Preserved Topic: BSOD - Win2K -Gurgle..

I installed Win2K on my friend's computer and occasionally get the following error:

[Blue Screen of Death]
*** Hardware Malfunction
Call your hardware vendor for support

*** The system has halted

I suspect it may have something to do with the playing mp3s (Winamp 5/WMP 9?), but I can't for the life of me figure out what's up. Google's stumped and I've installed all the patches for Win2K..

...any idears?

Too bad all the people who know how to run the world are busy running taxicabs or cutting hair. - George Burns
ICQ: 67751342

(Edited by Petskull on 09-01-2004 02:15)

My first response to that would be to check that you have the right type and arrangement of RAM modules. A plain old 'hardware failure' BSoD, especially during Windows load-up, usually denotes a problem with RAM; mixed, incorrect, or faulty RAM modules. I'm pretty sure that this is the most likely cause (as I've come across something similar quite a few times in the past).

...but need a bit more information than that if I'm to be helpful (and I do like to help ). For starters - what mainboard, what CPU, how much/what type of RAM (and in how many modules of which sizes), what soundcard, and what graphics card. Anything else you can provide may help to identify the problem. Be as specific as possible.

Does the BSoD display an error code/description other than what you have related)

Have you checked the event logs? The event logs should keep a record of the details of any BSoD. You can find the event logs under administrative tools (should be on Control Panel).

Have you checked for all the latest drivers? One small but invaluable piece of advice if you are forced to rebuild: install all the latest drivers before installing the latest Win2K patches.

You say it may be something to do with MP3 playback? Which programs are running when you get the BSoD, or does it happen seemingly at random?

Have you thought about starting in "Safe Mode" or going into the cmos and disable hardware so that you can boot in?