New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

BSoD: Drive possibly NOT consistent?

post #1 of 16
Thread Starter 
Had my 9860S for about two weeks before I got this blue screen at reboot (after POST).

It mentions that it thinks the C and/or D drives are not consistent. It does a checkdisk and seems to find nothing, but now after EVERY reboot I have to go through this screen.

BIOS reflash didn't do anything but lose my Bluetooth function... and that driver reload then caused the WLAN to go bellyup and has NEVER recovered (another Post all together!).

Anyhow... Sager is supposedly sending me two replacement drives.


I'm fairly clueless to PCs. All I wanted out of the 9860S was what was advertised - workstation-like performance on a laptop... so I could run heavy duty CAD stuff (Unigraphics and Solidworks). I can't even connect to my home WIFI network to get freakin' mail... let alone do CAD work in FEAR that the BSofD will crash and destroy all of my CAD data.

I ALMOST got an HP laptop (only major brand that came close to these no-name brands with supposedly hi-end features), but decided to spend more for graphics, speed, and power. No I feel like I got a LEMON and reading all these PROBLEMS at this website makes me want to shoot myself! WTH? Is this laptop the Sager and other brands sell worth a damn for Quality/reliability? Or am I getting some 1980s Hyundai???
post #2 of 16
IMHO, this a gamers laptop. Gamers love to tweak and push their PCs to the limit to get that extra FPS so they can kill vs being killed. If you really only wanted to do CAD and email then you might of been better off buying a HP/Dell.

The only time I get the BSOD is when I use the modem.

But...
Make sure you have updated the BIOS and all the drivers and see if you still have problems.
post #3 of 16
Quote:
Originally Posted by uncleho
Had my 9860S for about two weeks before I got this blue screen at reboot (after POST).

It mentions that it thinks the C and/or D drives are not consistent. It does a checkdisk and seems to find nothing, but now after EVERY reboot I have to go through this screen.

BIOS reflash didn't do anything but lose my Bluetooth function... and that driver reload then caused the WLAN to go bellyup and has NEVER recovered (another Post all together!).

Anyhow... Sager is supposedly sending me two replacement drives.


I'm fairly clueless to PCs. All I wanted out of the 9860S was what was advertised - workstation-like performance on a laptop... so I could run heavy duty CAD stuff (Unigraphics and Solidworks). I can't even connect to my home WIFI network to get freakin' mail... let alone do CAD work in FEAR that the BSofD will crash and destroy all of my CAD data.

I ALMOST got an HP laptop (only major brand that came close to these no-name brands with supposedly hi-end features), but decided to spend more for graphics, speed, and power. No I feel like I got a LEMON and reading all these PROBLEMS at this website makes me want to shoot myself! WTH? Is this laptop the Sager and other brands sell worth a damn for Quality/reliability? Or am I getting some 1980s Hyundai???
I am experiencing the EXACT same thing. EVERY time I reboot, I get a CHKDSK run on my D:\ for no reason that I can conclude. This is after a format and reinstall of the OS because I was getting the "non-consistency" error every time I rebooted. The only tweaking I have done with this installation is trying to install the newest Omega drivers, which was a huge failure in itself. My Device Manager reports I have an ATI Radeon x800, but when I try to install the Omegas it tells me I have no VGA adapter, please install one before I attempt to install the Omegas. Then it cannot find a driver for "Standard VGA". I wonder if this is the cause. Did you have a failed attempt of a video driver upgrade?
post #4 of 16
Quote:
Originally Posted by RottGutt
I am experiencing the EXACT same thing. EVERY time I reboot, I get a CHKDSK run on my D:\ for no reason that I can conclude. This is after a format and reinstall of the OS because I was getting the "non-consistency" error every time I rebooted. The only tweaking I have done with this installation is trying to install the newest Omega drivers, which was a huge failure in itself. My Device Manager reports I have an ATI Radeon x800, but when I try to install the Omegas it tells me I have no VGA adapter, please install one before I attempt to install the Omegas. Then it cannot find a driver for "Standard VGA". I wonder if this is the cause. Did you have a failed attempt of a video driver upgrade?
I've been having a similar thing happening.
The cursor freezes then I get BSOD- shutting down to protect itself. Then the reboot does't find the OS.

I power it off then on again and boots normally. I did get CHkdisk saying there are errors to fix too.
I've chkdsk several times but still get BSOD. It's happened about 6 times over the last 2 weeks.
I'm not sure where the prob is?
post #5 of 16
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by wheatman
IMHO, this a gamers laptop. Gamers love to tweak and push their PCs to the limit to get that extra FPS so they can kill vs being killed. If you really only wanted to do CAD and email then you might of been better off buying a HP/Dell.

The only time I get the BSOD is when I use the modem.

But...
Make sure you have updated the BIOS and all the drivers and see if you still have problems.

OK, so because this is a "gamers" PC, it is allowed to get buggy for the customer. I work in the auto industry. That is the excuse most exotic car mfrs give, too. BS.

On a better note. Sager did take back my PC with the help of DiscountLaptops. They've been pretty good about it, but then I've been pretty good about documenting my issues BEFORE and AFTER the 30 day rule. I have an exchanged PC now and will keep my fingers crossed, because I still believe the product is good - I think I got a lemon first. Even Toyota can make a lemon now and then.

When ANYONE spends $3600 of hard earned cash to get a top end device... he should GET THAT device and not some part-time high end device.

P.S. CAD that I do DOES require a powerful PC. The workstation I use at work is far more powerful than your "gamers'" PC.

My suggestion to everyone is to DOCUMENT and KEEP THE COMMUNICATIONS open and constant to Sager and/or your dealer. I kept record of the emails. This helped proved when the problems started.
post #6 of 16
Wow you spent 3500!
You must work for Toyota then...
I think with some time, the hardware manufactures will finally iron out their BIOS and driver problems. This forum is full of complaints about the sound of the laptop.
But since you mentioned the auto industry, it would be interesting to know what the bean counters for Sager are saying right. What is the % of returned laptops due to hardware failure which you must likely were experiencing. I wonder if Sager cut a deal with the hard drive manufacture and got some bad drives. This is also a common theme on this forum.

Hopefully your Sager will come around a perform as you wish, otherwise...you have a very expensive and heavy paper weight.

Good Luck!
post #7 of 16
Thread Starter 
What do you mean WOW?

I looked all over hell's half acre to find cheaper... 9860S and DL was the cheapest. The dang thing starts at ~$2800. Throw in (2) 60G HDDs, 1650x1050 display, 2G Ram, 3.6G Pent4, NVIDIA Quadro 256Mb card and you get $$$!

I need a mobile workstation and these minor brands have more than HP or Dell. Trust me... if HP had the same features, I would have gone with the x8000 Pavillion. It's chassis seems better overall, but alas lacked the dual HDDs, processor, and mainly graphics card.
post #8 of 16

This process should do the trick

Ok… I have had the same problem that you are having and I have fixed it without doing any bios updates. First of all, I am not a computer expert but I have managed to fix some my self-induced problems. I don’t think its something we are perpusly doing. I think it may be a bios thing but until Sager identifies the problem and put a fix to it specifically. I wouldn’t update the bios unless you are having another problem or there is a bios upgrade. Here are a few things that may help you. Do them in this order.

1. Do a Scan Disk to check that you don’t have any bad sectors. (I think SP2 took Scan Disk out the System Tools menu. No worries go to step 2)

2. If you have any type of Registry cleaning or fixing programs, run it. (If you don’t have a program, you can download RegVac at: regvac.com/fregvac.htm . I believe its still limited freeware, but if you want the full version, you have to pay. For the first 30 days you have full access. You should be able to fix it within 30 days. If you don’t want to download RegVac, no worries, go to step 3.)

The next fixes will all be done in your “ cmd “ box. Go to “Start”, then “Run”, then type “cmd” then enter.

3. This step is really not necessary, but it will tell you if you have a problem. Type in “ chkntfs c:/ “ (replace c with other drive letters if you are running multipull drives. This will report back with “c:/ is not dirty , is dirty. If it is dirty, no worries you have found your problem, go to step 4)

4. This is what actually going to do the fix. It kind of seems backwards but it works. If you are stuck in that boot up check disk loop, then you have to schedule a chkdsk in the cmd window. So in the window type in:

chkdsk c:/f it will ask if you want to schedule for next restart….YES but don’t restart. ("f" I believe means fix) Next type in:
chkdsk c:/r it will ask if you want to schedule for next restart….Yes then restart your computer. ("r" I believe is recover or rebuild or something, what ever it is it helps.) By scheduling both now, you will have both of them done on reboot.

Repeat step 4 for your other drive if installed, just replace the c with your other drive letters. It may not ask you to restart your computer. I think it just asks to shut that drive down, but you will not be able to use that drive till you restart your computer.

If this doesn’t work, then you can try one more thing, it didn’t work for me but its on the Microsoft website. Go to step 5

5. How to Cancel CHKDSK After It Has Been Scheduled

Article ID : 158675
Last Review : June 25, 2004
Revision : 1.0

This article was previously published under Q158675
On this Page

SUMMARY
RESOLUTION

SUMMARY
When you run the command CHKDSK /F /R from the command line, Windows NT
asks if you want to schedule CHKDSK to run the next time the system is
restarted. This article describes how, in the event you choose YES, you
can subsequently prevent CHKDSK from running the next time you start the
server.

RESOLUTION
To stop the execution of CHKDSK /F /R, you must edit the registry using
Registry Editor.

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious, system-wide
problems that may require you to reinstall Windows NT to correct them.
Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the use of
Registry Editor can be solved. Use this tool at your own risk.

To stop the execution of CHKDSK /F /R, take the following steps:
1. Run the Registry Editor(Regedt32.exe).
2. Under the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE subtree, go to the following subkey:
\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager
3. Change the BootExecute entry from:

autocheck autochk * /r\DosDevice\C:

To:

autocheck autochk *
If you have scheduled CHKDSK for multiple volumes, there will be an autocheck
entry for each volume. Delete the string from the BootExecute registry value
for each volume you do not want checked.

This procedure will reset the default string, and CHKDSK /F /R will not run on reset.


If this still doesn’t work, they try a stick of dynamite or just go back to step 4. That really should do the trick. let me know how it works for you. have fun
post #9 of 16
Useful info on the CHKDSK.

Did you get the extreme edition P4 3.6? Just curious. But with the xtra drive, memory and 3.6 Extreme, I can see the price hitting 3500.

Since you got your replacement how is it running now? Since I am sure CAD puts the full load on your machine, do you notice the surface where your left hand would rest on getting really hot during use? I was playing HL2 for a few hours and man my left hand started to cook a inch or two to the left of the touchpad.

BIOS update regulates the fans better and can be found on this forum or by contacting Sager Support.
post #10 of 16

Same here, but more

Ok, mine did the same thing withing hours of opening the box. I think it's faulty manufacturing. I've had multiple other problems, too. I may send mine back to DL for full refund 'cause I've had it less than a month, and it's already been back to Sager for a week out of that. Still having problems. Good thing you're documenting.
post #11 of 16
Thread Starter 
I got the replacement unit last week and besides some confusion over the BT/WLAN combo, I haven't been able to really exercise it.

I've spent the week trying to reinstall software and data. Had some quirks with Outlook, but no fault of the PC.

The only issue is a totally new issue, which I will post for some help. I've only turned the PC on (tried to) about 6 times since I got the exchange unit. The first time was uneventful, BUT each time after... it takes between 2-6 cyclings of the ON/OFF button to get the system to do that check of the PC before the OS starts.

The problem is I'll hit the ON button, it lights up, the HD symbol lights up, the fans whirls... but then nothing. BLACK screen of nothing... without any sign of it wanting to start. After waiting 2-10 minutes, I finally resort to forcing a power down with the on/off button. Then retry again... but to no avail. Of the 5 times this has occurred, it takes this CYCLING of the ON/OFF button between 2 and 6 times before the checks (BIOS??? Sorry, I'm computer dumb) launches and then continues to the OS launch.

The AC power is always used, the POWER OPTIONS are only enabled with the various options for battery usage, while the AC usage equals nothing... basically default. The only thing I did was install MS Office 2003 and McAfee. I did swap the ATI x800 for the NVIDIA Quadro Go FX. I cannot imagine what that would have to do with it, though.

I don't know what the issue is and have left Discount Laptops and SagerTech an email on some pointers.

I swear... I think I'm cursed - Sagers just don't like me. Shame because I'm DYING to get it revved up to do some CAD modeling!
post #12 of 16
Quote:
Originally Posted by threeflats
Ok… I have had the same problem that you are having and I have fixed it without doing any bios updates. First of all, I am not a computer expert but I have managed to fix some my self-induced problems. I don’t think its something we are perpusly doing. I think it may be a bios thing but until Sager identifies the problem and put a fix to it specifically. I wouldn’t update the bios unless you are having another problem or there is a bios upgrade. Here are a few things that may help you. Do them in this order.

1. Do a Scan Disk to check that you don’t have any bad sectors. (I think SP2 took Scan Disk out the System Tools menu. No worries go to step 2)

2. If you have any type of Registry cleaning or fixing programs, run it. (If you don’t have a program, you can download RegVac at: regvac.com/fregvac.htm . I believe its still limited freeware, but if you want the full version, you have to pay. For the first 30 days you have full access. You should be able to fix it within 30 days. If you don’t want to download RegVac, no worries, go to step 3.)

The next fixes will all be done in your “ cmd “ box. Go to “Start”, then “Run”, then type “cmd” then enter.

3. This step is really not necessary, but it will tell you if you have a problem. Type in “ chkntfs c:/ “ (replace c with other drive letters if you are running multipull drives. This will report back with “c:/ is not dirty , is dirty. If it is dirty, no worries you have found your problem, go to step 4)

4. This is what actually going to do the fix. It kind of seems backwards but it works. If you are stuck in that boot up check disk loop, then you have to schedule a chkdsk in the cmd window. So in the window type in:

chkdsk c:/f it will ask if you want to schedule for next restart….YES but don’t restart. ("f" I believe means fix) Next type in:
chkdsk c:/r it will ask if you want to schedule for next restart….Yes then restart your computer. ("r" I believe is recover or rebuild or something, what ever it is it helps.) By scheduling both now, you will have both of them done on reboot.

Repeat step 4 for your other drive if installed, just replace the c with your other drive letters. It may not ask you to restart your computer. I think it just asks to shut that drive down, but you will not be able to use that drive till you restart your computer.

If this doesn’t work, then you can try one more thing, it didn’t work for me but its on the Microsoft website. Go to step 5

5. How to Cancel CHKDSK After It Has Been Scheduled

Article ID : 158675
Last Review : June 25, 2004
Revision : 1.0

This article was previously published under Q158675
On this Page

SUMMARY
RESOLUTION

SUMMARY
When you run the command CHKDSK /F /R from the command line, Windows NT
asks if you want to schedule CHKDSK to run the next time the system is
restarted. This article describes how, in the event you choose YES, you
can subsequently prevent CHKDSK from running the next time you start the
server.

RESOLUTION
To stop the execution of CHKDSK /F /R, you must edit the registry using
Registry Editor.

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious, system-wide
problems that may require you to reinstall Windows NT to correct them.
Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the use of
Registry Editor can be solved. Use this tool at your own risk.

To stop the execution of CHKDSK /F /R, take the following steps:
1. Run the Registry Editor(Regedt32.exe).
2. Under the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE subtree, go to the following subkey:
\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager
3. Change the BootExecute entry from:

autocheck autochk * /r\DosDevice\C:

To:

autocheck autochk *
If you have scheduled CHKDSK for multiple volumes, there will be an autocheck
entry for each volume. Delete the string from the BootExecute registry value
for each volume you do not want checked.

This procedure will reset the default string, and CHKDSK /F /R will not run on reset.


If this still doesn’t work, they try a stick of dynamite or just go back to step 4. That really should do the trick. let me know how it works for you. have fun
I've run chkdsk several times now and I still get the prob:
I hope they can send the drive first. This is the email trail- start at the bottom.





Here's the email to Sager and reply:
Can you send the new drive first so I can copy my old drive data to it first?
I will be happy to guarantee that I return the defective drive with a credit card.
I've just installed my copy of drive image and am ready to transfer.


Sager Tech Supports <TechSupport@SagerNotebook.com> wrote:
Hi Joseph, your RMA# is xxxxxx.

If you can remove the hard drive from the computer, you can just send the hard drive in. Otherwise, you need to send the whole system in.

Please pack the computer with their original shipping box if possible, or to be placed inside the carrying bag of the system and packaged in a sturdy cardboard box with plenty of Styrofoam or other protective material surround the computer.

Please print your RMA number on the outside of the box next to the shipping label in LARGE print. Be sure to insure your shipment for the full value of your computer.

If the system is password protected, please provide the password to login your operating system.

Please include a written note describing the symptoms of your issue and when they occur. Please be as detailed as possible.

Please be sure to Back-up all of your personal data on your hard drive as Sager Computers will not be responsible for any lost data for any reason.

Please confirm your return address with a note.

Then please return it to:

Sager-Midern Computers
18005 Cortney Court
City of Industry, CA 91748
1-626-964-4849



-----Original Message-----
From: Joseph
Sent: Friday, April 15, 2005 6:50 PM
To: Sager Tech Supports
Subject: RE: xxxxxxx 9860 BSOD happens occasionaly (Thread:xxxxxxx)


Hi
Sorry to hear that.
Luckily I have a copy of drive image and should be able to transfer everything over to the new drive.

Joseph
Thanks

Sager Tech Supports <TechSupport@SagerNotebook.com> wrote:
Hi Joseph, it looks like the hard drive is in trouble. It is better to get the hard drive replaced.

What is your return mailing address?
-----Original Message-----
From: Joseph
Sent: Friday, April 15, 2005 6:06 PM
To: Sager Tech Supports
Subject: RE: xxxxxx 9860 BSOD happens occasionaly (Thread:xxxxxx)


Thanks for your quick response.
I found the following errors listed in the event viewer:
attached systemfile 1.
and corresponding application errors.
attached appfile1
Does this help?
I'll check right after the event happens again.
Joseph


Sager Tech Supports <TechSupport@SagerNotebook.com> wrote:
Hi Joseph, please open the event viewer to see if there are errors related to the hard drive. Please click Start > control panel > administrative tools > event viewer.
-----Original Message-----
From: Joseph
Sent: Friday, April 15, 2005 9:12 AM
To: Sager Tech Supports
Subject: RE:xxxxxxxxx 9860 BSOD happens occasionaly (Thread:xxxxxxxx)


Hi
I've only run chdsk c: /f /r from the Start- run- menu , several times on each partition. (It does it on a reboot - It corrects a couple of indexs and recovers orphaned files- and completes).
Within a day or so the error comes back with the same results from chdsk.

Is it better to run chdsk from the winxp CD?
I'll try it this weekend.
Joseph

Sager Tech Supports <TechSupport@SagerNotebook.com> wrote:
Hi Joseph, you need to run chkdsk to see if the hard drive has problem. You need to use Windows XP CD to boot the computer along with the ATA driver. Select repair option at the Windows setup screen. Type the CHKDSK command at the command prompt. If the CHKDSK reports many errors on the hard drive, we can replace the hard drive for you.
-----Original Message-----
From: Joseph
Sent: Thursday, April 14, 2005 5:48 PM
To: websupport@sagernotebook.com
Subject: BSOD happens occasionaly (Thread:xxxxxxxxx)


Hi
I've missed several of the call backs regarding this issue.
I have had it happen 1-3 times per day.
Here's what I have copied down:

DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL

"STANDARD STUFF ABOUT SHUTTING DOWN TO PROTECT YOUR SYSTEM"
TECHNICAL INFO
STOP: 0x00000001(0x00000034,0x0000000A,0x00000000,0xF753321BF)

Ulsata.sys - Address F75321BF base at F7531000, Datestamp 3e33a785


Then I power off and power on and it starts normally, but I get a taskbar bubble that says:

Corrupt and unreadable file:
E:\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\612LDE6P. pLEASE USE Chkdsk utility


I've had the above happen multiple times and I moved the Temp folder to drive E: and now it's happening on drive E:

I have a 100g drive partitioned with three partitions a of about the same size. C:, E:, F:

d: is still the DVD drive

Any insight would be helpful.

Joseph
Serial: xxxxxxxxxxxxx



Thanks
Joseph
post #13 of 16

Hey Joe, got a question for ya

hey I was wondering what pirated, cracked or over-clocking software you are running. I don't think its your drives. I do think its a problem with the laptops bios and software, but till its found, and there is an update for it, you will have to watch what programs you are putting on. For the most part, every program will work correctly. I have had no real problems. I think for me, it may have been when I shut down a program the wrong way, or if I was running a program that locked up and had to turn off the comupter without shutting down. what I would suggest is...if the chkdsk c:/f/r works, then make notes of the programs that you were running when the error happens and if you get that error more than once with the same program running, then try uninstalling that program and see if that solves the problem. And if that doesn't work, then you may just have that 1 in a 100 defective laptop and you may need to just replace the whole thing. keep documenting and complaining to sager and eventually they will replace it with a new one. hope it works for ya.
post #14 of 16
Thread Starter 
No crack. No games. Just Office, McAfee, CAD (UG).

Actually this issue is dead now since they replaced it with another unit. Unfortunately the replacement unit just doesn't want to boot up. Eversince the 2nd boot (seriously!) I can NEVER get it to launch the POST with the very FIRST power ON.

It takes between 2 and tonight ~14 attempts of ON/OFF cyclings before it launches the POST. I am going through the process of getting a THIRD unit now. I'm either cursed, because NO ONE on record has probably gone through this. I must say they (Discount Laptops and Sager) have been pretty good about this so far... but maaan is it ever frustrating. I ordered way back in February (I think... it seems so long ago now) and still cannot get around to the CAD work I bought it for.

<Fingers crossed, because (3) strikes and I'm OUT!>
post #15 of 16

Hey dude

I am sorry for your bad luck. well hopefully your next one works for ya. have fun de-bugging it. hey we are all here for ya.
post #16 of 16
Quote:
Originally Posted by threeflats
hey I was wondering what pirated, cracked or over-clocking software you are running. I don't think its your drives. I do think its a problem with the laptops bios and software, but till its found, and there is an update for it, you will have to watch what programs you are putting on. For the most part, every program will work correctly. I have had no real problems. I think for me, it may have been when I shut down a program the wrong way, or if I was running a program that locked up and had to turn off the comupter without shutting down. what I would suggest is...if the chkdsk c:/f/r works, then make notes of the programs that you were running when the error happens and if you get that error more than once with the same program running, then try uninstalling that program and see if that solves the problem. And if that doesn't work, then you may just have that 1 in a 100 defective laptop and you may need to just replace the whole thing. keep documenting and complaining to sager and eventually they will replace it with a new one. hope it works for ya.
I was sent a new drive and cloned it. I'm now running with the new drive and it hasn't happened yet.

I think you are right though.
I had run the Seatools Diagnostics from the seagate site---=> Diagnostics -passed but file structure failed and I was told to run chkdsk ("the file structure analysis may not be accurate " and the seagate software says to use the OS to check it-ie:chkdsk--same thing happened on the original drive- but the new drive was on the way to me already so I switched them anyway). BUT-I did run the seagate diag on the new drive when I took it out of the box- passed- It was an empty drive and there was no file structure to check..

I'll just wait to see if it does happen again. I have changed from three partitions to two partitions- this was done prior to receiving the new drive and the error never happened during those 2-3 days with this new partition configuration. I also upgraded to the new bios from Sager site.

The error typically happened while simply surfing and not doing anything memory intensive. I haven't got any exotic software or overclocking running that would be out of the ordinary.

I'm waiting to check the "event viewer" immediately after- should it happen again.

Thanks for your thoughts...


PS: No problms as of 4/30/05
PS2: No probs with replaced drive as of 5/13/05
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav: