BSOD ntoskrnl.exe on my Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2022)

Question

Hello, I've had this problem for a while now. I have formatted my computer multiple times and reinstalled the drivers, but the issue persists. Honestly, I don't have much confidence in taking it to a technician, and I would like to know if there is any way to fix it. I had posted about this issue before, but the error has continued.

For months, I've been experiencing problems with my computer, which started after downloading a Ubisoft game. BSODs (blue screens of death) began appearing, and even after uninstalling the game, the errors persisted. I tried solutions from ASUS and Microsoft, such as reinstalling drivers and using repair tools (SFC, DISM, MyAsus), but none worked. I decided to format the system, which improved stability, but gaming performance remained poor.

To get at least 60 FPS (not stable) on medium graphics, I had to enable the "Ultimate" option in Armoury Crate, but this caused overheating and performance drops. Eventually, the BSODs returned. I tried formatting again but encountered an error, so I had to reinstall Windows via USB. After that, I manually reinstalled all the drivers, which was a tedious process, and MyAsus kept showing an update notification with an invalid link.

The BSODs became more frequent, especially when the system went into sleep mode. Sometimes, the screen would distort, pixels would freeze, or the image wouldn’t update properly, which worried me even more. After some research, I found that the issue could be related to faulty RAM, GPU problems, or overclocking (which I have never done).

Given how the problem has worsened, I considered taking it to a certified repair center. However, I have concerns about the reliability of the service in Mexico and would like to know if there's anything else I can try before resorting to a technician.

Information:
My PC is ROG Zephyrus G14 (2022) - GA402RK
Dumpfiles: dumpfiles.zip

Events:

• admin-events.evtx
• system-events.evtx

Stranger BSOD: Mi pc sigue mostrando una pantalla azul de la muerte (BSOD) rara y no sé por qué. : r/pchelp

Answer 1

Hi Thanks for your reply.

Here's a refined, detailed approach to address your ongoing BSOD issues:

1. Re-Check and Clean Driver Installations:

• Manual Driver Installation: Since you've done this, ensure each driver is the latest version from ASUS's site:
  • GPU Driver: Use DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) in Safe Mode to completely remove old GPU drivers before installing the latest one.
  • Chipset, Audio, Network, etc.: Ensure all drivers are up to date.
• Anti-Cheat Software Cleanup:
  • Use a tool to remove any residual files from Ubisoft games or anti-cheat software. Look specifically for registry entries, files, or services related to vgk.sys.

2. Revisit BIOS/UEFI Settings:

• BIOS Update: You've likely done this, but double-check for any newer BIOS updates for your model (GA402RK).
• BIOS Settings:
  • Disable Fast Startup: Already mentioned, but ensure it's off (powercfg /h off).
  • Disable C-States: If available, try toggling this to see if stability improves.
  • Reset BIOS to default settings if you haven't already, to rule out any tweaks causing issues.
  • Disclaimer: Microsoft provides no assurances and/or warranties, implied or otherwise, and is not responsible for the information you receive from the third-party linked sites or any support related to technology.   If you are going to modify BIOS Settings, please back up all your personal files first to ensure you do not lose data.

3. Cooling and Thermal Management:

• Since you've noted issues with overheating, consider repasting if you're comfortable or seek professional help:
  • Use high-quality thermal paste or liquid metal if you know how to handle it correctly for your hardware.
• Cooling System: Clean the laptop's internals again, focusing on the fans and heatsinks. Use compressed air or a soft brush.
• Power Management:
  • In Armoury Crate, stick to "Performance" mode instead of "Ultimate" to manage heat better.
  • Use software for undervolting if you're familiar with it, to reduce thermal output.

4. Hardware Diagnostics:

• Although MemTest86 showed no errors, consider:
  • Reseating RAM or trying another RAM slot if possible.
  • If feasible, borrow or purchase another RAM stick to test in your system.
• Your CrystalDisk results seem fine, but:
  • Run SMART tests using other tools like Samsung Magician (if it's a Samsung SSD) or other tool for a second opinion.
  • Consider cloning to a new SSD to rule out subtle hardware failures.
• GPU: Run extended GPU stress. Monitor for artifacts or crashes.

5. Windows and System Tweaks:

• Fresh Windows Install: Since you've noted performance degradation post-clean install:
  • Ensure you're downloading Windows from Microsoft's official site for a clean ISO.
  • Please ensure that you backup any important data, including Documents, Pictures, Videos, and more.
  • Install drivers in a specific order: Chipset, Graphics, Audio, Network, etc.
• Disable Automatic Driver Updates: Sometimes Windows Update can install less stable drivers. Disable this for your GPU and other critical hardware in Windows Update settings.

---

• Even out of warranty, consider trusted local repair shops known for handling gaming laptops. Explain your extensive troubleshooting to avoid basic diagnostics.

Given your situation, it's a process of elimination, focusing on hardware integrity and software/driver conflicts. Keep documenting your steps and results, as this can help in further diagnosis or if you decide to seek professional help.

Answer 2

Hi Derrick, thank you very much for your support. It is only worth mentioning that I have already performed the tests you recommend, I will share the results with you below.

MemTest86 (It is worth mentioning that I only have 16GB of RAM).
https://1drv.ms/i/c/07f18eec1c8223b1/EYgcSscSO8NOjapaQMLBQb0Bp2Qy0HGgKPgCIgI1szejHw?e=ivw86M https://1drv.ms/i/c/07f18eec1c8223b1/Ec1wty-k5jRInVZ2J65oCPwBsQ8ASENTHO1FBwRCXdlGpQ?e=i1Q3BQ

CrystalDisk
https://1drv.ms/i/c/07f18eec1c8223b1/ETLe5GbBkDpIk-RoAgXXACIBCOMTP8ZQf3Kj6Z-YgdLdvA?e=TQncLW

In addition to this I want to tell you that I have already reinstalled the OS with pure Windows, and I have to say that that's when everything started to get worse, all the drivers I had to download manually from the official website of asus, and with the support of Windows Update and MyAsus, I would like to try the other steps you mention, I do not know if you can provide me with a more detailed list of steps to perform. Also, addressing the warranty issue, my computer is currently out of warranty. And about the minidumps, two more came up yesterday and I will share them again as soon as I can, thanks again for your support and I hope you can continue to help me solve my problem.

Answer 3

Hi Welcome to Microsoft community.The problem likely stems from a mix of driver conflicts, hardware instability, and possibly firmware/software quirks unique to your setup. Here’s a detailed analysis and potential fixes:

Key Culprits in the Minidump

1. storport.sys: This driver manages storage operations (like your SSD or NVMe drive). Errors here often point to:
   • Faulty storage drivers (especially if your SSD firmware is outdated).
   • Hardware issues with the SSD itself (e.g., bad sectors, overheating).
   • Corrupted system files interfering with storage operations (even after reinstalls).
2. vgk.sys: Linked to anti-cheat software (like Easy Anti-Cheat or BattlEye), often used in Ubisoft games. Even after uninstalling the game, remnants might linger in the system, causing conflicts.
3. xboxgip.sys & logi_lamparr.sys: These relate to Xbox peripherals and Logitech devices. Outdated or conflicting driver versions for connected accessories (e.g., controllers, keyboards) can destabilize the system.
4. Overheating & Performance Drops:
   Enabling "Ultimate" mode in Armoury Crate pushes the GPU/CPU to their limits, but the G14’s cooling system—while advanced—might struggle under sustained loads, leading to thermal throttling or hardware faults.

---

1. Address Storage and Driver Conflicts

• Update SSD Firmware:
  Visit ASUS’s support page for your G14 model (GA402RK) and install the latest NVMe/SSD firmware. Corrupted or outdated firmware can trigger storport.sys errors.
• Clean Uninstall Anti-Cheat Software:
  Use a tool to remove all traces of Ubisoft’s anti-cheat software (look for vgk.sys-related entries). Manually delete leftover files in C:\Program Files and C:\Windows\System32\drivers.
• Reinstall Peripheral Drivers:
  Update or uninstall drivers for Xbox/Logitech devices. Disconnect peripherals temporarily to test if crashes persist.

2. Tackle Overheating and Power Management

• Repaste Thermal Compound:
  The G14 uses liquid metal cooling, but improper application or degradation over time can cause overheating. If you’re comfortable, repaste the CPU/GPU (or have a technician do it).
• Adjust Power Profiles:
  Avoid "Ultimate" mode for prolonged gaming. Use Windows Balanced or Armoury Crate’s "Performance" mode instead. Disable CPU/GPU overclocking if enabled.
• Clean Cooling System:
  Dust buildup in the fans or heat sinks can cripple cooling efficiency. Use compressed air to clean vents (focus on the anti-dust filters).

3. Deep System Checks

• Test RAM Stability:
  Your G14 has a single 32GB DDR5 stick. Run tools overnight to rule out RAM faults. If errors appear, reseat the RAM or replace it.
• Scan for Hardware Issues:
  Use third-party tools to check SSD health. For GPU stability, also run stress tests to detect artifacts or crashes.
• Reinstall Windows Without Bloatware:
  Create a clean Windows 11 ISO (avoid ASUS’s preloaded image). Install drivers manually from ASUS’s site—skip MyASUS utilities, which sometimes push buggy updates.

4. Firmware and BIOS Tweaks

• Update BIOS/UEFI:
  Outdated firmware can cause compatibility issues with newer drivers. Download the latest BIOS for GA402RK from ASUS’s support portal.
• Disable Fast Startup/Hibernation:
  These features can corrupt drivers during sleep/wake cycles. Turn them off via:

    powercfg /h off  
  

(Run in Command Prompt as admin).

Disclaimer: Microsoft provides no assurances and/or warranties, implied or otherwise, and is not responsible for the information you receive from the third-party linked sites or any support related to technology. If you are going to modify BIOS Settings, please back up all your personal files first to ensure you do not lose data.

5. Other Options

• Replace the SSD:
  If storport.sys errors persist, the SSD might be failing. Clone your data to a new drive and test.
• Contact ASUS Support:
  If hardware faults are suspected (e.g., GPU/RAM), leverage your warranty. Share minidump logs with ASUS for targeted diagnostics.

The G14’s compact design and high-performance components make it prone to thermal stress and driver conflicts, especially after Windows updates or aggressive power profiles. Anti-cheat software and peripheral drivers often leave deep system hooks that survive reinstalls, requiring manual cleanup.

Let me know if you need help with any specific step. You’ve already put in a ton of effort; let’s get this sorted without the repair center if possible. 

Best regardsDerrick Qian | Microsoft Community Support Specialist