XP Blue screen of DEATH (1 Viewer)

[Grahamgo]

I am asking here for some ideas.

I decided to use my old HP a1540n (Athlon X2 4200+, 4gb ram, Nvidia GEforce 6150LE) I reformatted and installed XP Pro religiously following the recommended XP build method in the MediaPortal manual.

Everything works great under windows. But here is the catch, if I use the full screen mode the system crashes, mostly I see "Stop 0x000000be attempt to write to read only memory, nv4_mini.sys etc". To elaborate, from a cold start going into MP full screen mode = OK, from XP window to Full Screen = OK. But exit MP and re start MP into full screen = BSOD.

For help I have trawled this forum and the web, but really dont know what to do. I have tried other app's in full screen mode (DvbDream, and a couple of media players without any problems). I have all of the latest drivers and my only option it seems is to try older drivers.

This PC has been extremely reliable and I am sure that is not a hardware problem. I have some concern about the built in Nvidia video which uses shared memory. No real reason just a feeling.

I have a DVD from HP with a free Vista upgrade which I never installed.

So the question what to do? I just want a dedicated system, wife friendly and as reliable as my retired Tivo - is that possible I wonder?

So some options.

1). Re-install XP Pro but stop at SP2 ( I have read of SP3 bsod problems)
2). Install Vista (maybe fixes bsod?)
3). Try installing a video card (and maybe not use Nvidia?)
4). Install older XP Pro drivers - But which one's to go for first?

If I do 2). What is the best configuration Vista + SP1, or SP1 + SP2 ?

note. I have also found on the web some Vista builds (google "Vista Speedy edition"). That suggest a mini Vista stripped of all its bloat running as fast a XP. I guess I could use my serial# - could this be a candidate for consideration?

Anyway I am at a crossroads, the current inability to reliably run full screen is a show stopper. I just want to get something reliable running and enjoy MediaPortal and move on. I would appreciate any comments that might guide me

Love MediaPortal!

 

[4roma]

Have you tried uninstalling the Nvidia drivers (nv4_mini.sys is part of the Nvidia drivers) and reinstall again? Don't forget to reboot between the uninstall and the install.

Try this with BIOS settings at default.

Do you also get a message about IRQ?

 

[Paranoid Delusion]

I would try a couple of things, original driver from CD as well as the newer one, cannot recommend the 185 version driver, as this causes problems with my 7900, more importantly in the BIOS, change any gpu memory settings from auto to whatever maximum the mobo will allow, ie 256 or 512mb of memory, if it will only go upto 128 then you would be better off getting a dedicated graphics card, especially if you need to play any HD content.

You can pick up a Nvidia 9400\9500gt or ATI 4550 for between 40-50 pounds, either will give 1080 HD using the gpu to do all the processing, best to always get a passively cooled one though, just for the hush factor

 

[Grahamgo]

Have you tried uninstalling the Nvidia drivers (nv4_mini.sys is part of the Nvidia drivers) and reinstall again? Don't forget to reboot between the uninstall and the install.

Try this with BIOS settings at default.

Do you also get a message about IRQ?

Thank you, The BIOS settings where fine, but I just didn't connect nv4_mini.sys to Nvidia when I googled it the last time I didn't see any Nvidia connections. Today I googled and did find them, damn.

Thanks, the pointers from 4roma and yourself were bang on. I ended up installing the last HP Nvidia driver from their website ver 8.3.0.8 5/9/2006. Guess what, it works perfect! So it looks like I was too diligent in trying to find the latest drivers..... I am tempted to try a later nvidia driver but maybe I am playing with fire. This gpu is 256mb shared memory.

I am from the UK but actually living in Mexico (wonderful, we have a pretty constant 25degC year round climate) But I checked the local availability of Nvidia 9400\9500gt or ATI 4550. Both are available for approx $70 (ukp40). So I think I will take your advice and get one.

In terms of general reliability just what can I expect. In truth I was going to go Linux with some HTPC software (influenced by the rock solid Tivo experience). But I got hooked on MediaPortal after comparing other software and reading the forum. I have a few random questions too which would be better posted on another posting.

But again. Thank you! a far less radical fix then what I was planning to do!

 

[4roma]

Good to see you got it fixed Grahamgo. More time to enjoy the sun