Blue Screen of Death

Hello,
Thanks in advance for any help. I'm not sure if this is the correct forum, please let me know if it belongs somewhere else.

I have a SONY VAIO EG11FX/L running Windows 7. This is a brand new computer for XMAS. It was running normally for about 3 weeks and then, during start up, I get a blue screen of death with the following:

"A PROBLEM HAS BEEN DETECTED AND WINDOWS HAS BEEN SHUT DOWN TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER.

PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA

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

Check to make sure any new hardware or software is properly installed. If this is a new installation, ask your hardware or software manufacture for any windows updates you might need.

If problems continue, disable or remove any newly installed hardware or software. Disable 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: 0x00000050 (0xFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF0,0x00000000000000000,0xFFFFF8000BCE9CCA,0x0000000000000000) "

When the computer is restarted it gives an option of starting windows normally or using launch recovery mode, either option results in a blue screen. Any attempt to start up in any of the safe mode options also results in the blue screen. Sometimes it flashes the blue screen and shuts down by itself.


This computer is new enough that there is not anything important in it so formatting is an option. Also the day I opened it, I installed AVG free version and PC Tools Firewall. However, I did not make a recovery disk of any sort.

There is another computer in the house running WIndows 7 if it makes it easier or possible to create a recovery disk.

Please Help
Thanks
BT

Hi Bennett Taylor,
Welcome to WTT

Your PC is new and comes with a warranty:

-1 year limited warranty with International Service; FREE Telephone Support; on-site/In-Home Service; International service (Separate registration required); Priority phone support; see actual warranty for details.

Cheers,
Lee

in other words take it back and let them replace it for one that works, being so new and having problems already doesn't bode well for future trouble free use.

Explanation of stop code below.

0x00000050: PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA
Requested data was not in memory. An invalid system memory address was referenced. Defective memory (including main memory, L2 RAM cache, video RAM) or incompatible software (including remote control and antivirus software) might cause this Stop message, as may other hardware problems (e.g., incorrect SCSI termination or a flawed PCI card). Use the General Troubleshooting of STOP Messages checklist above.

According to the above I would suggest a memory check to verify the code. This also will give you a more direct problem to present to the store when you take it back,
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). If you prefer to use the USB version then use this link USB KEY
2. Unzip downloaded /memtest86+-4.20.iso.zip file.
3. Inside, you'll find /memtest86+-4.20.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:

[external image: Posted Image]

8. Locate memtest86+-4.20.iso file, and click Open button.
9. Click on ImgBurn green arrow to start burning bootable memtest86 CD:

[external image: Posted Image]

10. Once the CD is created, boot from it, and memtest will automatically start to run. You may have to change the boot sequence in your BIOS to make it work right.

To change Boot Sequence in your BIOS
Reboot the system and at the first post screen (where it is counting up memory) start tapping the DEL button
This will enter you into the Bios\Cmos area.
Find the Advanced area and click Enter
Look for Boot Sequence or Boot Options and highlight that click Enter
Now highlight the first drive and follow the directions on the bottom of the screen on how to modify it and change it to CDrom.
Change the second drive to the C or Main Drive
Once that is done then click F10 to Save and Exit
You will prompted to enter Y to verify Save and Exit. Click Y and the system will now reboot with the new settings.


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


[external image: 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.

[external image: Posted Image]

The following image is the test results area:

[external image: Posted Image]

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

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

Removing components or even opening the case might void the warranty. I wouldn't touch anything and especially because the computer is a laptop.

I agree and would suggest just running the software program itself.