Random Shutdowns

Bkun · 07-16-2005, 04:03 PM

Before I get to my problem, I'd just like to say hi to everyone here since this is my first time posting.

Now to my problem; recently, my computer has been shutting down randomly for no known reason to my knowledge. Most of the time, I get a blue screen with some text on it that I cannot understand. It gives me a message on the top saying "Bad Pool Caller" and then a stop code on the bottom. I believe it also says that there might be a problem with a driver in my computer, but I'm not certain as to its exact details.

This problem started when I installed this one game on my computer called Gunz: The Duel. I'm not sure if this is a coincidence or not but I never got this problem before I installed the game. So far, I've uninstalled the game, as well as ran a few programs on my computer such as Adware and Spyblaster to get rid of any conspicuous files in my computer. Despite this, I still get the blue screen with the "Bad Pool Caller" message from time to time. Also, just to let you know, I've ran a Memtest program to test out my RAM, and it did not pick up any errors.

As a result of these random shutdowns, I've noticed that my computer has created some mini dump files, which I've read can be helpful in locating the source of the problem. Only thing is, I don't know how to read these files or what to do with them.

I'm open to any suggestions, and I'm willing to give out my computer specs and other relevant details concerning the problem.

Also, just to ask, what would be the consequence of not assessing this problem, and just letting be. I mean, so far I've been able to run my computer despite getting these random shutdowns. If I let it be, will my computer slowly deteriorate or will I be fine?

Anyways, thanks to all those who reply, and hopefully I can obtain some advice from everyone!

Geekgirl · 07-16-2005, 04:26 PM

Hello and Welcome to TSF

Try looking in Event Viewer for a lead.
HOW TO: View and Manage Event Logs in Event Viewer in Windows XP

**keymaker** · 07-16-2005, 06:19 PM

hi bkun,

it would help if you provide us your computer specs. what motherboard,cpu, brand of power supply do you have? etc.etc.etc.

is this computer fairly new? how much power are you running? it could be a power supply problem. one thing you can do is to test a spare power supply on your computer. if you dont have one then i recommend going to buy one at your local computer store so you can test that power supply on your computer.

i recommend getting a reputable named brand one such as antec. antec makes really good power supplies and computer cases.

another thing you can do is to check the system and cpu temperatures in the bios. make sure the cpu temps is less than 60c, 60c and over is a bit hot. good luck and if you have more trouble, just post back and ill be happy to help you out.

Bkun · 07-16-2005, 06:37 PM

Thanks for all the input everyone! Well, as for my computer specs, here they are:

MoBo: K8N Neo II Platinum
CPU: AMD Athlon 64 3500+ ~2.2 Ghz
Power Supply: Not quite sure but I do believe its a 350 Antec
RAM: Dual Channel 3200 1gb Corsair
Vid Card: ATI Radeon 9600 128mb AGP
Sound Card: Santa Cruz Turtle Beach 5.1 Surround
OS: WinXP
Fans: I believe 3 Antec fans; idle temps: 39C Sys and CPU; around 50C when playing games and other intensive programs

As for trying out a new power supply, if one of you could refer me to an instructions page as I'm not sure how to remove the supply and replace it.

Also, in terms of cleaning out the inside of my comp, is it okay if I use a can of compressed air? If so, is there any special care I should take note when using it? I haven't thoroughly cleaned out my comp ever since it was assembled last December.

Again, thanks for all the input and if anyone else has any suggestions, please feel free to post them. I'm willing to listen to them all :)

Geekgirl · 07-17-2005, 08:32 AM

Look over these links, these will vary depending on your make/model of your pc. Also, some computers like Dell, need to be replaced with the exact same model.

http://www.smartcomputing.com/editor...5r04/25r04.asp

http://www.fonerbooks.com/r_power.htm

Yes canned/compressed air is a good way to clean out the dust bunnies, always remember to never tilt the can, keep it straight up. Use the little plastic tube they supply with it to get the hard to reach places.

Bkun · 07-17-2005, 12:24 PM

Thanks a lot Geekgirl. Those links are very helpful. I'll give it a try later this week when I get a chance, and I'll let you all know how it goes afterwards.

Geekgirl · 07-17-2005, 12:33 PM

The best thing for you to do is get the model number off the power supply and search it on Google
Depending on your make/model will you be able to use any ATX psu

For example I find that Emachines are part specific, meaning you can only use that model or one that they see is a correct replacement.

Bkun · 07-17-2005, 04:03 PM

Also, one more thing. As I asked in my first post, are there any downsides in just letting my computer be as it is? Recently(past 2 days), I haven't received a single BSoD. This could be just a coincidence, but if it does stay like this for a week or so, should I even do anything to my computer?

Bkun · 07-18-2005, 08:12 PM

Well, it just happened again. One thing I noticed in the Event logs is that it says the source is "nvatabus". Does anyone know what this is or how I can find out what exactly this is referring to in my comp? If I can do that, maybe I can reinstall it or do something to try to fix the problem.

Edit: I just typed in "nvatabus" in google, and I received a bunch of sites concerning Nvidia video cards. Maybe the problem concerns my vid card? Any suggestions?

Geekgirl · 07-19-2005, 07:10 AM

Good chance that is your issue. But I thought you had a ATI Radeon 9600 ?

DO you have another video card you can install to see if it stops the bsod?

Bkun · 07-19-2005, 11:26 AM

You know what, you're right. :P It can't possibly be that since there aren't any other vid cards besides my Radeon installed. Hmmmm...I really don't know now, well I'ma try updating my vid drivers anyways to see if that can fix it.

Oh, and if possible, could you look at my other topic too Geekgirl concerning my Windows Media Player?

jflan · 07-20-2005, 08:48 AM

Hopefully, you're resolved by now, but after reading this thread I thought I would throw in:

On an error XP will shut down and restart in an effort to "heal" itself. This happens in the shutdown/ startup process and XP wants to go there.
(This process can be disabled)

Your error code points to a "faulty driver or software" according to MS

You also say that you see "nvatabus" in the code

The mobo that you list has an NVIDIA nForce3 chipset

Determine what your current chipset driver is (ie. Everest Home )

Go to the MSI site and download/install the appropriate driver(s)
You will see "NVIDIA nForce3 System Drivers" (for your mobo and OS!)
Usually the latest is the best, but not always. You may have to reload the same driver or even "roll back" to a previous.

At the next level you can go to the NVIDIA site to see what they offer. Be sure that it is compatible with your motherboard as this same chipset is used in several other mfr's mobo's

Another thing that you could try is System Restore and "go back to a happier time"

Here's some MS info FYI

07-16-2005, 04:03 PM	#1 (permalink)
Bkun Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 11 OS: WinXP	Random Shutdowns Before I get to my problem, I'd just like to say hi to everyone here since this is my first time posting. Now to my problem; recently, my computer has been shutting down randomly for no known reason to my knowledge. Most of the time, I get a blue screen with some text on it that I cannot understand. It gives me a message on the top saying "Bad Pool Caller" and then a stop code on the bottom. I believe it also says that there might be a problem with a driver in my computer, but I'm not certain as to its exact details. This problem started when I installed this one game on my computer called Gunz: The Duel. I'm not sure if this is a coincidence or not but I never got this problem before I installed the game. So far, I've uninstalled the game, as well as ran a few programs on my computer such as Adware and Spyblaster to get rid of any conspicuous files in my computer. Despite this, I still get the blue screen with the "Bad Pool Caller" message from time to time. Also, just to let you know, I've ran a Memtest program to test out my RAM, and it did not pick up any errors. As a result of these random shutdowns, I've noticed that my computer has created some mini dump files, which I've read can be helpful in locating the source of the problem. Only thing is, I don't know how to read these files or what to do with them. I'm open to any suggestions, and I'm willing to give out my computer specs and other relevant details concerning the problem. Also, just to ask, what would be the consequence of not assessing this problem, and just letting be. I mean, so far I've been able to run my computer despite getting these random shutdowns. If I let it be, will my computer slowly deteriorate or will I be fine? Anyways, thanks to all those who reply, and hopefully I can obtain some advice from everyone!

07-16-2005, 04:26 PM	#2 (permalink)
Geekgirl Manager, Microsoft Support Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 12,416 OS: 98SE/WinXP Home/WinXP Pro Blog Entries: 1	Hello and Welcome to TSF Try looking in Event Viewer for a lead. HOW TO: View and Manage Event Logs in Event Viewer in Windows XP __________________ Compare NOD32 to your current antivirus and anti-spyware solution, HERE How to back up and restore the registry in Windows XP and Windows Vista How to back up and restore the registry in Windows 98/ ME / NT 4.0 / 2000 I DO NOT ACCEPT EMAILS AND WILL NOT REPLY TO THEM !!!!! TSF DOES NOT SUPPORT ASSISTANCE THROUGH EMAIL OR PRIVATE MESSAGES, PLEASE KEEP ALL QUESTIONS IN THE OPEN FORUM

07-17-2005, 08:32 AM	#5 (permalink)
Geekgirl Manager, Microsoft Support Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 12,416 OS: 98SE/WinXP Home/WinXP Pro Blog Entries: 1	Look over these links, these will vary depending on your make/model of your pc. Also, some computers like Dell, need to be replaced with the exact same model. http://www.smartcomputing.com/editor...5r04/25r04.asp http://www.fonerbooks.com/r_power.htm Yes canned/compressed air is a good way to clean out the dust bunnies, always remember to never tilt the can, keep it straight up. Use the little plastic tube they supply with it to get the hard to reach places. __________________ Compare NOD32 to your current antivirus and anti-spyware solution, HERE How to back up and restore the registry in Windows XP and Windows Vista How to back up and restore the registry in Windows 98/ ME / NT 4.0 / 2000 I DO NOT ACCEPT EMAILS AND WILL NOT REPLY TO THEM !!!!! TSF DOES NOT SUPPORT ASSISTANCE THROUGH EMAIL OR PRIVATE MESSAGES, PLEASE KEEP ALL QUESTIONS IN THE OPEN FORUM Last edited by Geekgirl : 07-17-2005 at 08:43 AM.

07-17-2005, 12:33 PM	#7 (permalink)
Geekgirl Manager, Microsoft Support Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 12,416 OS: 98SE/WinXP Home/WinXP Pro Blog Entries: 1	The best thing for you to do is get the model number off the power supply and search it on Google Depending on your make/model will you be able to use any ATX psu For example I find that Emachines are part specific, meaning you can only use that model or one that they see is a correct replacement. __________________ Compare NOD32 to your current antivirus and anti-spyware solution, HERE How to back up and restore the registry in Windows XP and Windows Vista How to back up and restore the registry in Windows 98/ ME / NT 4.0 / 2000 I DO NOT ACCEPT EMAILS AND WILL NOT REPLY TO THEM !!!!! TSF DOES NOT SUPPORT ASSISTANCE THROUGH EMAIL OR PRIVATE MESSAGES, PLEASE KEEP ALL QUESTIONS IN THE OPEN FORUM

07-18-2005, 08:12 PM	#9 (permalink)
Bkun Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 11 OS: WinXP	Well, it just happened again. One thing I noticed in the Event logs is that it says the source is "nvatabus". Does anyone know what this is or how I can find out what exactly this is referring to in my comp? If I can do that, maybe I can reinstall it or do something to try to fix the problem. Edit: I just typed in "nvatabus" in google, and I received a bunch of sites concerning Nvidia video cards. Maybe the problem concerns my vid card? Any suggestions? Last edited by Bkun : 07-18-2005 at 08:16 PM.

07-16-2005, 06:19 PM	#3 (permalink)
keymaker Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 1,154 OS: windows xp	hi bkun, it would help if you provide us your computer specs. what motherboard,cpu, brand of power supply do you have? etc.etc.etc. is this computer fairly new? how much power are you running? it could be a power supply problem. one thing you can do is to test a spare power supply on your computer. if you dont have one then i recommend going to buy one at your local computer store so you can test that power supply on your computer. i recommend getting a reputable named brand one such as antec. antec makes really good power supplies and computer cases. another thing you can do is to check the system and cpu temperatures in the bios. make sure the cpu temps is less than 60c, 60c and over is a bit hot. good luck and if you have more trouble, just post back and ill be happy to help you out.

07-16-2005, 06:37 PM	#4 (permalink)
Bkun Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 11 OS: WinXP	Thanks for all the input everyone! Well, as for my computer specs, here they are: MoBo: K8N Neo II Platinum CPU: AMD Athlon 64 3500+ ~2.2 Ghz Power Supply: Not quite sure but I do believe its a 350 Antec RAM: Dual Channel 3200 1gb Corsair Vid Card: ATI Radeon 9600 128mb AGP Sound Card: Santa Cruz Turtle Beach 5.1 Surround OS: WinXP Fans: I believe 3 Antec fans; idle temps: 39C Sys and CPU; around 50C when playing games and other intensive programs As for trying out a new power supply, if one of you could refer me to an instructions page as I'm not sure how to remove the supply and replace it. Also, in terms of cleaning out the inside of my comp, is it okay if I use a can of compressed air? If so, is there any special care I should take note when using it? I haven't thoroughly cleaned out my comp ever since it was assembled last December. Again, thanks for all the input and if anyone else has any suggestions, please feel free to post them. I'm willing to listen to them all :)

07-17-2005, 12:24 PM	#6 (permalink)
Bkun Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 11 OS: WinXP	Thanks a lot Geekgirl. Those links are very helpful. I'll give it a try later this week when I get a chance, and I'll let you all know how it goes afterwards.

07-17-2005, 04:03 PM	#8 (permalink)
Bkun Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 11 OS: WinXP	Also, one more thing. As I asked in my first post, are there any downsides in just letting my computer be as it is? Recently(past 2 days), I haven't received a single BSoD. This could be just a coincidence, but if it does stay like this for a week or so, should I even do anything to my computer?

07-19-2005, 07:10 AM	#10 (permalink)
Geekgirl Manager, Microsoft Support Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 12,416 OS: 98SE/WinXP Home/WinXP Pro Blog Entries: 1	Good chance that is your issue. But I thought you had a ATI Radeon 9600 ? DO you have another video card you can install to see if it stops the bsod? __________________ Compare NOD32 to your current antivirus and anti-spyware solution, HERE How to back up and restore the registry in Windows XP and Windows Vista How to back up and restore the registry in Windows 98/ ME / NT 4.0 / 2000 I DO NOT ACCEPT EMAILS AND WILL NOT REPLY TO THEM !!!!! TSF DOES NOT SUPPORT ASSISTANCE THROUGH EMAIL OR PRIVATE MESSAGES, PLEASE KEEP ALL QUESTIONS IN THE OPEN FORUM

07-19-2005, 11:26 AM	#11 (permalink)
Bkun Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 11 OS: WinXP	You know what, you're right. :P It can't possibly be that since there aren't any other vid cards besides my Radeon installed. Hmmmm...I really don't know now, well I'ma try updating my vid drivers anyways to see if that can fix it. Oh, and if possible, could you look at my other topic too Geekgirl concerning my Windows Media Player?

07-20-2005, 08:48 AM	#12 (permalink)
jflan Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Vancouver, WA Posts: 935 OS: XP/Puppy 2.14	Hopefully, you're resolved by now, but after reading this thread I thought I would throw in: On an error XP will shut down and restart in an effort to "heal" itself. This happens in the shutdown/ startup process and XP wants to go there. (This process can be disabled) Your error code points to a "faulty driver or software" according to MS You also say that you see "nvatabus" in the code The mobo that you list has an NVIDIA nForce3 chipset Determine what your current chipset driver is (ie. Everest Home ) Go to the MSI site and download/install the appropriate driver(s) You will see "NVIDIA nForce3 System Drivers" (for your mobo and OS!) Usually the latest is the best, but not always. You may have to reload the same driver or even "roll back" to a previous. At the next level you can go to the NVIDIA site to see what they offer. Be sure that it is compatible with your motherboard as this same chipset is used in several other mfr's mobo's Another thing that you could try is System Restore and "go back to a happier time" Here's some MS info FYI