Intermittent BSOD

Question

I've been getting intermittent BSOD for quite a while now, almost always IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL, but occasionally a few others.  This happens about 1-2 times per week.  Usually it's either 2 times in a row about 5-10 min after boot-up, or 1 time completely randomly while my computer is idle.  Then everything goes along like normal for about a week.

Here are minidumps from past three crashes - https://1drv.ms/f/s!An-R9pkFe5Wpglwcmm3u8g9jjJYx

I am running an XPS-13 9360 / Win 10 1803.  Hardware tests check out.  Replaced my motherboard about 6 months ago, all other hardware appeared to be fine at the time.

I've set up Driver Verify following ZigZag3143's instructions:  https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-update/driver-verifier-tracking-down-a-mis-behaving/f5cb4faf-556b-4b6d-95b3-c48669e4c983?page=3

Answer 1

Hi Andre,

I've updated the drivers earlier this week.  Here are the latest BSOD dumps (7 total, 3 today).  In a .zip with today's date.

https://1drv.ms/u/s!An-R9pkFe5WpglwGH\_5pgmxRYvMy?e=MRSroM

I use my computer constantly for work, so 7 BSODs in 5 days is more than before, but still pretty intermittent.  

I haven't upgraded to 1903 yet - would that help in this situation?  I tend to wait a little while as bugs are worked out to make sure driver releases catch up.  What do you think?

Past few days my computer has been sort of laggy - e.g. text input lags randomly, some slow processes... I'm starting to worry.  I replaced my motherboard last year...

Thanks for your help.

Answer 2

Hi mscottleonard54

My name is Andre Da Costa; an Independent Consultant, Windows Insider MVP and Windows & Devices for IT MVP. I'm here to help you with your problem.

I recommend you apply the following updates to see if they improve stability:

BIOS Update April 2019

https://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER05511374M/1/XP...

Chipset Driver January 2019

https://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER04370908M/10/I...

Video driver February 2019

https://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER04930337M/2/In...

I also noticed you are still on Windows 10 1803. Try upgrading to the latest version, Windows 10 1903:

Download the Media Creation Tool Now

http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=691209

Right click the MediaCreationTool.exe file then click Run as administrator.

Accept the End User License Agreement:

Select the option Upgrade this PC now if you want to upgrade right away,

Click Next

Accept the End User License Agreement.

Wait while Windows 10 setup does one final check to ensure your system is ready.

Windows 10 setup will check if you have enough disk space. If you don’t, review the following article for instructions how to upgrade to Windows 10 Anniversary Update on a system with limited space:

Please note, you have the option of choosing what you would like to keep, which includes personal files, apps and settings.

If you want to perform a new install or just keep your files click Change what to keep. Once you have chosen the desired options, click Install to begin.

This will be your screen for a little while. During the installation, your computer will restart several times.

After the first restart, Windows 10 setup will resume. You will notice the setup experience has once again been refined from the previous animated circle. This will be your screen for a while. When complete, Windows 10 setup will restart automatically.

Sign into your account.

Wait while Windows 10 completes application updates and post setup tasks.

That’s it, the Windows 10 Feature Update is installed.You can check Windows Update for latest updates, click Start > Settings > Update & security > Windows Update > Check for Updates.

How to prepare your computer before upgrading?

Although updating to Windows 10 version 1903 is a relatively simple process, similar to a repair upgrade; users should perform some basic pre-requisites before initiating the upgrade.

If you are finding it difficult to carry out some of the steps described below, please review detailed instructions how to perform them:

https://www.groovypost.com/howto/prepare-comput...

Information in the above link is sourced from a trusted Microsoft MVP blog.