Odd issues in Vista 64

[Squidmaster]

I got a new computer about a month ago and several strange things have happened during its use that have me worried about whether or not it's going to last for me. I have no idea if these issues are related or not, but it's possible. If you can help with any or all of them or provide any additional insight that would be wonderful.

[*]The preinstalled Asus computer manager program failed to load at startup (1 time)
[*]Custom Windows sound mixer settings don't always carry over through shutdowns (not sure if it's just today or if this happened previously)
[*]World of Warcraft has crashed about 4 or 5 times with 2 different fatal errors (I can list them if it helps)
[*]On 5 of my iTunes albums that I burned in, the comments section has been replaced by what looks like hex code on all tracks (example: 00000000 00000210 00000738 0000000000A475B8 00000000 005971F6 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000)
[*]Today when I tried to play a DVD, it seemed like Windows Media Center was trying to play it twice at the same time, and it was in a strangely sized window. I tried loading Media Center without the DVD and the computer thought it was working, but I had no graphical display of any kind. The screen was pitch black but I could hear the selection sounds if I tried clicking. This disappeared after a reboot.

I have been trying to push this system to make sure it's ok given that my last system had issues that I could not resolve within the warranty time. For instance, I have let it go into sleep mode a ton of times, and haven't shut it down for about two weeks. Are there known issues with Vista 64 bit sleep mode? It seems like it's working but maybe this is the source of my issues, I don't know.

Anyway, I'm concerned and quite chronically ill. My computer is a life line to the world for me, so any help you could offer would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your time.

 

[Mem]

Back to basics I would say run everything at default settings ie no overclocks,and run a memory test ie download Memtest86+ or the one built in Vista,see if any memory errors pop up.

 

[Squidmaster]

I already had things running on default settings. When I tried to run Memtest, the test stopped at 4% (or would not even run if I picked anything other than the default setting.) The test didn't pass or fail to that point. It just stopped running completely and showed no information at all, which I suppose is not surprising if it only gets to 4% of the cycle.

I then ran the Vista memory diagnostic. This also failed to run, and told me that I had to repair Windows because it failed to boot. This is partly a crock, because it never fails to boot except for when I tried to run the memory diagnostic. I do not have a clue what to do now that I cannot even test my memory.

This system is only a bit over a month old, using the company-installed OS and everything. All I've done is update to SP2 and such. What is going on here?

 

[Mem]

It could still be a faulty ram module,try removing one stick of ram and see if it passes memory test then,then do the same with the one you removed.

 

[Squidmaster]

Unfortunately I can't do that, as opening the case voids the warranty.

 

[Squidmaster]

I got a message just now that says, "Windows Media Center Store Update Manager stopped working and was closed". I am not running Windows Media Center right now, nor have I for about 3 days.

 

[Mem]

Sounds like a faulty hardware issue to me since Memtest86+ stops at 4% so thats before even the OS even boots up,you say you can't open case due to void of warranty, well can't you get them to fix your PC under warranty?

 

[Squidmaster]

I should be able to, yes, but it sucks to be without a comp in my situation, or even to have to restore everything installation and settings-wise. Nonetheless, this may be the only option. Any more ideas?

 

[Mem]

Originally posted by: Squidmaster
I should be able to, yes, but it sucks to be without a comp in my situation, or even to have to restore everything installation and settings-wise. Nonetheless, this may be the only option. Any more ideas?

Just one,try a Ubuntu Live CD,basically it lets you run Linux Ubuntu from CD without installing anything to hard drive,its a good way to rule out any Windows OS issues,if it still crashes even from Ubuntu live CD then its 100% faulty hardware.You will need access to any PC to download Ubuntu and make an ISO image to CD,then boot from that CD on your troubled PC,or borrow a Linux CD from a friend.


Ubuntu homepage.

 

[Squidmaster]

That's an excellent idea, but how will I be able to see any of the possible errors that could arise from within that system without being able to run all the programs that are bugging out?

 

[Mem]

The point is to see if its stable or not then take it from there.

 

[Squidmaster]

I hear ya, but the trouble is that it's already stable a lot of the time. I might not get a visible error for 4 days, then get 2 the next day or something. I don't know what predictable element I could compare to get any idea.

 

[Mem]

You are restricted to what you can do since you can't open the case,btw what does the reliability monitor chart show?.... that normally gives indication of issues(little red circle with white cross),hit start button and type reliability in the box to find it.

 

[Squidmaster]

Ok, I have that open but I'm not entirely sure what I want to be reading here. It is telling me the index is 9.17 if that helps.

 

[Mem]

Originally posted by: Squidmaster
Ok, I have that open but I'm not entirely sure what I want to be reading here. It is telling me the index is 9.17 if that helps.

See the pic under section 2 here ,click on those errors(red circle with white cross) for more info.

 

[Squidmaster]

I uploaded the file to my website. Take a look if you don't mind. Hopefully this saved the right stuff, but it bears mentioning that the monitor only recorded about half of the actual problems. The problem with the .NET framework and all of the WoW crashes are not on that list for sure.

 

[Mem]

Your options are limited either do a reformat reinstall and see if that solves the problem or get your PC fixed under warranty(since you'll void warranty if you open case) or try a linux liveCD for a few days see if you get any similar issues.

I still suspect ram or hardware at this point,I had a similar issue where it would be ok for awhile then give errors or a crash(was ram in my case).

 

[Squidmaster]

I had a similar scenario. I am getting the free Windows 7 upgrade that came with this system as soon as it's available (this week, right?), and will likely give that a few weeks before returning.