Question Random BSODs linked to ntoskrnl.exe or Ntfs.sys?
Question Random BSODs linked to ntoskrnl.exe or Ntfs.sys?
Hi guys, I've been experiencing random BSODs recently (but I haven't changed any hardware in a while). I have 5 mini dump files, 3 of them saying it's caused by ntoskrnl.exe and the other two by Ntfs.sys.
My PC had a total breakdown last month and I had to do a clean installation of windows. Now the BSOD is back again
🙁
What bothers me more is when I restart or turn on the PC, it will randomly decide to do disk scan and repair (indicating there is an issue with my hard drive?)
Also, I feel it's more prone to BSOD when idling. I haven't encountered any BSOD during gaming sess
ions. (This seems like a common occurrence in other posts I've read so far)
I tried to do sfc scans, and also Dism restore (However, the DISM restore always stuck at 62.3% even reading from a local iso).
I have attached a screenshot of my PC spec, and all 5 mini dump files and a BlueScreenView summary screenshot. (also added an energy report)
Should I be starting with doing memtest to check if RAM is at fault?
Thanks in advance!
Minidump Files
:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1...sp=sharing
p.s. Some additional info that might be helpful, I'm new to this so let me know if any other information should be provided.
I have a MSI 1000w PSU (new with this build). The PC has been heavily used for about 1.5 years since it's built. (mostly heavy gaming and also a lot of AI training/stable diffusion/LLM ect.).
Harddrives:
- 4 internal SSD (all different brands: Samsung 980Pro for main drive, Sk hynix P41, Crucial P5 plus and Kingston NV2)
- 1 external SSD plugged in 24/7
- 1 external HHD plugged in 24/7 (this one has its own power supply, a 16TB backup device)
RAM
:
2 sets of (64GB total):
G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB Series (Intel XMP) 32GB (2 x 16GB) 288-Pin SDRAM DDR5 6400 CL32-39-39-102 1.40V Dual Channel Desktop Memory F5-6400J3239G16GA2
I had trouble running those RAM stable at 6400, I'm running them at 6000 now. They did pass the memtest when I just build this machine.
The provided information would help clarify the situation. It seems the system experienced BSODs, possibly due to a 'total breakdown,' and after cleaning the installed Windows, the issues persist. There is also a clear problem with a storage drive. We need to identify exactly which drive is involved, as checking it during each reboot could be the cause. Please confirm which drive is being tested before proceeding further.
The overall issue was that I couldn't start Windows at all; the computer would enter a blue screen repeatedly, offering options to restore or troubleshoot. I managed to access BIOS but never reached Windows. Attempting a boot into safe mode also failed. Eventually, I decided to format the system drive and perform a clean installation. This process wasn’t smooth—required three attempts before it succeeded. During the fresh install, the PC would restart automatically, but it wouldn’t continue the setup after the reboot, only succeeding on the third try.
In the initial two attempts of the clean install, I cleaned the PC thoroughly, reinstalled RAM and the GPU (though I wasn’t sure if this helped). The system has been functioning properly for about two to three months since that problem occurred.
For the drive scan/repair, it consistently checks the C: drive and possibly others, but the repair only occurs after a crash. I used chkdsk commands, but they didn’t detect any issues. I also ran CrystalDiskInfo, which only reported a 'Good 100%'. I’m unsure what to do next to verify if my SSD is faulty. Could you please find a suitable method or report to help me? Thank you!
Here is a screenshot of the chkdsk result:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1f98rjSj...drive_link
My full specifications are as follows:
CPU: 13900K
MOBO: ROG STRIX Z790F LGA1700
GPU: MSI 4090
RAM: GSkillz Trident Z5 (16GB x 4) 6400MT/s CL32-39-39-102 1.40V
Cooler: Lian Li Galahad 240
PSU: MSI MPG A1000G PCIE 5.0 Gold (1000W)
Internal Storage:
1) SK Hynix Platinum P41 2TB M2 (system drive)
2) Kingston NV2 1TB M2
3) Crucial P5 P{lus 2TB Gen 4 M2)
External Storage (connected continuously for backups):
1) Samsung SSD t7 Protable 1TB
2) WD160EMFZ (Western Digital Element) 16TB backup drive (this one has its own power supply)
Please let me know if I overlooked anything. Thank you!
The difficulties you mention when setting up Windows are probably linked to a hardware problem. It's likely the same issue is affecting your system now.
I believe a storage device might be the main culprit. From past experience, M.2 drives can behave unpredictably if they're not properly aligned. First, take out all your M.2 drives, make sure the sockets are free of dust using a blower (avoid blowing directly on them!), and ensure the pins are clean too. Then reinsert each drive firmly, checking that they're securely seated.
If this doesn't resolve the crashes, try disabling C-States in the BIOS if possible (some models don’t support this). This prevents the CPU from entering low-power modes. I’ve noticed certain problems caused by a slow CPU waking up from low power—mostly affecting AMD chips.
If you can’t disable C-States, adjust your Windows power settings: set the Processor Power State to always run at 99% and never enter low-power states.
If these steps don’t help, disconnect all external drives and see if they trigger the BSODs.
If the issue persists, skip the extra drives and perform a clean install on just the system drive (removing existing partitions). This ensures the installer places boot data correctly. Keep running Windows Update until nothing new appears.
Check Device Manager for any devices with a yellow triangle and a black exclamation mark. If found, review the 'View optional updates' section in Windows Updates. Look under Driver Updates to see if a compatible driver exists. Visit your motherboard’s website for drivers if needed.
Now test the PC in its simplest form possible. If it still crashes, remove all but one RAM module and run Windows on that single card. Swapping it with another will confirm whether the problem is hardware or software.
If BSODs continue, physically detach everything you can—GPU, other PCIe cards, any USB peripherals—to verify you’re running just the essential components.
Thanks for the clear plan! I’m looking forward to finding some free time this weekend to tackle reconnecting all the M.2 drives and following your suggestions.
My M.2 drives are a bit more challenging to remove since I attached them to the heat sink from the MOBO. I need to carefully take off the sticker before I can proceed. It’s just a matter of finding the right moment.
Appreciate your support again!