Solved Cannot install Windows 8 - 2 BSODs

[WastedJoker]

Specs:


Windows 8.1 x64
Intel X58-based Alienware Aurora mobo
12GB DDR3 ram
Intel i7 920


Hi,


Apologies for the lengthy post but it is needed to understand what has gone on.


I've been trying to troubleshoot an issue with my fan speed running at max speed from boot to Windows 8.1 desktop loading. This happened after installing Alienware Command Control which, unbeknownst to me, was not compatible with Windows 8.1 x64 and has, I think, loaded an incompatible (with Windows 8.1 x64) firmware version to my MIO board.


To try to remedy this I have:


Uninstalled that software.
Performed a power drain to see if that would reset the MIO board (which controls fan speeds).
Tried restoring a previous disk image.
Tried installing a fresh copy of Windows 8.1 - this step went wrong for some reason and didn't complete.
Tried a CMOS reset.


None of this has worked and now I'm stuck in a loop I can't get out of.


If I try to boot from the drive I fresh installed Windows 8.1 on, I get BSOD "whea_uncorrectable_error".


If I try not boot from a Windows 8.1 install disc or my Macrium Reflect repair disc, I get BSOD "Machine Check Exception".

I've tried a CMOS reset a couple more times, made sure the time is correct and have loaded optimal defaults.

I'm at a loss what to try next. Prior to the BSOD's, I'd decided to gamble on it being a MIO board problem and ordered a new one from eBay.

If I can't install Windows then the new board is useless. I don't believe the MIO board is causing the BSOD's - it booted fine (albeit loudly) after restoring to a previous disc image of Windows.

 

[usasma]

From what you describe, I suspect a cooling problem. I'd check the contact between the CPU and it's cooler to make sure that there was adequate thermal paste to conduct the heat away from the CPU.

Also check the rest of the cooling components in order to ensure that you have good contact and circulation (a fan at top speed still doesn't move air if the vents/cooling paths are clogged).

I'm late for work right now, but if you do get into Windows, please provide these reports (even if you're not experiencing BSOD's): http://www.eightforums.com/bsod-cra...e-screen-death-bsod-posting-instructions.html Please use Option 1 as it provides Event Viewer logs.

Good luck!

 

[WastedJoker]

Hi,

Thanks for the reply.

The problem is definitely not due to overheating - the fan speed issue a known prblem with installing that software on Windows 8.1 x64.

My CPU is watercooled anyway (it's running fine despite the MIO acting weird).

I'm not at my pc right now but I think it might be an issue caused by the CMOS reset and subsequent loading of default optimal settings resulting in incorrect voltage settings. I believe DDR3 voltages are 1.5/1.6 so I will check those in BIOS when I'm at the pc.

 

[usasma]

My hardware experience is pretty much limited to standard systems (and mostly laptops recently).
Fans that speed up without explanation are a problem - most often due to overheating.
I presume that you are monitoring the system temps (not just the stuff monitored by the water cooling software)?
It's possible for any of the components inside the case to overheat - to include hard drive, RAM, chipset, video card, etc

I don't mess with RAM voltages - I just reset to default. IMO if the voltages need to be changed in order to be stable - then you have a problem with the RAM (or other components). If the mobo doesn't reset to the correct values, then there can be a problem with the BIOS or the motherboard.

If it's a problem with the Alienware Command Control stuff, make sure that you've removed all traces of it. Search Device Manager, Event Viewer, services.msc, Add/Remove Programs, and the Registry. Also search Autoruns (free from here: Autoruns for Windows )
Alternatively, use an install monitor (I'm testing Mirekusoft Install Monitor now - I think they have a trial version) to monitor installing it (again), then use the aggressive method to ensure all traces are removed

I have to wonder about your Macrium Reflect - as the Machine Check Exception error (STOP 0x9C) was done away with after XP.
It's now known as the other one - WHEA Uncorrectable Error (STOP 0x124). It makes me wonder how much XP type code is in it (which means a possible incompatibility).

FWIW - the STOP 0x9C and the 0x124 errors are mostly hardware related (but they can be due to compatibility issues or low-level driver problems.

To start with, what sort of disk/drive are you using to attempt to install Windows?
The first step would be to try another disk/drive (one that has no relationship to the one you're using now) - preferably one that's been known to work on another system
If that one doesn't work, then it's likely to be hardware.

Then try removing everything but the bare essentials (some suggestions are listed here: Hardware Stripdown Troubleshooting )
Then try to reinstall with the minimal amount of equipment.

Post back with your results and we can move on from there.

 

[WastedJoker]

I fixed this issue by replacing the MIO board then turning off XMP function of CPU in BIOS. That resolved the fan issue and then the BSOD problem booting to Windows.

 

[usasma]

Thanks for letting us know!
Good luck!