Not a typical BSOD -- need assistance

Hey guys,

I'm currently having a pretty damn frustrating problem. I have a custom built PC that was running (now not running) Windows Vista. Out of the blue, no pun intended, I started getting the BSOD for no apparent reason. I've had two recurring error output messages along the lines of EITHER: 1) IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL with a 0x000000A OR 2) STOP: 0x0000007E with no title and a slew of various characters after the 7E.

Obviously, my first attempted solution was to repair the Vista installation. Not possible. When I put the Vista disc in, 32 or 64-bit, I'll get the BSOD while it's trying to load the setup. Eventually, I popped in Gparted, a partitioning tool, and reformatted the HDD hosting the Vista installation. Many times, my computer won't even recognize the Vista disc. It doesn't make any sense. To make sure my computer wasn't completely dysfunctional, I tried to install Linux Mint, and it was a complete success! That's fantastic and all, but I need to have my Vista installation back on there.

Even after wiping the hard drive completely clean, I get the BSOD while trying to even get to the beginning of a new Vista installation, yet Linux Mint floats on without a problem. I researched the errors a little bit, but it hasn't helped at all.

Does anyone have any ideas? Please? I am at a loss.

Also, I apologize for not following the BSOD posting instructions, but I don't know how to follow those instructions if Vista isn't even usable.

Welcome
If you would be kind enough to follow these BSOD posting instructions, we will help as soon as we can.
http://www.vistax64.com/crashes-debugging/282419-blue-screen-death-bsod-posting-instructions.html

Rich, I would, but if you read my post, you'll see that I cannot download that diagnostic program and run it on the affected computer.

Sorry did not read all of your post, just tried to get the minidmp reports. Its always nice not to confuse the issues with the facts, LOL.
Here are the causes for BC 7E
Usual causes: Insufficient disk space, Device driver, Video card, BIOS, Breakpoint with no debugger attached, Hardware incompatibility, Faulty system service, Memory, 3rd party remote control,
Here it is for A
Usual causes: Kernel mode driver, System Service, BIOS, Windows, Virus scanner, Backup tool, compatibility


You have not given us much to go by, but if I had to guess I would tend toward hardware. However, you said that it works with Linux. That being the case hardware may be ruled out. Need those reports to to a BSOD analysis

At this point my only suggestion would be to:
Create a recovery DVD, you may be able to boot to recovery options
Create Recovery DVD

The Vista recovery disk is used to boot Vista when it won't boot - to run Startup Repair, System Restore, access a Command Line, Recover using a Vista Backup Image, etc.
System Recovery Options. Choose an option tht will not cause you to lose your stuff.

If Vista will not start now, boot the Recovery CD to run Startup Repair which automates System Restore as well as numerous other tests including System File Checker which can repair system files which are not corrupted beyond repair.

If Vista still will not start, try booting into Safe Mode to run sfc /scannow to repair System files.
Special Thanks Given to Seven Forums.



Below is a bulletin distributed by MS to explain the start up procedure when Windows will not boot.

• Startup Repair. Startup Repair is a Windows recovery tool that can fix certain problems, such as missing or damaged system files, that might prevent Windows from starting. Startup Repair is located on the System Recovery Options menu, which is on the Windows Vista installation disc. If your computer has preinstalled recovery options, it might also be stored on your computer's hard disk. For more information, see Startup Repair: frequently asked questions and What are the system recovery options in Windows Vista? If your computer does not include Startup Repair, your computer manufacturer might have customized or replaced the tool. Check the information that came with your computer or go to the manufacturer's website.
• Change restart settings in safe mode. If your computer is stuck in a loop where Windows fails, attempts to restart, and then fails again repeatedly, restart your computer in safe mode and select the Disable automatic restart on system failure checkbox. For more information, see Advanced startup options (including safe mode).
• Reinstall. If no other options have solved the problem, and you are sure that your computer's hardware is functioning normally, you might need to reinstall Windows. A custom (clean) installation of Windows will permanently delete all of the files on your computer and reinstall Windows, so only use this option if all other recovery options have been unsuccessful. After the installation, you will need to reinstall your programs and restore your files from backup copies. For more information, see Installing and reinstalling Windows**.

What are your settings in the BIOS? There may be a setting that Linux can run under but windows is not happy about it.

I had overclocked my q6600 to 3.0ghz, but that's it. After I started getting the blue screen, I set the bios back to defaults.

Your BIOS setting for

Memory should be
·Part Number: BL2KIT6464AA804
· Module Size: 1GB (2pc kit)
· Package: Ballistix 240-pin DIMM
· Feature: DDR2 PC2-6400
· Configuration: 64Meg x 64
· DIMM Type: UNBUFFERED
· Error Checking: NON-ECC
· Speed DDR2-800
· Voltage: 2.1V
· Memory Timings: 4-4-4-12




CPUBus speed of 1066 MHZ
Motherboard
Max BusSpeed 1333.0 MHz
Supported RAM Speed 533 MHz , 667 MHz , 800 MHz , 1200 MHz