Ever since I tried, in Windows XP, to install a Canon CanoScan 300 scanner made for Windows 95, I've been getting the BSoD that says something about a "machine_check_exception". Since then I have formatted all my hard drives and reinstalled Windows, and I'm getting the same problem. I ran a Microsoft memory checking utility and MemTest86, which both found no errors on my RAM. I tried underclocking my CPU, which didn't solve the problem. Considering the problem coincided with the scanner installation, I disable my parallel port, but that didn't solve the problem. I feel that I've tried everything, and I am starting to suspect the power supply based on posts in other forums. I thought that maybe with a specific hardware list, I could get some unique help, so please don't tell me to search ;)

Socket 939 Athlon 64 3200+ clocked at 2.4ghz (stock is 2ghz)
2 sticks PC3200 DDR DIMM RAM, 768mb (512 + 256)
ATI Radeon 9600se in 8x AGP slot.
Gigabyte GA-K8NSC-939 mobo with latest BIOS (F7)

Thanks!

-Jake

This is usually a hardware error, usually memory,especially ecc memory,overclocking,or a failing power supply.

Thanks for the reply. I underclocked the CPU, which didn't solve the problem, and I don't have ecc memory, but as I write this I am letting MemTest86 do however many passes it can overnight. How could I determine in it's the CPU or motherboard? I ask because unlike a power supply, those are the two things I can't afford ;)

-Jake

Have you tried it with one memory stick and of course,if that don't work the other memory stick?You can also clean your memory stick connecting area with a pencil eraser,lightly rubbing to remove tarnish buildup.

I figured I'd wait until I found that memory was indeed the problem before trying individual sticks. Can dirt on the RAM's connectors cause problems? That's interesting, I've never heard of that. I leave my case open, so I'm sure plenty of dust gets in there.

-Jake

It seems dirt and dust is the culprit to most all unexpected hardware problems.

FYI - Underclocking the computer will not fix any damage done to it by overclocking - FYI
You remember - all those warnings about how you may damage your system by overclocking...

Search Engines Are Your Friends

Morpheus: There is a difference between knowing the path and walking the path. "The Matrix"

Machine_check_exception

Can overclocking permanently damage hardware in ways not related to overheating? I never heard that, all the warnings I saw were about temperature... :(

MemTest86 did 43 passes without any errors, so the problem should be with my CPU, motherboard, or power supply; is there a way to determine which one?

Thanks.

-Jake

Response 3,Have you tried it with one memory stick?If not,start over with keyboard,mouse, and video card only in computer and try each memory stick,one at a time.You original post also mentions adding an item canon printer,The only thing you have not mentioned is,what size PSU you have.

My power supply is 400w. I've had it for about a year and a half. I used a power supply calculator named "eXtreme" something something (I forget the name) that suggested a 246w power supply. I've been closely monitoring my temps, and 43 passes of MemTest86 found no errors.

My computer hasn't shown the BSoD for a while, it seems to have good days and bad days. It ran Prime95 for about an hour and a half with no problems. I'll run it longer next time I don't need to use the computer for a long time. Also, I should mention I'm using all the NVidia drivers that came with my motherboard. I heard that can cause this problem, although I'm using all IDE drives.

I doubt this exists, but is there any power supply testing software out there?

Thanks.

-Jake

I suggest you don't overclock anymore gaming is a add-on to the original purpose of a computer.You also may do well going to nvidia support and downloading the latest drivers for your video card.I am only trying to help you with your issues.I hope that none of my responses discourage you in any way. Good Luck!!

Thanks a lot for all the help street1. One last question, can overclocking hurt a CPU in ways unrelated to heat? If I did damage my CPU, I have to know how to avoid it in the future after I scrape up enough cash to pick up a new one ;)

-Jake

Heat is the enemy when you overclock.

Okay, I finally figured out it's my DVD RW drive causing the problem. Any time I or a program tried to access it, I got the BSoD. Is this a problem with the burner itself or the motherboard/CPU/some other device?

-Jake

I do not have a dvd writer maybe someone else can address issue.Good Luck!

try another dvd drive in its place even if it's not a burner. If you no longer get that error, than it's a bad dvd burner.

Jake .

I had a similar problem with the K8NSC-939.
The only difference wat that my graphics got artifacs when i started running 3d aps.
i bought a NEW card 6600gt (again) and still did it. i bought a new CPU 3200+ and still. Then i thought to myself maybee just mabee it could be my BIOS F7 (like you have) i reverted back to F4 and the problem was gone. i just downloaded F5. so i'll check if it still works on F5 and F6 but believe me something is hecticly whong with F7...

im getting the machine_check_exception blue screen of death whenevr microsoft word is running, if its not- then i have no problem..... does this make sense? microsoft says its a hardware issue... plese help
thanks
smaycha

I recently installed Azureus.
Up until then, i had had NO stability issues with my machine.
Athlon 64 3500+
2 sticks of pc3200 ddr ram (2 x 512)
Asus A8v Deluxe VIA K8T800 Pro

I got a couple of IRQ_LESS_OR_EQUAL bsod.
Then randomly, a couple of MACHINE_CHECK_EXCEPTIONS.

any ideas why?
None of my kit is overclocked
Thanks
John