Random Crashes

[Shopkeeper]

I did a search and found a huge thread on the problem, but I have been searching for 25mins now IN the thread looking for the solution to the problem and I can't find it.

I searched "Random crashes" and was looking in the first thread that had 50+ replies.

If anyone would be so kind to point me to the solution for the random crashes I would greatly appreciate it!

~Shopkeeper

 

[DreadLord]

More info FTW!!1

 

[k25]

Random crashes can be caused by alot of different things, post more details. Does it lock up/crash to desktop? Is it just CS:S or other games as well?
If it's not just CS:S, first stop should be http://www.memtest86.com/.

 

[Shopkeeper]

Well sometimes the game crashes and I have to restart my computer and other times it says that it cannot read from x############ and x############.

MY COMPUTER SPECS:
AMD 64 BIT 3500+ VENICE CORE
2 GIG CORSAIR XMS RAM
ASUS DELUXE MOBO
GEFORCE 6600 GT 128 MB PCIe x16
6 ANTEC FANS
SEAGATE 250GIG ATA HD
500W (CONSERVATIVELY RATED) POWER SUPPLY (ANTEC, BUT I FORGOT THE NAME OF IT, TRUE POWER PSU POSSIBLY)

Thats all I can think of as far as my system, if you have any more questions please reply and ask them.

 

[k25]

The 'cannot read from x###' message, is that a memory address it's having trouble with? What's the exact meassage?
Have you tried running memtest86 on it yet? I've had trouble with Corsair XMS memory before, might be that. Maybe also check the spec for your memory on http://www.corsair.com/corsair/xms.html. Some of them are only tested on Intel chipsets, some on AMD, some on both.
Might not be the memory, but best to eliminate that first.

 

[Shopkeeper]

The instruction at "0x2417c09b" referenced memory at "0x00e72ed0". The memory could not be "read".

The above is the exact message that I just got playing CS:S.

Also, sometimes the game locks up and I have to restart my computer by holding down the "On" button until the computer goes off and then I wait about 30 secs and turn it back on.

Thank you for your on going support of me and my issue!

~Shopkeeper

 

[k25]

It does sound very similar to the memory problem I had. Definitely run memtest86 on it (The bios memory check when your computer starts up isn't enough). If that does pick up any errors you'll need to get your memory sticks replaced (either where you bought them or directly with corsair).
If it passes the memory checks post again.

 

[Shopkeeper]

Okay I downloaded the file from the website, but apparently I'm too stupid to get it to work. I'm going to go try again right now...anyone care to explain how to use it?

 

[k25]

You want the 'memtest86 v3.2 ISO imagae (zip)' one. Burn the ISO image to a CD (I use deepburner http://www.deepburner.com, but any CD burning software will do). Put the CD in your drive, reboot your PC and it should boot from the CD and run the memory checks.
If it doesn't boot from the CD you might need to change your BIOS settings to boot from CD before the hard drive.

 

[Shopkeeper]

Okay well I ran the memtest86 and it froze up at 12 hours and 45ish minutes after successfully passing 20 tests. There were no errors except for the fact that the test froze up. ;/

Once again I would like to thank you for your ongoing support of me and my problem.

~Shopkeeper

 

[k25]

No problem.
So it's not the memory (but at least you know your memory's ok now ).
This can also be caused by buggy drivers trying to read memory they're not supposed to. Have you got the latest drivers for all your hardware? Check for any software updates for your mobo and graphics card.
After that it could still be a hardware problem with your graphics card, mobo or processor. Maybe try swapping the graphics card out temporarily? Kinda running out of ideas at this point...

 

[Shopkeeper]

Hmmm....

Well I guess I'll mess around with some of your other suggestions and see what happens. Did I forget to mention that I dont' have problems with anything else on my computer, but this game? I play AA, CoD, DoD, EQ, EQ2, WoW, GW, etc. I play A LOT of games and this is the only one that is giving me problems.

I'll check back to see your repsonse on the above, but until then I think I'll dig around and see what I can find.

Thank you once again for continually helping me!



~Shopkeeper