<Jim> Does your computer still shut down after a few minutes when it's booted into // Safe Mode //? If *not*, see: http://icrontic.com/forum/showthread.php?t=50966 The author describes your "0x0000008E followed by 0xc0000005" and seems to describe some of your other symptoms. He then gives the cause and fix (at least for his particular computers.) Note that at the Forum at the above link there are 7 pages of people who have: "0x0000008E followed by 0xc0000005" describing their problems and what they have done to fix them... You said:
Running the full [memory] diagnostic (if I could still find it) might help, but it is impossible. During the few minutes when the machine runs, it runs perfectly and there is nothing to diagnose; when it stops running, it doesn't even send a signal to the monitor.
I thought it sent the blue screen to the monitor... The diagnostic method for finding bad memory modules that people are recommending is to remove one memory module at a time -- if omitting one particular module makes everything OK, then leave that one out or replace it. Note that the memory modules that are left in the machine may need to be in particular slots. This is dependent on manufacturer. If you're missing your original manual, a Google search on: dell dimension 8400 manual gives: http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/SYSTEMS/dim8400/en/index.htm That page has links to the: Service Manual, Owner's Manual and User's Guide. The detailed section on memory is at the beginning of this page: http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/SYSTEMS/dim8400/SM/parts.htm#wp1052308 or: http://tinyurl.com/Removing-and-Installing-memory Among other things, they say that memory modules need to be installed in pairs. But also (confusingly) say: "Be sure to install a single memory module in DIMM connector 1, the connector closest to the processor, before you install modules in the other connectors." If you replace memory this page tells the system's allowed types: http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/SYSTEMS/dim8400/SM/specs.htm#wp1052335 or: http://tinyurl.com/Dimension-8400-memory-specs You listed:
STOP: 0x0000008E (0xc0000005,0xBF80232A,0xB797DC14,0x00000000) win32k545 - Address BF80232A base at BF800000, Datestamp4341deff
This page: "STOP 0x0000008E Error Resolution" http://pcsupport.about.com/od/findbyerrormessage/a/stop0x0000008e.htm seems pretty comprehensive. Interestingly, (among other things) the author says: "6. Apply all available Windows updates. Several service packs and other patches have specifically addressed STOP 0x0000008E issues. Note: This particular solution is likely to solve your problem if your STOP 0x0000008E error is accompanied by a mention of win32k.sys or wdmaud.sys, or if it occurred while making changes to the hardware acceleration on your graphics card. If STOP error 0x0000008E is followed by 0xc0000005, as in STOP: 0x0000008E (0xc0000005, x, x, x), applying the latest Windows service pack will likely fix your issue." You have your 0x0000008E followed by 0xc0000005, so... You also have a form of the win32k.sys "win32k545" so this may point to this particular possible fix. Finally, beware of static electricity while removing and inserting cards and memory -- especially during the heating season: "NOTICE: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of your computer's electronic components. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis." - Hal Lane ######################## # hallane@earthlink.net ########################