Windows Vista and it's friend the BSOD

The Blue Screen of Death also known as the "stop error" is plaguing my vista gaming life. I've unistalled drivers, re-installed drivers, i've done everything that I can think of, but still the stop error won't go away. I can get to the point where I'm in the game, playing and it will either work for 10-20 minutes, and than when I restart it the BSOD will return, or it will just go into the BSOD right away. I don't know if there are any alternate, 8800 gts drivers that actually work with vista, because I would really be grateful for them, but other than that I can't see myself playing any games for quite awhile. If any of you could help me that would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Welcome to Windrivers JohnKilik

Exactly what does the BSOD say? There are a number of them and it depends what the code and message (and file mentioned) makes a big difference to what the solution could be.

Ah ... nVidia. NooNoo is right, we need the text on the BSoD to be sure, but nVidia has had some real issues with drivers. They still don't have a "stable and full-featured" set of drivers even now. And given that you're gaming, that's gonna hurt.

hehe nvidia driver version numbers are always fun at a new OS release...

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone =D

Here is the error that vista tells me I am getting...


Error Message: STOP 0x000000EA THREAD_STUCK_IN_DEVICE_DRIVER (Q293078)


Here's is what exactly is on the blue message

The system encountered an uncorrectable hardware error.

If this is the first time you've seen this stop error screen, restart your computer. If this screen appears again, follow these steps:

Check to amke sure any new hardware or software is properly installed.
If this is a new installation ask your hardware or software manufacturer for any windows updates you might need.

If problems continue, disable or remove any newly installed features or software. Disable the BIOS memory, options such as caching or shadowing. If you need to use safe mode to remove or disable components, restart your computer, press f8 to select Advanced startup options, and than select safe mode.

Technical information

*** STOP: 0v00000124 (0x000000000, 0x83509918, 0x820000000000,) (more numbers and zeroes, it's hard to see well)



Collecting data for crash dump ...
Initializing disk for crash dump ...
Beginning dump of physical memory.
Dumping of physical memory to disk: 0 (and when it gets to 100 it restarts, it goes really fast)

Did you check out the kb article the bsod directed you to here?

It doesn't like write combining... turn it off.... then wait for nVidia to sort themselves out.

Just for fun, what game is it?

Alot of games, half-life mods, like the specialists, counter-strike source, even when i'm just on aim lol

ok... did you turn write combining off yet?

Uhm, I'm unsure of how to turn off write combining

right click on the desktop, properties, last tab settings, advanced button then troubleshooting tab... uncheck the box at the bottom.

im on vista, I don't think it's there lol

Click start, in the start search box type in
Display Settings
From the list, choose display settings....
click settings tab, click advanced button, click troubleshooting tab