What is causing this problem??

Al_Vampyre · Apr 8, 2008, 02:41 PM

You know it's desperate when I start to ask for help but this one has me completely stumped!

OK, system specs are listed to the left but have changed slightly as you will see.

At xmas I got a bundle deal on a X-Fi Fatal1ty Pro & Headset that up until recently has been working just fine. Two things have recently changed on my system, first of all I have updated my Vista x64 with SP1 and secondly I have added a further 2gb of ram (now running 4x1gb).

Recently I have been getting issues with the sound (crackling, popping, and disappearing altogether) and random bluescreens (all with different error codes) usually when gaming (Medieval II Total War)

So far I have;

- reset the overclock back to default 1.8 (opty 165)
- slackened off the memory timings to 3-3-3-8
- re-did the overclock back to 2.4 (memtest and Orthos stable for 14 hours)
- reseated all four sticks of ram

none of which has made the problem go away.

If the sound goes funny in Windows I can fix the problem by re-installing the latest X-Fi drivers (which are suppoesed to fix the 4gb issue), but that gets a bit tiresome doing it on a daily basis. The sound issues don't worry me as much as the bluescreens though.

I can't understand how the computer can be Orthos (blend setting) stable for 14 hours and then bluescreen with an IRQ_NOT_LESS error whilst browsing the net and writing a DVD at the same time!

I'm beginning to think it could be a hard drive issue but I would like a second opinion before I format and test the HDDs because its something I really don't have time for at the moment so would like to avoid it if possible.

Let me know what you think...

PangingJr · Apr 8, 2008, 04:35 PM

IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL,
Typically due to a bad driver, or faulty or incompatible hardware or software.

post the complete Stop message, if a driver is listed by name, make sure you have the info as well.

Troubleshooting Windows STOP Messages

LCS2008 · Apr 8, 2008, 06:05 PM

I don't have that problem.

I have a Creative SB X-Fi Elite Pro and I have experimented problems since I installed the latest drivers (2.15 the ones that are supposed to fix 4gb RAM). When I go back to 2.0.9 all go back to "perfect" state (the "" are becouse in some games of PS3 the SB makes scraches and distorsions, but that is becouse a compatible problem of any SB with PlayStation & Xbox systems)

I really think that the problem came from Drivers.

Al_Vampyre · Apr 8, 2008, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PangingJr

IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL,
Typically due to a bad driver, or faulty or incompatible hardware or software.

post the complete Stop message, if a driver is listed by name, make sure you have the info as well.

Troubleshooting Windows STOP Messages

Thanks PangingJr, yeah I know that IRQL_NOT_LESS OR EQUAL is usually a driver thing but I only got that bluescreen once, in fact I don't think I've had two the same since the problem started, had a couple of ntkernel bluescreens, one nvidia one, and a couple of others that I didn't catch. If it was the same one each time at least that would point me in the right direction...

@LCS2008, I must admit I haven't tried downgrading the drivers, I'll give it a go.

ChaosMinionX · Apr 8, 2008, 06:55 PM

Sounds like the 4GB RAM issue with Creative junk. I had this issue too, I am not sure if creative has since updated its drivers to fix this problem, but I fixed my problem by going Auzentech XFi Prelude, they had a 4GB RAM fix within weeks of its release.

Its definitely an issue regarding the sound drivers and 4GB of RAM, I would completely uninstall that soundcard and its drivers. And also do a "remove unused devices". After you do the steps below, attempt to reinstall the soundcard with Creatives latest drivers.

To remove unused devices -

1) open a command prompt (or elevated admin if your in Vista)

2) Type "Set devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices=1" (without quotes of course)

3) then you can simply type Devmgmt.msc to open up device manager.

4) Goto "View" in device manager, and then select "show hidden devices"

5) remove greyed out items in the "Sound, Video, and Game Controllers" box

You may also do some cleaning of old Display Adapters, USB items etc etc. If you would like further help on this please post a screenshot of your device manager and I would be happy to tell you what you can, and cant remove safely

Al_Vampyre · Apr 8, 2008, 09:59 PM

Thanks Chaos I'll give that a go!

PangingJr · Apr 9, 2008, 04:03 PM

so, how's it going? any of the suggestions work for you?

Al_Vampyre · Apr 15, 2008, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PangingJr

so, how's it going? any of the suggestions work for you?

I followed all the steps Chaos suggested and I've rolled back to the previous driver version but I'm still having issues.

Haven't had much gaming time recently but I'm hoping to tomorrow so better feedback after that. I have noticed that sometimes the sound in Windows just disappears though, a reboot doesn't bring it back but re-installing the drivers does...

I'm now at the point where I'm asking myself which out of the 2 I need the most...the X-Fi or 4Gb ram. I think the RAM will win because it affects the whole system not just games/music. Maybe I'll sell the X-Fi on ebay if I can't get it working but I'll be taking a loss on it which I'm not happy about!

BlueMak · Apr 15, 2008, 03:42 PM

Have you tried changing slot for the soundcard?

Cristoforo · Apr 15, 2008, 10:33 PM

Al, I have a similar problem myself and I believe that it is caused by some strange mix of any amount of RAM over 2gb and Nvidia drivers. I've posted a link to an Nvidia forum where it is dicussed. If you find your problem is the same as this and can resolve it please let me know. I have 2gb of Ram just sitting on mydesk...
NVIDIA Forums > Forceware drivers crash Vista 32bit when 4gb ram

Al_Vampyre · Apr 16, 2008, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cristoforo

Al, I have a similar problem myself and I believe that it is caused by some strange mix of any amount of RAM over 2gb and Nvidia drivers. I've posted a link to an Nvidia forum where it is dicussed. If you find your problem is the same as this and can resolve it please let me know. I have 2gb of Ram just sitting on mydesk...
NVIDIA Forums > Forceware drivers crash Vista 32bit when 4gb ram

Thanks for that, although I am running Vista 64, not 32...

Al_Vampyre · Apr 16, 2008, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueMak

Have you tried changing slot for the soundcard?

I have tried them all and I'm getting sick of this....I want to spend my days off playing games not constantly messsing about with the X-Fi!!!

BlueMak · Apr 16, 2008, 11:21 AM

I remember ages ago reading about change the....something size of MBs in the BIOS to something that would fix some of these issues...I am sorry I can't be more helpful.

Al_Vampyre · Apr 16, 2008, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueMak

I remember ages ago reading about change the....something size of MBs in the BIOS to something that would fix some of these issues...I am sorry I can't be more helpful.

I'm told that if I turn off the memory hole in the bios it may help, that may be what you're thinking of. Problem with that is then Vista will only see 3Gb not 4Gb so its a kludge rather than a fix.

Seriously thinking about going back to onboard sound because I need 4Gb more than I need EAX/XRAM.

ChaosMinionX · Apr 16, 2008, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Al_Vampyre

I'm told that if I turn off the memory hole in the bios it may help, that may be what you're thinking of. Problem with that is then Vista will only see 3Gb not 4Gb so its a kludge rather than a fix.

Seriously thinking about going back to onboard sound because I need 4Gb more than I need EAX/XRAM.

If you want EAX+XRAM go with an Auzentech X-Fi Prelude, it simply cannot be beat by any of Creatives offerings, and its sound quality is superb. It also fully works with any sort of computer configuration, from 2GB to 8GB RAM and from XP to Vista and anywhere inbetween.

Al_Vampyre · Apr 18, 2008, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChaosMinionX

If you want EAX+XRAM go with an Auzentech X-Fi Prelude, it simply cannot be beat by any of Creatives offerings, and its sound quality is superb. It also fully works with any sort of computer configuration, from 2GB to 8GB RAM and from XP to Vista and anywhere inbetween.

Thanks again Chaos, for the moment I have decided just to disable the memory hole in the bios. Means I've got 3Gb not 4Gb but everything works fine, played Medieval II Total War for 10 hours yesterday with zero issues (Alchemy & EAX4) I would consider a Prelude but I only bought the X-Fi a few months ago and I can't justify buying something else just now. Maybe for my next build...

And thanks to BlueMak for reminding me of a compromise that I had forgotten about!

Apr 8, 2008, 02:41 PM	#1
Al_Vampyre HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Scotland Posts: 1,532 Rep Power: 72 System Specs	What is causing this problem?? You know it's desperate when I start to ask for help but this one has me completely stumped! OK, system specs are listed to the left but have changed slightly as you will see. At xmas I got a bundle deal on a X-Fi Fatal1ty Pro & Headset that up until recently has been working just fine. Two things have recently changed on my system, first of all I have updated my Vista x64 with SP1 and secondly I have added a further 2gb of ram (now running 4x1gb). Recently I have been getting issues with the sound (crackling, popping, and disappearing altogether) and random bluescreens (all with different error codes) usually when gaming (Medieval II Total War) So far I have; - reset the overclock back to default 1.8 (opty 165) - slackened off the memory timings to 3-3-3-8 - re-did the overclock back to 2.4 (memtest and Orthos stable for 14 hours) - reseated all four sticks of ram none of which has made the problem go away. If the sound goes funny in Windows I can fix the problem by re-installing the latest X-Fi drivers (which are suppoesed to fix the 4gb issue), but that gets a bit tiresome doing it on a daily basis. The sound issues don't worry me as much as the bluescreens though. I can't understand how the computer can be Orthos (blend setting) stable for 14 hours and then bluescreen with an IRQ_NOT_LESS error whilst browsing the net and writing a DVD at the same time! I'm beginning to think it could be a hard drive issue but I would like a second opinion before I format and test the HDDs because its something I really don't have time for at the moment so would like to avoid it if possible. Let me know what you think... __________________ "Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad" - Brian O'Driscoll - Ireland Rugby Team 2009 Grand Slam winning Captain. Last edited by Al_Vampyre; Apr 8, 2008 at 02:50 PM.

Apr 8, 2008, 06:55 PM	#5
ChaosMinionX USB 3 dot oh Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 1,911 Rep Power: 47 System Specs	Sounds like the 4GB RAM issue with Creative junk. I had this issue too, I am not sure if creative has since updated its drivers to fix this problem, but I fixed my problem by going Auzentech XFi Prelude, they had a 4GB RAM fix within weeks of its release. Its definitely an issue regarding the sound drivers and 4GB of RAM, I would completely uninstall that soundcard and its drivers. And also do a "remove unused devices". After you do the steps below, attempt to reinstall the soundcard with Creatives latest drivers. To remove unused devices - 1) open a command prompt (or elevated admin if your in Vista) 2) Type "Set devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices=1" (without quotes of course) 3) then you can simply type Devmgmt.msc to open up device manager. 4) Goto "View" in device manager, and then select "show hidden devices" 5) remove greyed out items in the "Sound, Video, and Game Controllers" box You may also do some cleaning of old Display Adapters, USB items etc etc. If you would like further help on this please post a screenshot of your device manager and I would be happy to tell you what you can, and cant remove safely __________________ ::Heatware:: How you can help DriverHeaven by using Digg!

Apr 8, 2008, 09:59 PM	Thread Starter #6
Al_Vampyre HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Scotland Posts: 1,532 Rep Power: 72 System Specs	Thanks Chaos I'll give that a go! __________________ "Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad" - Brian O'Driscoll - Ireland Rugby Team 2009 Grand Slam winning Captain.

Apr 15, 2008, 03:42 PM	#9
BlueMak HH's Asteroids' Dominator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Hellas->Macedonia->Thessaloniki Posts: 13,465 Rep Power: 349 System Specs	Have you tried changing slot for the soundcard? __________________ The people who are regarded as moral luminaries are those who forego ordinary pleasures themselves and find compensation in interfering with the pleasures of others(Bertrand Russell)"You go into Afghanistan, you got guys who slap women around for five years because they didn't wear a veil,You know, guys like that ain't got no manhood left anyway. So it's a hell of a lot of fun to shoot them." - Lt. Gen. James N. Mattis This is slavery, not to speak one's thought. [Euripides-The Phoenician Women (c.411-409 B.C.)] http://www.macedonia.info/FALLACIESANDFACTS.htm *Sic semper tyrannis.*

Apr 16, 2008, 11:21 AM	#13
BlueMak HH's Asteroids' Dominator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Hellas->Macedonia->Thessaloniki Posts: 13,465 Rep Power: 349 System Specs	I remember ages ago reading about change the....something size of MBs in the BIOS to something that would fix some of these issues...I am sorry I can't be more helpful. __________________ The people who are regarded as moral luminaries are those who forego ordinary pleasures themselves and find compensation in interfering with the pleasures of others(Bertrand Russell)"You go into Afghanistan, you got guys who slap women around for five years because they didn't wear a veil,You know, guys like that ain't got no manhood left anyway. So it's a hell of a lot of fun to shoot them." - Lt. Gen. James N. Mattis This is slavery, not to speak one's thought. [Euripides-The Phoenician Women (c.411-409 B.C.)] http://www.macedonia.info/FALLACIESANDFACTS.htm *Sic semper tyrannis.*

Apr 8, 2008, 04:35 PM	#2
PangingJr Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 5,989 Rep Power: 71	IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL, Typically due to a bad driver, or faulty or incompatible hardware or software. post the complete Stop message, if a driver is listed by name, make sure you have the info as well. Troubleshooting Windows STOP Messages

Apr 8, 2008, 06:05 PM	#3
LCS2008 DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 8 Rep Power: 0	I don't have that problem. I have a Creative SB X-Fi Elite Pro and I have experimented problems since I installed the latest drivers (2.15 the ones that are supposed to fix 4gb RAM). When I go back to 2.0.9 all go back to "perfect" state (the "" are becouse in some games of PS3 the SB makes scraches and distorsions, but that is becouse a compatible problem of any SB with PlayStation & Xbox systems) I really think that the problem came from Drivers.

Apr 9, 2008, 04:03 PM	#7
PangingJr Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 5,989 Rep Power: 71	so, how's it going? any of the suggestions work for you?

Apr 15, 2008, 10:33 PM	#10
Cristoforo DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 1 Rep Power: 0	Al, I have a similar problem myself and I believe that it is caused by some strange mix of any amount of RAM over 2gb and Nvidia drivers. I've posted a link to an Nvidia forum where it is dicussed. If you find your problem is the same as this and can resolve it please let me know. I have 2gb of Ram just sitting on mydesk... NVIDIA Forums > Forceware drivers crash Vista 32bit when 4gb ram