Hello and Maybe help?

bigpapadaemonbigpapadaemon
edited July 2010 in Science & Tech
First off, Hello to all, hopefully with this site I can learn to fix my computers! :)

I bought a sylvania lcd tv and hooked it to my computer as a monitor. Everything seemed fine. I attempted to play a game thru gametap.com and the game page loaded but when I click play I get BSoD and 0x8e. I put old monitor back on cpu and same problem. I have cleaned registry using system mechanic pro. Some games IE Pirates sid myers run fine tohers IE GUN BSoD and 0x8e. I suspect this system being some 6 years old the ram is just failing and it is concidence this happened when I put on the tv for monitor, but that is probably wishful thinking towards an easy solution. If any one could help guide me to fixing this (if it is indeed fixable) I would greatly appreciate it. I can find my minidumps in system but how do I upload them here? I am sorry if this is a simple issue already covered in others threads, I have spent hours googling this error and reading threads and seems to be many many possabilities. Hopefully someone can read or teach me to read the mini dumps to narrow this down? THanks in advance for any assistance.

Ragards-
Daemon

Comments

  • RichDRichD Essex, UK
    edited July 2010
    Hi,

    Welcome to IC!

    Those errors can be caused by a number of things. Bad memory, dying PSU, dying HD or bad drivers.

    Im not familiar with the games you have listed as the required specs may give a clue as to what is going on. I currently suspect either driver or PSU. As the BSOD would probably be more random if it was memory or HD related. I would start by updating all your system drivers (Graphics, sound etc). If it still has problems the try swapping the PSU for a spare or test it with a multi-metre

    If you still have problems then try memtest86 to test your memory and either Seatools or DFT to test your HD.

    I think the issue of the TV is just coincidental.
  • MrTRiotMrTRiot Northern Ontario Icrontian
    edited July 2010
    Sid Meier's Pirates has very VERY low system requirements...

    I agree with RichD though. Run memtest86 and if that passes without a hitch then it might be your graphics card that's failing ESPECIALLY if it's an onboard card (which I assume it is for some reason)
  • RichDRichD Essex, UK
    edited July 2010
    If the games that you are getting the BSOD on are higher spec it could be the GPU or it be that the PSU is failing and cant supply enough power to the GPU resulting in the failure.

    The fact that Sid Meiers is low spec adds weight to the PSU argument as the GPU does not need much power to run it.
  • MrTRiotMrTRiot Northern Ontario Icrontian
    edited July 2010
    Or he just has an ancient on board video card. Considering his comp is six years old. I actually highly doubt he even has a PCI-Express slot on his Mobo....
  • bigpapadaemonbigpapadaemon
    edited July 2010
    Hey, thaks for the suggestions guys. I feared failing RAM and other possabilities listed above. BTW graphics card is Nvidia geforce fx 5600, ancient yes, intergrated no. This was a very nice alienware system when originally assembled, and really the only problem I have with this system is that the Mother Board takes RD RAM which is ridiculous to replace. Fortunately, after debugging mini dumps turned out to be a simple solution, bad install on some NCH software was causeing the BSoD. After uninstall of said culprit system runs great (or as great as this old box can go lol). Again, thank you so much for the responses. I have to admit though, the system still runs great considering age. The only time I really have any trouble with newer games is the RAM issue. No sense in upgrading graphics card if I am stuck at 1 gig of ram. Its about time to build a new system.
  • MrTRiotMrTRiot Northern Ontario Icrontian
    edited July 2010
    Have you altered your virtual RAM to a more suitable level? It's not a permanent solution but it can definitely help you out if you have the storage space to spare....
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