Why do I receive the "0x7F...unexpected_kernel_mode_trap" message?

My Wife's computer spontaneously freezes or crashes. When it freezes, the only solution is to reboot. When crashes occur an error message window appears, indicating an error (unspecified) has occurred and Window will shut down the offending software; it could be internet explorer, Paint Shop Pro 8, a game (not Doom or anything like that) or any other software she may be running.

After attempting a multitude of "fixes," such as changing video cards, adding memory, changing memory modules, I decided to re-install windows. However, after the install goes through to the point of "starting up Windows," the Blue Screen pops up with a "0x7F...unexpected_kernel_mode_trap" message. Thus, I cannot even re-install windows.

I have used several diagnostic memory programs, purchased new memory modules, pulled and installed new cards, and so forth, without seemingly effecting the problem. The crashes still occur, and I have no success re-installing windows.

Could it be the mother board?

What suggestions can anyone offer?

Thanks!

This question was answered on November 1, 2004. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

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This error message can occur if either of the following conditions exists:

-Your computer has hardware of software problems ( hardware failure is the most common cause).

-You try to over clock the speed of your computer's processor (for example, you set a 150MHz processor to run at 187 MHz).

The above STOP error means a trap occured in kernel mode and the trap is either one the kernel is not allowed to have or is always fatal The most common causes of a STOP 0x7F are:

-Low-level hardware corruption, such as corrupt memory (RAM)

-Mismatched memory modules

-A malfunctioning motherboard

RESOLUTION:

To resolve this issue, use the appropriate method:

-If either software or hardware can cause a particular trap, a debug is required to determine which is the cause If you suspect a hardware problem, try the following hardware troubleshooting steps:

1 Run diagnostic software and test the RAM in the computer Replace any RAM reported as

bad Also, make sure all the RAM in the computer is the same speed

2 Try removing or swapping out controllers, cards, or other peripherals

3 Try a different motherboard on the computer

-If you are over clocking the speed of your processor, set it back to the speed at which it is designed to run

-Check with the hardware vendor for any updated hardware drivers or BIOS updates, or both

About the author

Posted by Henry of Katharine Gibbs School - New York on November 1, 2004

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