher prices.

In addition to automatically voiding any warranty on the CPU,
overclocking can and does frequently cause problems. If the problem
goes away when the system is returned to the designed operating specs
then the answer is obvious.

Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2008)
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca
Syberfix Remote Computer Repair

"Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference
has never been in bed with a mosquito."