Critical Process Died

paulo27

Member
Member
Messages
46
Hello.

I bought this laptop 2 days ago, it also came with Windows 8, and yesterday I was thinking about installing Windows 7 or 8, I ended up installing Windows 8, eventhough I don't like it, I installed a bunch of those programs that make it look like Windows 7, and everything was fine, I installed a bunch more software from my old computer and I was just downloading a couple games over-night so I could test how good it really is during today, there was no problem yesterday, at all, and I made it auto-shutdown when the downloads were completed.

Today I start the computer and it starts scanning the disk, I'm like: "Brand new laptop, should be fine", nope, stopped at like 10% (not sure) and restarted, when it restarted it went into this blue screen with a ":(" and saying something like this: "Look for help with this report: "Critical Process Died"".

I researched on the problem and looks like no one is sure about it, some say it's a HD problem, and others say it's something to do with Avast! (which I did install).

ASUS N56VZ
Intel Core i7-3630QM 2.4GHz
500GB HD Space
6GB RAM
GT650M 2GB + Intel HD 4000 (???, I actually looked this computer online and then went to the shop to buy it and nothing, anywhere told me that it had an Intel HD 4000, only found out yesterday went I installed GPU-Z, quite strange...)

One thing is for sure, I won't be keeping Windows 8 after this ._. .

Thanks.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8
So I went to the store couple hours ago, and they have no clue of what caused it, the guy there said that the HD was "probably" corrupted, now I still have no idea of what caused it, so if anyone has any info on this I'd really appreciate it so I can avoid it and not have to go to the store every couple of days...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8
Hello.

I bought this laptop 2 days ago, it also came with Windows 8, and yesterday I was thinking about installing Windows 7 or 8, I ended up installing Windows 8

Hello Paulo, welcome to the forums.

It came with Win8, I have the same thing here on laptop. You should have kept that a bit longer to see how it went. Normally it has preinstalled drivers and works OK.

Then you remove Win8, to install... Win8. Doesn't sound so good.

I removed the crap programs that came preinstalled but I kept the OS.

If you're no driver expert you should try to restore factory (image) settings. It's reinstalling the OEM version from factory image (about 18-20 GB partition). Then you can get all drivers from there, back them up for later if you do clean install again.

Yes it has Intel HD 4000 which is included in the i7 processor.

I have HP envy dv6 with almost the same specs (NV Gfx 630M here) but what I did is go to my manufacturer's website and install/update all available drivers to newest versions, also newer BIOS which improves usuability in Win8.

For you that means this site:
ASUSTeK Computer Inc. -Support- Drivers and Download N56VZ
Select Win8 if that's the case.

See how it goes after a few driver updates, then go further installing windows updates.


Good luck

Hopachi
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy DV6 7250
    CPU
    Intel i7-3630QM
    Motherboard
    HP, Intel HM77 Express Chipset
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD4000 + Nvidia Geforce 630M
    Sound Card
    IDT HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6' built-in + Samsung S22D300 + 17.3' LG Phillips
    Screen Resolution
    multiple resolutions
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 250GB + Hitachi HDD 750GB
    PSU
    120W adapter
    Case
    small
    Cooling
    laptop cooling pad
    Keyboard
    Backlit built-in + big one in USB
    Mouse
    SteelSeries Sensei
    Internet Speed
    slow and steady
    Browser
    Chromium, Pale Moon, Firefox Developer Edition
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    That's basically it.
Hello.

I bought this laptop 2 days ago, it also came with Windows 8, and yesterday I was thinking about installing Windows 7 or 8, I ended up installing Windows 8

Hello Paulo, welcome to the forums.

It came with Win8, I have the same thing here on laptop. You should have kept that a bit longer to see how it went. Normally it has preinstalled drivers and works OK.

Then you remove Win8, to install... Win8. Doesn't sound so good.

I removed the crap programs that came preinstalled but I kept the OS.

If you're no driver expert you should try to restore factory (image) settings. It's reinstalling the OEM version from factory image (about 18-20 GB partition). Then you can get all drivers from there, back them up for later if you do clean install again.

Yes it has Intel HD 4000 which is included in the i7 processor.

I have HP envy dv6 with almost the same specs (NV Gfx 630M here) but what I did is go to my manufacturer's website and install/update all available drivers to newest versions, also newer BIOS which improves usuability in Win8.

For you that means this site:
ASUSTeK Computer Inc. -Support- Drivers and Download N56VZ
Select Win8 if that's the case.

See how it goes after a few driver updates, then go further installing windows updates.


Good luck

Hopachi

Hey, I guess I didn't explain myself well enough, it came with Windows 8 and I was thinking about installing Windows 7, but I ended up KEEPING Windows 8, never removed it.

So this didn't really answer the whole blue screen thing, which hopefully was the HD failing and not a software issue...
And I guess I wasn't clear enough, again, my computer never started after this message, I gave it an hour and it just restarted and this message appeared and restarted and so on.

Thanks for letting me know about the extra GPU too.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8
Factory restore:
ASUSTeK Computer Inc. -Support- FAQ N56VZ

You find more specifically:
2) Restore the Operating System to Factory Settings.

You don't need to boot to windows for this, I'm sure the BIOS still works.
Try that.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy DV6 7250
    CPU
    Intel i7-3630QM
    Motherboard
    HP, Intel HM77 Express Chipset
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD4000 + Nvidia Geforce 630M
    Sound Card
    IDT HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6' built-in + Samsung S22D300 + 17.3' LG Phillips
    Screen Resolution
    multiple resolutions
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 250GB + Hitachi HDD 750GB
    PSU
    120W adapter
    Case
    small
    Cooling
    laptop cooling pad
    Keyboard
    Backlit built-in + big one in USB
    Mouse
    SteelSeries Sensei
    Internet Speed
    slow and steady
    Browser
    Chromium, Pale Moon, Firefox Developer Edition
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    That's basically it.
Since it's a new PC, here's what we do at work:
- make the recovery DVD's/USB drive
- test the hardware (free tests are here: Initial Hardware Diagnostics )
- if the hardware passes, then use the recovery DVD's to restore the system to it's factory state.
- update Windows

If the problems continue, it's likely a deeper hardware problem and you should ask to exchange it for another one.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win8.1Pro - Finally!!!
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Samsung/NP780
    CPU
    Came with the laptop (i7 of some sort)
    Motherboard
    Pretty sure that it has one, but haven't checked inside the case!
    Memory
    upgraded to 12 gB from 8 gB
    Graphics Card(s)
    has switchable - Intel/ATI - Used wrong drivers, now ATI card is inop :( Will have to fix it soon!
    Sound Card
    I'm nearly deaf, so this isn't used often
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Touchscreen on laptop/32" Toshiba on HDMI (laid the Sharp TV on a mouse and cracked the screen!)
    Screen Resolution
    800x600
    Hard Drives
    One Samsung 1tB drive - 5400 rpm. Gonna switch to a 7200/10000 rpm or an SSD (if I can find $500 for a 1tB SSD!)
    - Switched to 500 gB Samsung 840 series SSD - WOW!!!
    PSU
    Why do we ask this for laptops?
    Case
    Silver with a neat Samsung logo
    Cooling
    sub-par, gotta get around to working on it soon Worked on it - still sub-par! :(
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Natural - the same one I've used since it orignally came out around 1995
    Mouse
    no Mouse - Trackball!!!!
    Internet Speed
    too slow when I'm waiting for a download to finish
    Browser
    Yes, I use this (Firefox mostly, w/IE next most)
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Windows Firewall
    Other Info
    I'm handsome and a snappy dresser :0)
Factory restore:
ASUSTeK Computer Inc. -Support- FAQ N56VZ

You find more specifically:
2) Restore the Operating System to Factory Settings.

You don't need to boot to windows for this, I'm sure the BIOS still works.
Try that.

Yeah the BIOS still worked, and that link is broken, sadly.

Since it's a new PC, here's what we do at work:
- make the recovery DVD's/USB drive
- test the hardware (free tests are here: Initial Hardware Diagnostics )
- if the hardware passes, then use the recovery DVD's to restore the system to it's factory state.
- update Windows

If the problems continue, it's likely a deeper hardware problem and you should ask to exchange it for another one.

I'll make sure to try that next time this happens, thanks :).
So you also think this was an hardware problem?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8
Factory restore:
ASUSTeK Computer Inc. -Support- FAQ N56VZ

You find more specifically:
2) Restore the Operating System to Factory Settings.

You don't need to boot to windows for this, I'm sure the BIOS still works.
Try that.

Yeah the BIOS still worked, and that link is broken, sadly.

Strange.
It's not when I click.

You get redirected from N56VZ to G73Jw because the same procedure applies.

ASUSTeK Computer Inc. -Support- Troubleshooting G73Jw

Here is the info in case it fails again:
Troubleshooting :
How to Recover Your Notebook PC



point-03.png
Page Tools

Solution Using Recovery Partition
The Recovery Partition quickly restores your Notebook PC's software to its original working state. Before using the Recovery Partition, copy your data files (such as Outlook PST files) to USB storage devices or to a network drive and make note of any customized configuration settings (such as network settings).

About the Recovery Partition
The Recovery Partition is a reserved space on your hard disk drive used to restore the operating system, drivers, and utilities installed on your Notebook PC at the factory.

troubleshooting_nb_HowtoRecoverYourNotebookPC_en_clip_image001.jpg
IMPORTANT!
DO NOT delete the partition named RECOVERY. The Recovery Partition is created at the factory and cannot be restored if deleted. Take your Notebook PC to an authorized ASUS service center if you have problems with the recovery process.

troubleshooting_nb_HowtoRecoverYourNotebookPC_en_clip_image003.jpg


Method One
Using the Recovery Partition(on selected models)
1. Press < F9 > during bootup.
2. Press [Enter] to select Windows Setup [EMS Enabled].
3. Select the language you want to recover and click Next.
4. Read the ASUS Preload Wizard messages and click Next.
5. Select a partition option and click Next. Partition options:
Recover Windows to first partition only.
This option deletes only the first partition and allows you to keep other partitions, and to create a new system partition as drive "C".
Recover Windows to entire HD.
This option deletes all partitions from your hard disk drive and creates a new system partition as drive "C".
Recover Windows to entire HD with two partitions.
This option deletes all partitions from your hard drive and creates two new partitions "C" (25%) and "D" (75%).
6. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the recovery process.
Method Two

Using Recovery DVD (on selected models)
Creating the Recovery DVD:
1. Double-click the AI Recovery Burner icon on the Window desktop.
2. Insert a blank writable DVD into the optical drive and click Start to start creating the Recovery DVD.
troubleshooting_nb_HowtoRecoverYourNotebookPC_en_clip_image005.jpg

3. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete creating the recovery DVD.
troubleshooting_nb_HowtoRecoverYourNotebookPC_en_clip_image006.jpg

Prepare enough blank writable DVDs as instructed to create the Recovery DVD.

troubleshooting_nb_HowtoRecoverYourNotebookPC_en_clip_image001_0000.jpg
IMPORTANT!
Remove the external hard disk drive before performing system recovery on your Notebook PC. According to Microsoft, you may lose important data because of setting up Windows on the wrong disk drive or formatting the incorrect drive partition.


Using the Recovery DVD:
1. Insert the Recovery DVD into the optical drive. Your Notebook PC needs to be powered ON.
2. Restart the laptop. Press ESC when you see ASUS logo and then select the optical drive (may be labeled as "CD/DVD") from ODD. Press [Enter] to boot from the Recovery DVD.
3. Select OK to start to restore the image.
4. Select OK to confirm the system recovery.
troubleshooting_nb_HowtoRecoverYourNotebookPC_en_clip_image001_0001.jpg

Restoring will overwrite your hard drive. Ensure to back up all your important data before the system recovery.


5. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the recovery process.

WARNING: DO NOT remove the Recovery disc during the recovery process unless instructed to do so. Or else your partitions will be unusable. Ensure to connect the power adapter to your Notebook PC when performing system recovery. Unstable power supply may cause recovery failure.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy DV6 7250
    CPU
    Intel i7-3630QM
    Motherboard
    HP, Intel HM77 Express Chipset
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD4000 + Nvidia Geforce 630M
    Sound Card
    IDT HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6' built-in + Samsung S22D300 + 17.3' LG Phillips
    Screen Resolution
    multiple resolutions
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 250GB + Hitachi HDD 750GB
    PSU
    120W adapter
    Case
    small
    Cooling
    laptop cooling pad
    Keyboard
    Backlit built-in + big one in USB
    Mouse
    SteelSeries Sensei
    Internet Speed
    slow and steady
    Browser
    Chromium, Pale Moon, Firefox Developer Edition
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    That's basically it.
It's hard to tell if this is hardware or software related. The basic hardware tests that I suggested will test:
- hard drive
- memory (RAM)
- malware

There's a lot of other hardware components in a system, but the tests for them aren't as definitive.
So reinstalling Windows from the recovery DVD's will set the system back to the way it was designed to operate.

If it still doesn't work correctly then, you have to presume it's a hardware issue.

I don't know the laws where you are - but where I live you have 14 days to return a product (although some places will let you go up to 45 days) and get your money back. That's the best time to get the reseller to swap it out for another system.

And, most manufacturer's have a year long hardware warranty - so you can get hardware fixed within the first year that you have it.

My point is that it's important to determine if this is hardware as soon as you can - so you can return the system without losing money (or losing the system while they send it out for repairs).
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win8.1Pro - Finally!!!
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Samsung/NP780
    CPU
    Came with the laptop (i7 of some sort)
    Motherboard
    Pretty sure that it has one, but haven't checked inside the case!
    Memory
    upgraded to 12 gB from 8 gB
    Graphics Card(s)
    has switchable - Intel/ATI - Used wrong drivers, now ATI card is inop :( Will have to fix it soon!
    Sound Card
    I'm nearly deaf, so this isn't used often
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Touchscreen on laptop/32" Toshiba on HDMI (laid the Sharp TV on a mouse and cracked the screen!)
    Screen Resolution
    800x600
    Hard Drives
    One Samsung 1tB drive - 5400 rpm. Gonna switch to a 7200/10000 rpm or an SSD (if I can find $500 for a 1tB SSD!)
    - Switched to 500 gB Samsung 840 series SSD - WOW!!!
    PSU
    Why do we ask this for laptops?
    Case
    Silver with a neat Samsung logo
    Cooling
    sub-par, gotta get around to working on it soon Worked on it - still sub-par! :(
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Natural - the same one I've used since it orignally came out around 1995
    Mouse
    no Mouse - Trackball!!!!
    Internet Speed
    too slow when I'm waiting for a download to finish
    Browser
    Yes, I use this (Firefox mostly, w/IE next most)
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Windows Firewall
    Other Info
    I'm handsome and a snappy dresser :0)
Factory restore:
ASUSTeK Computer Inc. -Support- FAQ N56VZ

You find more specifically:
2) Restore the Operating System to Factory Settings.

You don't need to boot to windows for this, I'm sure the BIOS still works.
Try that.

Yeah the BIOS still worked, and that link is broken, sadly.

Strange.
It's not when I click.

You get redirected from N56VZ to G73Jw because the same procedure applies.

ASUSTeK Computer Inc. -Support- Troubleshooting G73Jw

Here is the info in case it fails again:
Troubleshooting :
How to Recover Your Notebook PC



point-03.png
Page Tools

Solution Using Recovery Partition
The Recovery Partition quickly restores your Notebook PC's software to its original working state. Before using the Recovery Partition, copy your data files (such as Outlook PST files) to USB storage devices or to a network drive and make note of any customized configuration settings (such as network settings).

About the Recovery Partition
The Recovery Partition is a reserved space on your hard disk drive used to restore the operating system, drivers, and utilities installed on your Notebook PC at the factory.

troubleshooting_nb_HowtoRecoverYourNotebookPC_en_clip_image001.jpg
IMPORTANT!
DO NOT delete the partition named RECOVERY. The Recovery Partition is created at the factory and cannot be restored if deleted. Take your Notebook PC to an authorized ASUS service center if you have problems with the recovery process.

troubleshooting_nb_HowtoRecoverYourNotebookPC_en_clip_image003.jpg


Method One
Using the Recovery Partition(on selected models)
1. Press < F9 > during bootup.
2. Press [Enter] to select Windows Setup [EMS Enabled].
3. Select the language you want to recover and click Next.
4. Read the ASUS Preload Wizard messages and click Next.
5. Select a partition option and click Next. Partition options:
Recover Windows to first partition only.
This option deletes only the first partition and allows you to keep other partitions, and to create a new system partition as drive "C".
Recover Windows to entire HD.
This option deletes all partitions from your hard disk drive and creates a new system partition as drive "C".
Recover Windows to entire HD with two partitions.
This option deletes all partitions from your hard drive and creates two new partitions "C" (25%) and "D" (75%).
6. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the recovery process.
Method Two

Using Recovery DVD (on selected models)
Creating the Recovery DVD:
1. Double-click the AI Recovery Burner icon on the Window desktop.
2. Insert a blank writable DVD into the optical drive and click Start to start creating the Recovery DVD.
troubleshooting_nb_HowtoRecoverYourNotebookPC_en_clip_image005.jpg

3. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete creating the recovery DVD.
troubleshooting_nb_HowtoRecoverYourNotebookPC_en_clip_image006.jpg

Prepare enough blank writable DVDs as instructed to create the Recovery DVD.

troubleshooting_nb_HowtoRecoverYourNotebookPC_en_clip_image001_0000.jpg
IMPORTANT!
Remove the external hard disk drive before performing system recovery on your Notebook PC. According to Microsoft, you may lose important data because of setting up Windows on the wrong disk drive or formatting the incorrect drive partition.


Using the Recovery DVD:
1. Insert the Recovery DVD into the optical drive. Your Notebook PC needs to be powered ON.
2. Restart the laptop. Press ESC when you see ASUS logo and then select the optical drive (may be labeled as "CD/DVD") from ODD. Press [Enter] to boot from the Recovery DVD.
3. Select OK to start to restore the image.
4. Select OK to confirm the system recovery.
troubleshooting_nb_HowtoRecoverYourNotebookPC_en_clip_image001_0001.jpg

Restoring will overwrite your hard drive. Ensure to back up all your important data before the system recovery.


5. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the recovery process.

WARNING: DO NOT remove the Recovery disc during the recovery process unless instructed to do so. Or else your partitions will be unusable. Ensure to connect the power adapter to your Notebook PC when performing system recovery. Unstable power supply may cause recovery failure.

It works now, really helpful info, thanks for that.

It's hard to tell if this is hardware or software related. The basic hardware tests that I suggested will test:
- hard drive
- memory (RAM)
- malware

There's a lot of other hardware components in a system, but the tests for them aren't as definitive.
So reinstalling Windows from the recovery DVD's will set the system back to the way it was designed to operate.

If it still doesn't work correctly then, you have to presume it's a hardware issue.

I don't know the laws where you are - but where I live you have 14 days to return a product (although some places will let you go up to 45 days) and get your money back. That's the best time to get the reseller to swap it out for another system.

And, most manufacturer's have a year long hardware warranty - so you can get hardware fixed within the first year that you have it.

My point is that it's important to determine if this is hardware as soon as you can - so you can return the system without losing money (or losing the system while they send it out for repairs).

Where I bought the machine it's 14 days to get a new one, and I extended the warranty on it to 5 years so I can make it to the end of college with it.
But so far no problems with the new one, hopefully it'll stay that way.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8
So today I was installing some programs and after a while I got this error again when I restarted the computer, I was able to figure out that the problem was caused by "Advanced System Care 6" program, it looks like it deletes some important stuff and gives out this error, the computer was able to actually do something after this error and it's running now.

I don't know what to do right now, was thinking about formating it or just re-install the OS, any idea?
It looks like if I just close the computer and not shut it off it's fine.
I won't restart it for now, scared it might give that error again.

Also when I restarted it, right when it started in the Asus logo screen below it was a text that said: "Scanning and fixing disk errors.", is there any commands to find these errors and fix them from your desktop like there was in Windows 7?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8
Also I have scanned for errors on C: (where everything I have is) and it doesn't give any error, but I'm not trusting that 100%.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8
Did you run the hardware diagnostics that I suggested previously?
If not, please do so.

If it fails the hard drive - then the hard drive is probably dying. Backup your stuff immediately
If it doesn't fail the hard drive - then there's something corrupting your data and causing the disk checks.

Have you restored the computer to factory state with the recovery disks? If not, please do so. If the problems still continue, then you'll have to start looking for hardware issues that we can't test with the diagnostics (or return it for another one).
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win8.1Pro - Finally!!!
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Samsung/NP780
    CPU
    Came with the laptop (i7 of some sort)
    Motherboard
    Pretty sure that it has one, but haven't checked inside the case!
    Memory
    upgraded to 12 gB from 8 gB
    Graphics Card(s)
    has switchable - Intel/ATI - Used wrong drivers, now ATI card is inop :( Will have to fix it soon!
    Sound Card
    I'm nearly deaf, so this isn't used often
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Touchscreen on laptop/32" Toshiba on HDMI (laid the Sharp TV on a mouse and cracked the screen!)
    Screen Resolution
    800x600
    Hard Drives
    One Samsung 1tB drive - 5400 rpm. Gonna switch to a 7200/10000 rpm or an SSD (if I can find $500 for a 1tB SSD!)
    - Switched to 500 gB Samsung 840 series SSD - WOW!!!
    PSU
    Why do we ask this for laptops?
    Case
    Silver with a neat Samsung logo
    Cooling
    sub-par, gotta get around to working on it soon Worked on it - still sub-par! :(
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Natural - the same one I've used since it orignally came out around 1995
    Mouse
    no Mouse - Trackball!!!!
    Internet Speed
    too slow when I'm waiting for a download to finish
    Browser
    Yes, I use this (Firefox mostly, w/IE next most)
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Windows Firewall
    Other Info
    I'm handsome and a snappy dresser :0)
Did you run the hardware diagnostics that I suggested previously?
If not, please do so.

If it fails the hard drive - then the hard drive is probably dying. Backup your stuff immediately
If it doesn't fail the hard drive - then there's something corrupting your data and causing the disk checks.

Have you restored the computer to factory state with the recovery disks? If not, please do so. If the problems still continue, then you'll have to start looking for hardware issues that we can't test with the diagnostics (or return it for another one).

Well my computer had to restart anyway because since I had avast! installed and it crashed my computer with another BSOD, and it was able to restart just fine I uninstalled avast! and installed Windows Defender.
And for the last few hours I haven't had any trouble, I can restart just fine and what not, I guess my HD didn't get damaged, like the last one did, what I think caused it was that pretty much everytime you restart ASC defraged a few files and I guess Windows didn't like that too much.
I'll run that bootable HD check.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8
Back
Top