Windows XP Blue screen 0x000000F4 - Failing MB or hard drive?

ChrisAttebery

Member
Nov 10, 2003
118
3
81
I have an older Dell Optiplex 745 running Windows XP. I'm using it to run Mach3 CNC controller and it isn't compatible with 64 bit OSes. So I haven't seen a need to upgrade the machine or the OS. I haven't installed any new hardware or software in a couple years and it isn't connected to the internet. In the last few weeks I've seen a few blue screen errors even if the machine is just sitting idle. The errors are getting more frequent though. It happened a couple times over the weekend. I ran memtest86 and chkdisk on it and both passed without any errors.

According to MS "This problem occurs on a computer in which Windows XP or a later operating system is installed on a hard disk that is configured as a subordinate and no other device is connected to the same IDE controller channel (primary or secondary)."

Does this sound like a failing MB or HD to you?

Any help would be appreciated,


Chris
 

VirtualLarry

No Lifer
Aug 25, 2001
56,570
10,200
126
Check mobo for swollen, discolored, or ruptured capacitors. Consider a test swap with a known-good PSU if those check out. How old and what model is the PSU? HDDs? Mobo?
 

VirtualLarry

No Lifer
Aug 25, 2001
56,570
10,200
126
According to MS "This problem occurs on a computer in which Windows XP or a later operating system is installed on a hard disk that is configured as a subordinate and no other device is connected to the same IDE controller channel (primary or secondary)."

Does this sound like a failing MB or HD to you?
"Subordinate". LOL. What they are saying, is something about using an IDE device configured as "SLAVE", alone on an IDE cable. Which is technically a no-no, but sometimes you come across a DVD drive configured that way.
 

ChrisAttebery

Member
Nov 10, 2003
118
3
81
I'm thinking that the MOBO may have developed an issue. The machine is 6-8 years old and I've let it run for months on end in my garage where it could be anywhere from 30F-120F. These systems are available pretty cheap on CL, so I think I'm just going to pick up another.

"Subordinate". LOL. What they are saying, is something about using an IDE device configured as "SLAVE", alone on an IDE cable. Which is technically a no-no, but sometimes you come across a DVD drive configured that way.