21 replies to this topic

[RedDragon]

Hey guys, not directly related to MWO, but I guess here are gathered some fine tech-junkies who may be able to help me identify this problem.
My Windows 7 (32) ran fine for years now, but over the last few weeks, some strange things started to happen and I have no idea what could be causing them or if they are related at all.
First and foremost, Windows randomly decides to change the resolution to 800x600, and often it is not possible to get back to the highest resolution without rebooting (although all other resolutions work fine). This happens seemingly completely random, but often it happens when I click on the clock in the lower right corner. Yes, opening the Windows clock changes the resolution - I am as baffled as you are what silly problems Windows can produce. But it also happened after closing games, opening a PDF or starting back up from stand-by. (Re-installing video drivers did not help btw)
Next problem is with Skype. Randomly shuts down with the error "not enough memory for this task" (not the exact error because I run it in German).
Another problem is with Firefox, it randomly deletes my active log-ins so I have to manually log in to all web sites again.

Anyone got an idea what this may be? Yes, I have enough RAM and disc space, it worked fine until recently and I didn't change anything hard- or software-wise.
My best guess would be that something's wrong with one of the memory chips or with the system drive (an SSD). Could that explain the above? I'm really not sure because there are no system-freezes or other major problems, just those random hiccups ...

Any help appreciated!

[Lord Letto]

Sounds like Failing RAM or HDD/SSD, Maybe Both. if not, maybe a Virus?

[Oderint dum Metuant]

I can't see how failing RAM would produce an error like a resolution change or clicking the time and it brining up the display properties.
I would also expect a failing HDD to present actual hardware errors rather than software hijinx.

I would lean more to OS corruption/Virus
If you haven't refreshed your system for years I would consider that the first option.

[Golrar]

I would say it looks like the registry is corrupted. When is the last time you remember it working correctly? Do you have a restore point back to that time to try and fix the registry? I regularly back up my registry (CCleaner) just in case, as all Windows iterations get flaky the longer you use them.

My solution is usually to just do a clean install after about 12 months, but that is just me.

If on a platter HDD, have you run a defrag or a chdsk lately? Any errors? Don't run a defrag on an SSD!

Also, have you done any major hardware upgrades since installing Windows/ A lot of people just plop in that new MB and CPU or SSD and never reinstall Windows. Better to start from scratch at that point. If you just install RAM or a GPU/Sound card, it isn't necessary.

Also, you can try using DDU to see if there are any old GPU driver remnants and remove them, then reinstall the drivers and see if that helps if clean install isn't an option.

[RedDragon]

Thanks for the input guys. Normally I would do a fresh install right away, but I am working on an important project right now and can't afford to not be able to work with my PC because something may go wrong during the new setup (and as soon as it is "safe" to install Windows 10, I will get a fresh OS anyway).
I haven't done any defrags or changed anything hardware-wise. The last thing I changed was installing the SSD as system drive IIRC, and at this point I also did a fresh install of Windows. But that was about 3 years ago if I can believe my system info.

I noticed another error that may be associated with this: Sometimes when opening image files, the Windows image viewer either says that the file can't be displayed, or it shows some parts of the image and the rest in blank gray. Closing and opening the image usually fixes this.

Most of those symptoms point to a damaged HDD or RAM module, but as DV McKenna wrote, then it would be strange that there are no hardware errors ...

I guess using DDU could be worth a try, although by now I am willing to bet that it's a problem with the OS rather than with the drivers.

*sigh* By now I could write a book about strange and funny (if you are not on the receiving end) Windows errors

[TWIAFU]

Do you have some sort of auto PC maint app running?

Something that cleans cookies, registry, history lists, etc?

Something like that could be the source of your Firefox issues.

[Brother MEX]

https://www.microsof...nload/windows10 ... here you get the tool for creating a Win 10 ISO image for USB or DVD for a fresh install !

Edited by Brother MEX, 15 August 2015 - 09:59 PM.

[Golrar]

RedDragon, on 06 August 2015 - 03:17 AM, said:

I noticed another error that may be associated with this: Sometimes when opening image files, the Windows image viewer either says that the file can't be displayed, or it shows some parts of the image and the rest in blank gray. Closing and opening the image usually fixes this.

Most of those symptoms point to a damaged HDD or RAM module, but as DV McKenna wrote, then it would be strange that there are no hardware errors ...

I guess that could happen with a heavily fragmented platter HDD, but if it is on a SSD it shouldn't be an issue. But you say the SSD is 3 years old? I can't really see it reaching end of life in 3 years, but there IS a finite number of writes on SSD drives (supposedly). However, since it happens to multiple images and not all the time, I would say again, registry errors.

[KhanJames]

I had a issue like the first part of your problem, turned out it was because i had two monitors hooked up (one wiith 144 hz and the other a tv at 60) somehow either the graphics card or pc would occasionally have issues and try applying the others settings to it. So i would think its likely some setting or reg issue for you too.

for skype is it a new problem or a new program, because it might be trying to run in 64 instead of 32

the second part sounds like you have CCleaner or something running in background/scheduled, or possibly check your firefox settinbgs i think its under history theres an option to clear history, active logins, cookies, etc...

And Im assuming you run atleast semi regular virus checks with a updated antivirus, if you cant get it "right" in a few days you might want to "refresh" windows or clean install. Btw im running windows 10, works well a bit of getting used to for both 7 or 8 users but not alot less steep than learning how to play MWO so houldnt be an issue.

[Golrar]

KhanJames, on 06 August 2015 - 06:04 AM, said:

the second part sounds like you have CCleaner or something running in background/scheduled, or possibly check your firefox settinbgs i think its under history theres an option to clear history, active logins, cookies, etc...

There is an option in CCleaner to only clear cache and not saved data IIRC. Not at home right now. Also the same option in Chrome when you delete history, so I imagine the same in Firefox, but I haven't used FF in a long time. I think I have used Safari more recently. hehe

[Roaxis Stalomainis]

RedDragon,

While this does sound like a case of potential malware or system corruption, I would like to ask a few different questions that are all related to software and drivers installed on your machine. To rule out malware, I would like to ask who you are using for your Anti-Malware/Internet Security Protection (EX: AVG, Norton, Kespersky, G-Data, etc.). The reason for this is because some solutions can potentially interfere with online games such as Comodo Firewall due to the level of protection they offer. I would rule this out as the least likely situation, but the main reason is that not any one Anti-Malware vendor can detect and remove 100% of all malware. If you think that it is a virus, run a scan in safe mode with Malware Bytes. This method of scanning is kind of like taking a shotgun to malware and can remove it successfully about 98% (a figure based off my experience) of the time without fail.

Also, while this is turning into a lengthy post, I would like to talk about your current system status. When you began experiencing these issues were there any updates that came into your system prior to a reboot? The reason for this is because sometimes when something slips past a verification phase for your updates and is installed it can cause potential corruption of your OS. To check your system files you should use the following command in Microsoft Command Line with Administraive Permissions (go into the start menu, Accessories, System Tools, right click Command Line and select "Run as Administrator") otherwise the command will launch in "user" mode and type in the following comamnd "SFC /SCANNOW" to run a system integrity check of all critical system components in the windows operating system. If this passes then I would say rather than a registry issue (if you've been running a utility such as CCleaner or iobit advanced system care) it is an issue with your drivers.

Now, this is the fun part, you need to check your current version of whatever software you're running for your GPU. What I mean by software is the software that manages your drivers and updates them for you. Nvidia uses GeForce Experience and ATI/AMD uses Catalyst Control Center. Both are easy to use interfaces and are nearly flawless, but sometimes there are communication errors that lead to a bug in the driver when it's being downloaded. My first recommendation would be to try and roll back your drivers for your system though the hardware manager. Do not, and I repeat, DO NOT use a third party program to try and manage your drivers for you. I've seen people download those programs before in the past and get malware/adware due to the program faking driver updates and errors on perfectly fine systems. If rolling back does not work, then check with your GPU vendor for more support.

[Iqfish]

Brother MEX, on 06 August 2015 - 05:30 AM, said:

Instead of UPGRADING to Windows 10, you can get a ISO of Windows 10 from Microsoft for installing it later ...

AFTER getting this ISO and burning it on a DVD, and making sure that you can boot from this ISO, you should REPLACE your system drive ( usually the SSD or HDD on which the partition C: is stored ) with a new SSD and do a clean install without connection to the Internet so that your Windows 10 doesnt get activated too early, which may deactivate your old Windows.

IF there are problems during the installation of Window 10 on your new SSD, you can then just put back the old system drive with your old Windows.

IF Windows 10 works on your computer, install the software you need for your project and finally connect your computer to the Internet after testing Windows 10 and other software OFFLINE.
THEN make a new account on your PC with a ONLINE MICROSOFT ACCOUNT ( the one which requieres you to enter a Email ) and keep the old LOCAL account without Email as a reserve.

UPGRADING a faulty Windows to Windows 10 is the worst thing you can do, and if you need a fresh install anyway this should be the safest and best method.

MfG, MEX

PS: https://www.microsof...nload/windows10 ... here you get the tool for creating your Win 10 ISO image for USB or DVD !

DO NOT DO THIS!

You NEED to upgrade your OS to Win10 first to register your Hardware at Microsoft.
If you just use an iso, you will not be abled to activate windows or roll back to your old Win7. You'd have to make a fresh install of win7 then.

Upgrade to Win10 to get your Hardware registred and then do a clean install via iso.
Win10 no longer uses real codes, they just register your Hardware in their servers.

And Mex, please don't give people advice if you don't know the details.

Edited by Iqfish, 06 August 2015 - 09:39 AM.

[Roaxis Stalomainis]

RedDragon, on 06 August 2015 - 03:17 AM, said:

Thanks for the input guys. Normally I would do a fresh install right away, but I am working on an important project right now and can't afford to not be able to work with my PC because something may go wrong during the new setup (and as soon as it is "safe" to install Windows 10, I will get a fresh OS anyway).
I haven't done any defrags or changed anything hardware-wise. The last thing I changed was installing the SSD as system drive IIRC, and at this point I also did a fresh install of Windows. But that was about 3 years ago if I can believe my system info.

I noticed another error that may be associated with this: Sometimes when opening image files, the Windows image viewer either says that the file can't be displayed, or it shows some parts of the image and the rest in blank gray. Closing and opening the image usually fixes this.

Most of those symptoms point to a damaged HDD or RAM module, but as DV McKenna wrote, then it would be strange that there are no hardware errors ...

I guess using DDU could be worth a try, although by now I am willing to bet that it's a problem with the OS rather than with the drivers.

*sigh* By now I could write a book about strange and funny (if you are not on the receiving end) Windows errors

Ok, so now it looks like you're getting the "trial by fire" experience for troubleshooting Microsoft Windows Operating Systems. Now, let's take this one step further by checking for Bluescreen Crash Dumps. If your PC has ever had ram issues, then you've had a BSOD to accommodate them. These errors are seemingly random, but tend to happen in a pattern involving where your GPU Drivers are attempting to load into memory and hit a bad sector for example. Most would tell you to use Memtest x86 to test this theory, but in all reality the BSOD Codes will tell you everything you need to know including WHERE the bad sectors are located once you've figured out where the memory addresses are pointing to. I had to do this not too long ago myself because I had installed memory in my system that was working just fine under normal conditions, but upon trying to render images, webpages, and loading games I would either lag out and see corruption or BSOD instantly. The best part is, Memtest x86 said my ram was perfectly fine after running for 72 hours of heavy algorithms. Upon replacement of the memory I not only had a noticeable system performance increase, but also I had perfect stability when using any program.

Iqfish, on 06 August 2015 - 09:37 AM, said:

DO NOT DO THIS!

You NEED to upgrade your OS to Win10 first to register your Hardware at Microsoft.
If you just use an iso, you will not be abled to activate windows or roll back to your old Win7. You'd have to make a fresh install of win7 then.

Upgrade to Win10 to get your Hardware registred and then do a clean install via iso.
Win10 no longer uses real codes, they just register your Hardware in their servers.

And Mex, please don't give people advice if you don't know the details.

I would still recommend ensuring that the OS is optimal before the upgrade though. You do not want to take the chance of any system instability during the upgrade process. I know that files are rebuilt during the installation process, but not all of them are and faulty/damaged files and drivers will be carried over as well as old registry settings that can still be applied to the newer version of the Windows 10 OS.

Edited by Roaxis Stalomainis, 06 August 2015 - 09:54 AM.

[RedDragon]

Roaxis: Thank you for the time put into your posts. I will try your advice (System scan and Malware Bytes) when I got some free time to spare.

I really can't tell you if there was any update before this all started. I don't even know when it started. It was more like a sneaking change than a sudden one.
I'm pretty sure it is not a virus/malware. I never had those before because I am quite cautious when surfing. All scripts in my browser are blocked by default and I have Kaspersky Internet Security updated and running, complete with some common sense while surfing.

There are no BSODs, and that's what makes the problems so mysterious. I f I had any hardware failures, I'd change the RAM and that's it.

Just today I experienced a new error btw - tried to copy a screenshot into paint and got the error "not enough memory". After rebooting, it worked again.
I have gotten some different memory-related errors now, but the question still is - is it a hardware problem (then why are there no freezes/BSODs?) or could it be that Windows fails at allocating memory or something? If it is a problem with the RAM, I jsut don't understand how it could cause the resolution-changes...

Regarding Windwos 10: Yes, I plan to do a fresh install before upgrading. That is part of why I don't want to reinstall Windows now if it can be avoided, because in a few weeks I have to do it anyway.

[RedDragon]

TWIAFU, on 06 August 2015 - 03:47 AM, said:

Do you have some sort of auto PC maint app running?

Something that cleans cookies, registry, history lists, etc?

Something like that could be the source of your Firefox issues.

Nope and nope. I am pretty spartan on running programs, there are next to no unnecessary programs or tools running on my system, and again: 100% nothing that I installed in the last few weeks that could cause this.

KhanJames, on 06 August 2015 - 06:04 AM, said:

I had a issue like the first part of your problem, turned out it was because i had two monitors hooked up (one wiith 144 hz and the other a tv at 60) somehow either the graphics card or pc would occasionally have issues and try applying the others settings to it. So i would think its likely some setting or reg issue for you too.

for skype is it a new problem or a new program, because it might be trying to run in 64 instead of 32

the second part sounds like you have CCleaner or something running in background/scheduled, or possibly check your firefox settinbgs i think its under history theres an option to clear history, active logins, cookies, etc...

And Im assuming you run atleast semi regular virus checks with a updated antivirus, if you cant get it "right" in a few days you might want to "refresh" windows or clean install. Btw im running windows 10, works well a bit of getting used to for both 7 or 8 users but not alot less steep than learning how to play MWO so houldnt be an issue.

I know what you mean, I had those problems in the past, too, but right now I don't have multiple monitors connected.

Skype is also the old one. May be that it started with the last update, but I did not reinstall it.

No CCleaner or anything running and I didn't mess with the settings in Firefox.

[Golrar]

Really out there, but with no BSOD and no other memory errors, but with memory problems occuring, my only thoughts are runaway memory leak somewhere or as a stretch possible bad RAM slot in the mobo?

Just out of curiosity, how often do you reboot? Do you leave the machine running all the time or shut down when you are done? I only ask, because with older versions of Windows that was the quickest way to fix performance issues, reboot. But I haven't seen something like that since early Windows XP.

Edit: with everything you have going on I am leaning more and more toward a problem with Windows itself, taking into consideration the FF issue with no maintenance apps running.

Edited by Golrar, 06 August 2015 - 12:42 PM.

[Iqfish]

RedDragon, on 06 August 2015 - 12:30 PM, said:

Regarding Windwos 10: Yes, I plan to do a fresh install before upgrading. That is part of why I don't want to reinstall Windows now if it can be avoided, because in a few weeks I have to do it anyway.

Like I said, you will not be abled to activate your windows 10 then.

You need to upgrade with the program thats in your taskbar all the time to transform your win7 key into a hardware ID key.
After that, you can do a fresh install.

[RedDragon]

Golrar, on 06 August 2015 - 12:40 PM, said:

Really out there, but with no BSOD and no other memory errors, but with memory problems occuring, my only thoughts are runaway memory leak somewhere or as a stretch possible bad RAM slot in the mobo?

Just out of curiosity, how often do you reboot? Do you leave the machine running all the time or shut down when you are done? I only ask, because with older versions of Windows that was the quickest way to fix performance issues, reboot. But I haven't seen something like that since early Windows XP.

Edit: with everything you have going on I am leaning more and more toward a problem with Windows itself, taking into consideration the FF issue with no maintenance apps running.

Yeah, if there is a freaky bug with Windows I am sure to find it, has always been this way ...
I'm rebooting quite often, normally I shut it down when I am not using the PC for some hours. Now that this resolution thingy keeps on happening, I also have to reboot now and again.

I'm used to Windows getting cluttered up, with Win98 you could make a fresh install every few months because performance started to drop, but with Windows 7 these are the first major problems I am encountering. I think when I have the time I'll really do a fresh install and see if it solves everything. If it just wouldn't be so time-consuming ...

Quote

Like I said, you will not be abled to activate your windows 10 then.

You need to upgrade with the program thats in your taskbar all the time to transform your win7 key into a hardware ID key.
After that, you can do a fresh install.

Yep, that's how I planned it. I never trusted Windows to upgrade from one version to the next without any problems.

[Golrar]

Well, you could always fresh install once, put all your apps in and configure them, and then disc image to a flash drive before you do anything. As long as you can configure your MBR after format, it would be easy to redo it the next time. Just make sure you save all the documents and such you added after the image.

[xWiredx]

I just skimmed this so maybe I missed it, but has OP actually run memtest on the system? If not... WHY NOT? Can't hurt. Same goes for any diagnostic tools that may be available from his HDD/SD manufacturer. These things would tell you right away if there's something borked and leave no room for continually guessing if that's actually the issue or not.