MSI bios beeps once for every USB slot used at the startup. How many beeps do you hear and how many USB slots do you use?
I'm sorry, you're either not explaining yourself fully or you're not aware that you're completely incorrect.
I have an MSI P6N SLi-Platinum. It has 3-4 used at startup (card reader, keyboard, mouse, network adapter) and it beeps twice. The two beeps let me know it passed POST. If I hear three beeps, it means it's just a restart and not a cold-boot and everything is OK.
The beeps are BEEP CODES, not counting how many USB devices are used. Every motherboard manufacturer has different meanings for the # of beeps (and whether they're long/short) that can be interpreted with the motherboard's manual.
Plus, any recent motherboard also has diagnostic LEDs either on the board or as a separate add-on. If there was something oing on with POST, the OP should look at the LEDs and use the manual to interpret them (they're actually a modern replacement for the BEEP CODES, but the BEEP CODES are still in just because it's good to have backups).
And the sound does not exactly freeze. My english is bad and I don't know right word to explain it. It repeats itself like "tatatatatata" and sound annyoing. And then BEEEEEP and bsod and pc restarts.
I will try the MemTest later. My dvd drive is broken atm too but I have another, I just need to find it.
MSI bios beeps once for every USB slot used at the startup. How many beeps do you hear and how many USB slots do you use?
If I remember right I hear 3beeps but I use 5usb slots though I have to reboot to correct this. And my downloads finishes in 40minutes so I'll reboot then okay?
3 beeps are max I think for MSI. I don't know for sure you should check out bios beep codes for MSI. Nevertheless if you have 5 slots used then the beeps are just fine.
I would probably lose a finger then, if you tried 2 cards and had the same results then it is highly improbable that its faulty gpu. There are so many things that can go wrong but keep in mind that overheating and voltaiges are not very common either. You should rather bring it to the store if you don't want to waste your time with tests like memtest, 3dmark or various cpu software tests. If you want to go this way, then after GPU second most common cause for random BSOD is faulty memory stick.
Originally posted by Thillian And last thing to note. Damaged memory stick is almost always recognized at the computer startup with a bios beep. (or at least after each BSOD) Additionally BSOD caused by faulty memory are frequently causing extremly long spikes in games. If you get BSOD evet during a situation when you have high FPS with no spikes then I would bet my finger that it's damaged gpu.
That's not really true, all POST checks with memory is whether it registers, it doesn't test to see if the memory is actually storing the proper information without corrupting it. You need to run memtest86+ for 1 or 2 passes to see if it really works.
My buddy's PC recently had a bad memory stick that only became noticed once we installed Vista on the PC since it has higher demands on memory than XP, so his games started BSOD'ing but there were no other anomalies because only the games would reach the memory regions that were corrupting. It's not something the BIOS will detect with that quick scan it does at the start.
I seriously doubt it's a damaged GPU if this is his second one, there are other options he should check before trying a 3rd GPU. Memtest, bios update then PSU would be my order.
Damaged memory stick is almost always recognized at the computer startup with a bios beep. (or at least after each BSOD) Additionally BSOD caused by faulty memory are frequently causing extremly long spikes in games. If you get BSOD evet during a situation when you have high FPS with no spikes then I would bet my finger that it's damaged gpu.
That's not really true, all POST checks with memory is whether it registers, it doesn't test to see if the memory is actually storing the proper information without corrupting it. You need to run memtest86+ for 1 or 2 passes to see if it really works.
My buddy's PC recently had a bad memory stick that only became noticed once we installed Vista on the PC since it has higher demands on memory than XP, so his games started BSOD'ing but there were no other anomalies because only the games would reach the memory regions that were corrupting. It's not something the BIOS will detect with that quick scan it does at the start.
Yes, that's why I said if its not recognized at startup, it's almost always then recognized right after BSOD reset when the memory is dumped. Indeed, It might happen it's not and it resets unnoticed, but it is very rare.
And the sound does not exactly freeze. My english is bad and I don't know right word to explain it. It repeats itself like "tatatatatata" and sound annyoing. And then BEEEEEP and bsod and pc restarts. I will try the MemTest later. My dvd drive is broken atm too but I have another, I just need to find it.
Actually, let me recommend one more thing for you: Prime95.
Download Prime95 and then follow the guide. Let it run for 4 hours.
It didn't occur to me earlier, but it could very well be that your CPU is undervolted. That would cause very random crashes as soon as it's put under moderate to full load.
So, to sum up:
Run Prime95+ for about 4 hours while monitoring the Temperature (via CoreTemp or SpeedFan). If that comes up with errrors and the CPU isn't overheating (which means that it stays below 70 degrees Celsius), up your CPU voltage one tick at at ime until it doesn't come back with errors. (Check online for the safe range for your CPU's voltage!).
Run MemTest86+. If that comes back with errors, up your RAM voltage (if you have DDR2 RAM, you don't want more than 2.2v MAX! If you have DDR 3, check online for the safe range!).
Update your BIOS.
Update your Drivers.
If you've done all that (yes, it will take a while) and it still BSODs, then you might just be looking at some bad hardware.
and I'm afraid that I have 1long 2short beeps. I'm pretty sure. But I confirm this after 20minutes when my RoM has downloaded.
If you're positive that it's 1 long and 2 short, then those beeps signify a RAM error. Try taking out your RAM sticks and putting only one in at a time until you find the bad one.
That would be the easy way of doing it.
If you're not sure or all of your RAM does the same thing, then use MemTest86+ to find the bad one.
If MemTest86+ generates errors for all of them, it's probably your voltage.
Again, also run Prime95+ to make sure your CPU is processing everything correctly.
If you can run Crysis fine, but then it starts dying on other games (or dies no matter what game you're playing), I am leaning towards your CPU or RAM being undervolted (or both).
I am very sure that most of the MSI are beeping once for every USB slot used up to three times. At least they used to when I worked with them.
No, they're not. The beeps are BEEP CODES.
They have nothing to do with how many USB slots you're using at startup.
They are purely diagnostic and serve a very, very specific purpose.
Beeps at POST can only be interpreted with the manual (or at least the BIOS maker/version), and are not the same for all motherboards or BIOSes.
That is obvious, but I said, MSI post bios beeps vary -- it is based on the number of USB slots used. Please, if you have MSI at home, try to plug or unplug USB devices and see how does it affect the number of beeps you get. If you don't, please feel free to google it out and/or check official forums on the msi website.
I am very sure that most of the MSI are beeping once for every USB slot used up to three times. At least they used to when I worked with them.
No, they're not. The beeps are BEEP CODES.
They have nothing to do with how many USB slots you're using at startup.
They are purely diagnostic and serve a very, very specific purpose.
Beeps at POST can only be interpreted with the manual (or at least the BIOS maker/version), and are not the same for all motherboards or BIOSes.
That is obvious, but I said, MSI post bios beeps vary -- it is based on the number of USB slots used. Please, if you have MSI at home, try to plug or unplug USB devices and see how does it affect the number of beeps you get. If you don't, please feel free to google it out and/or check official forums on the msi website.
Guys guess what. I rebooted and it beeped: 3short ... 2short = 5 and I have 5usb slots used.
Though the 3first shorts sounded different to 2last shorts. and they had little break between them.
He's right, and I apologize for not believing but apparently newer MSI boards beep for the number of USB devices plugged in, absolutely stupid idea imo.. why would you care about getting beeps for # of usb devices plugged in?
But hey. Does it help if I copy paste my Windows BSOD ticket here or get the bsod 0x0... code when it bsods next time?
Usually not. Event viewer in administration is not really helpful either. You can sure to post your dxdiag report to www.techsupportforum.com -- there are nice people that reply quite fast. They will probably suggest the same things as here for a start -- memtest, cpu-test, 3dmark.
But all these tests will just show you what part of HW is damaged, that you will need to replace.
In some very rare cases, BSOD might be caused by software, but I would rule that out at first until you test your ram/cpu.
He's right, and I apologize for not believing but apparently newer MSI boards beep for the number of USB devices plugged in, absolutely stupid idea imo.. why would you care about getting beeps for # of usb devices plugged in?
I'd still run a memtest though hurry up with that
yeah. I'll try to hurry. But I need to buy empty dvd and all supermarkets are closed atm so I have to do it tomorrow.
By the way thanks everybody this far! Have gotten very good support. now I'll just need to go and buy empty dvd for memtest.
And the sound does not exactly freeze. My english is bad and I don't know right word to explain it. It repeats itself like "tatatatatata" and sound annyoing. And then BEEEEEP and bsod and pc restarts. I will try the MemTest later. My dvd drive is broken atm too but I have another, I just need to find it.
So are you saying you get this odd sound through your speakers/headset before your BSOD's?
That would in general make one wonder about your sound device.
Also you can go into your advanced system settings -> Startup and Recovery and uncheck "automaticly restarts"...
Then you will get a more detailed view of the error instead of "beeeeep and bsod and pc restarts". Which may help to identify your issue.
Also if you have multiple memory sticks.... (2 for example) .. you could always remove one and see if it still BSOD's and if so .. remove that one and put the other one in and check again. (this will let you see if a paticular stick may have an issue...)
And the sound does not exactly freeze. My english is bad and I don't know right word to explain it. It repeats itself like "tatatatatata" and sound annyoing. And then BEEEEEP and bsod and pc restarts. I will try the MemTest later. My dvd drive is broken atm too but I have another, I just need to find it.
So are you saying you get this odd sound through your speakers/headset before your BSOD's?
That would in general make one wonder about your sound device.
Also you can go into your advanced system settings -> Startup and Recovery and uncheck "automaticly restarts"...
Then you will get a more detailed view of the error instead of "beeeeep and bsod and pc restarts". Which may help to identify your issue.
Also if you have multiple memory sticks.... (2 for example) .. you could always remove one and see if it still BSOD's and if so .. remove that one and put the other one in and check again. (this will let you see if a paticular stick may have an issue...)
/endrandomthoughts
I will test the stick trick later. Too bad I have 4sticks.
EDIT: About the sound, don't know if you understand me but it starts repeating itself. Like take a 0,1seconds of a song and make it play and repeat itself. I can't explain it. My english is too bad.
I will test the stick trick later. Too bad I have 4sticks. EDIT: About the sound, don't know if you understand me but it starts repeating itself. Like take a 0,1seconds of a song and make it play and repeat itself. I can't explain it. My english is too bad.
Your English is fine.. just sounds like you are describing a "sound loop" aka a sound starts to repeat itsself (basicly infinite) and then you get a bsod and restart.
You can do a google search for "ooping sound bsod ati 4870" as an example and get a lot of hits.. don't really see any solutions right off.
Are you using the newest drivers off the ATI(AMD w/e) site? (at least I think you listed a 4870 for video card..)
If you are using 4 sticks ... might be an issue .. I honestly haven't run anything but 2 x 2 (4 gigs) since I started using DDR2/3 depending on system. Are they all the same brand? In matched pairs? I'd even ask if they are all the same size but I'm not sure that should be an issue. (edit: the pairs would have to be the same size but I'm not sure if both pairs have to be the same capactiy aka two 2 gig sticks and 2 one gig sticks.)
What is the capacity of the sticks? and when you are booting or go into bios does it display the correct amount?
I will test the stick trick later. Too bad I have 4sticks. EDIT: About the sound, don't know if you understand me but it starts repeating itself. Like take a 0,1seconds of a song and make it play and repeat itself. I can't explain it. My english is too bad.
Your English is fine.. just sounds like you are describing a "sound loop" aka a sound starts to repeat itsself (basicly infinite) and then you get a bsod and restart.
You can do a google search for "ooping sound bsod ati 4870" as an example and get a lot of hits.. don't really see any solutions right off.
Are you using the newest drivers off the ATI(AMD w/e) site? (at least I think you listed a 4870 for video card..)
If you are using 4 sticks ... might be an issue .. I honestly haven't run anything but 2 x 2 (4 gigs) since I started using DDR2/3 depending on system. Are they all the same brand? In matched pairs? I'd even ask if they are all the same size but I'm not sure that should be an issue. (edit: the pairs would have to be the same size but I'm not sure if both pairs have to be the same capactiy aka two 2 gig sticks and 2 one gig sticks.)
What is the capacity of the sticks? and when you are booting or go into bios does it display the correct amount?
they are all Kingston HyperX 1gb DDR2. Now I took one off and it's on my hand. I will not put it back before I get bsod. Don't know if bios shows correct amount haven't looked yet.
He's right, and I apologize for not believing but apparently newer MSI boards beep for the number of USB devices plugged in, absolutely stupid idea imo.. why would you care about getting beeps for # of usb devices plugged in?
I'd still run a memtest though hurry up with that
Seriously?
I'll be damned.
Sorry about that Thillian. I've never heard of that before.
what brand of video card? is it a single slot or dual?
power supply- you said it was 500-550 watt but model/manufacturer?
if it is a single slot ati they get screamin hot. time for a aftermarket cooler.
if you have a generic power supply 500 watts doesnt really mean anything. it could be breaking down trying to feed the card under a heavy load. might need to get a good brand like pc power and cooling/corsair.
the other thing is sometimes vista and ati drivers dont get along-especialy if you run 64 bit vista. if you have a copy handy
try running your setup on xp. see if the crashes stop.
Comments
I'm sorry, you're either not explaining yourself fully or you're not aware that you're completely incorrect.
I have an MSI P6N SLi-Platinum. It has 3-4 used at startup (card reader, keyboard, mouse, network adapter) and it beeps twice. The two beeps let me know it passed POST. If I hear three beeps, it means it's just a restart and not a cold-boot and everything is OK.
The beeps are BEEP CODES, not counting how many USB devices are used. Every motherboard manufacturer has different meanings for the # of beeps (and whether they're long/short) that can be interpreted with the motherboard's manual.
Plus, any recent motherboard also has diagnostic LEDs either on the board or as a separate add-on. If there was something oing on with POST, the OP should look at the LEDs and use the manual to interpret them (they're actually a modern replacement for the BEEP CODES, but the BEEP CODES are still in just because it's good to have backups).
Yes, I am an English Major.
And the sound does not exactly freeze. My english is bad and I don't know right word to explain it. It repeats itself like "tatatatatata" and sound annyoing. And then BEEEEEP and bsod and pc restarts.
I will try the MemTest later. My dvd drive is broken atm too
but I have another, I just need to find it.
If I remember right I hear 3beeps but I use 5usb slots though I have to reboot to correct this. And my downloads finishes in 40minutes so I'll reboot then okay?
3 beeps are max I think for MSI. I don't know for sure you should check out bios beep codes for MSI. Nevertheless if you have 5 slots used then the beeps are just fine.
I would probably lose a finger then, if you tried 2 cards and had the same results then it is highly improbable that its faulty gpu. There are so many things that can go wrong but keep in mind that overheating and voltaiges are not very common either. You should rather bring it to the store if you don't want to waste your time with tests like memtest, 3dmark or various cpu software tests. If you want to go this way, then after GPU second most common cause for random BSOD is faulty memory stick.
REALITY CHECK
That's not really true, all POST checks with memory is whether it registers, it doesn't test to see if the memory is actually storing the proper information without corrupting it. You need to run memtest86+ for 1 or 2 passes to see if it really works.
My buddy's PC recently had a bad memory stick that only became noticed once we installed Vista on the PC since it has higher demands on memory than XP, so his games started BSOD'ing but there were no other anomalies because only the games would reach the memory regions that were corrupting. It's not something the BIOS will detect with that quick scan it does at the start.
I seriously doubt it's a damaged GPU if this is his second one, there are other options he should check before trying a 3rd GPU. Memtest, bios update then PSU would be my order.
I'm sorry, you're either not explaining yourself fully or you're not aware that you're completely incorrect.
I am very sure that most of the MSI are beeping once for every USB slot used up to three times. At least they used to when I worked with them.
REALITY CHECK
That's not really true, all POST checks with memory is whether it registers, it doesn't test to see if the memory is actually storing the proper information without corrupting it. You need to run memtest86+ for 1 or 2 passes to see if it really works.
My buddy's PC recently had a bad memory stick that only became noticed once we installed Vista on the PC since it has higher demands on memory than XP, so his games started BSOD'ing but there were no other anomalies because only the games would reach the memory regions that were corrupting. It's not something the BIOS will detect with that quick scan it does at the start.
Yes, that's why I said if its not recognized at startup, it's almost always then recognized right after BSOD reset when the memory is dumped. Indeed, It might happen it's not and it resets unnoticed, but it is very rare.
REALITY CHECK
Beep codes are dependent on who made the BIOS software, AMI in this case - 2 beeps or 3 beeps are both memory errors.
Actually, let me recommend one more thing for you: Prime95.
Here's a How-To guide: http://www.playtool.com/pages/prime95/prime95.html
Download Prime95 and then follow the guide. Let it run for 4 hours.
It didn't occur to me earlier, but it could very well be that your CPU is undervolted. That would cause very random crashes as soon as it's put under moderate to full load.
So, to sum up:
Run Prime95+ for about 4 hours while monitoring the Temperature (via CoreTemp or SpeedFan). If that comes up with errrors and the CPU isn't overheating (which means that it stays below 70 degrees Celsius), up your CPU voltage one tick at at ime until it doesn't come back with errors. (Check online for the safe range for your CPU's voltage!).
Run MemTest86+. If that comes back with errors, up your RAM voltage (if you have DDR2 RAM, you don't want more than 2.2v MAX! If you have DDR 3, check online for the safe range!).
Update your BIOS.
Update your Drivers.
If you've done all that (yes, it will take a while) and it still BSODs, then you might just be looking at some bad hardware.
Yes, I am an English Major.
Wait, so you're saying that I have memory error? I tried to search something about the beep codes and I found this. Search for "Beep Codes"
http://www.msicomputer.com/support/sup_tshoot.asp
and I'm afraid that I have 1long 2short beeps. I'm pretty sure. But I confirm this after 20minutes when my RoM has downloaded.
No, they're not. The beeps are BEEP CODES.
They have nothing to do with how many USB slots you're using at startup.
They are purely diagnostic and serve a very, very specific purpose.
Beeps at POST can only be interpreted with the manual (or at least the BIOS maker/version), and are not the same for all motherboards or BIOSes.
Yes, I am an English Major.
Wait, so you're saying that I have memory error? I tried to search something about the beep codes and I found this. Search for "Beep Codes"
http://www.msicomputer.com/support/sup_tshoot.asp
and I'm afraid that I have 1long 2short beeps. I'm pretty sure. But I confirm this after 20minutes when my RoM has downloaded.
If you're positive that it's 1 long and 2 short, then those beeps signify a RAM error. Try taking out your RAM sticks and putting only one in at a time until you find the bad one.
That would be the easy way of doing it.
If you're not sure or all of your RAM does the same thing, then use MemTest86+ to find the bad one.
If MemTest86+ generates errors for all of them, it's probably your voltage.
Again, also run Prime95+ to make sure your CPU is processing everything correctly.
If you can run Crysis fine, but then it starts dying on other games (or dies no matter what game you're playing), I am leaning towards your CPU or RAM being undervolted (or both).
Yes, I am an English Major.
No, they're not. The beeps are BEEP CODES.
They have nothing to do with how many USB slots you're using at startup.
They are purely diagnostic and serve a very, very specific purpose.
Beeps at POST can only be interpreted with the manual (or at least the BIOS maker/version), and are not the same for all motherboards or BIOSes.
That is obvious, but I said, MSI post bios beeps vary -- it is based on the number of USB slots used. Please, if you have MSI at home, try to plug or unplug USB devices and see how does it affect the number of beeps you get. If you don't, please feel free to google it out and/or check official forums on the msi website.
REALITY CHECK
No, they're not. The beeps are BEEP CODES.
They have nothing to do with how many USB slots you're using at startup.
They are purely diagnostic and serve a very, very specific purpose.
Beeps at POST can only be interpreted with the manual (or at least the BIOS maker/version), and are not the same for all motherboards or BIOSes.
That is obvious, but I said, MSI post bios beeps vary -- it is based on the number of USB slots used. Please, if you have MSI at home, try to plug or unplug USB devices and see how does it affect the number of beeps you get. If you don't, please feel free to google it out and/or check official forums on the msi website.
Guys guess what. I rebooted and it beeped: 3short ... 2short = 5 and I have 5usb slots used.
Though the 3first shorts sounded different to 2last shorts. and they had little break between them.
In most cases, long beep means video issue...
But hey. Does it help if I copy paste my Windows BSOD ticket here or get the bsod 0x0... code when it bsods next time?
He's right, and I apologize for not believing but apparently newer MSI boards beep for the number of USB devices plugged in, absolutely stupid idea imo.. why would you care about getting beeps for # of usb devices plugged in?
I'd still run a memtest though hurry up with that
Usually not. Event viewer in administration is not really helpful either. You can sure to post your dxdiag report to www.techsupportforum.com -- there are nice people that reply quite fast. They will probably suggest the same things as here for a start -- memtest, cpu-test, 3dmark.
But all these tests will just show you what part of HW is damaged, that you will need to replace.
In some very rare cases, BSOD might be caused by software, but I would rule that out at first until you test your ram/cpu.
REALITY CHECK
yeah. I'll try to hurry. But I need to buy empty dvd and all supermarkets are closed atm so I have to do it tomorrow.
By the way thanks everybody this far! Have gotten very good support.
now I'll just need to go and buy empty dvd for memtest.
So are you saying you get this odd sound through your speakers/headset before your BSOD's?
That would in general make one wonder about your sound device.
Also you can go into your advanced system settings -> Startup and Recovery and uncheck "automaticly restarts"...
Then you will get a more detailed view of the error instead of "beeeeep and bsod and pc restarts". Which may help to identify your issue.
Also if you have multiple memory sticks.... (2 for example) .. you could always remove one and see if it still BSOD's and if so .. remove that one and put the other one in and check again. (this will let you see if a paticular stick may have an issue...)
/endrandomthoughts
So are you saying you get this odd sound through your speakers/headset before your BSOD's?
That would in general make one wonder about your sound device.
Also you can go into your advanced system settings -> Startup and Recovery and uncheck "automaticly restarts"...
Then you will get a more detailed view of the error instead of "beeeeep and bsod and pc restarts". Which may help to identify your issue.
Also if you have multiple memory sticks.... (2 for example) .. you could always remove one and see if it still BSOD's and if so .. remove that one and put the other one in and check again. (this will let you see if a paticular stick may have an issue...)
/endrandomthoughts
I will test the stick trick later. Too bad I have 4sticks.
EDIT: About the sound, don't know if you understand me but it starts repeating itself. Like take a 0,1seconds of a song and make it play and repeat itself. I can't explain it. My english is too bad.
Your English is fine.. just sounds like you are describing a "sound loop" aka a sound starts to repeat itsself (basicly infinite) and then you get a bsod and restart.
You can do a google search for "ooping sound bsod ati 4870" as an example and get a lot of hits.. don't really see any solutions right off.
Are you using the newest drivers off the ATI(AMD w/e) site? (at least I think you listed a 4870 for video card..)
If you are using 4 sticks ... might be an issue .. I honestly haven't run anything but 2 x 2 (4 gigs) since I started using DDR2/3 depending on system. Are they all the same brand? In matched pairs? I'd even ask if they are all the same size but I'm not sure that should be an issue. (edit: the pairs would have to be the same size but I'm not sure if both pairs have to be the same capactiy aka two 2 gig sticks and 2 one gig sticks.)
What is the capacity of the sticks? and when you are booting or go into bios does it display the correct amount?
Your English is fine.. just sounds like you are describing a "sound loop" aka a sound starts to repeat itsself (basicly infinite) and then you get a bsod and restart.
You can do a google search for "ooping sound bsod ati 4870" as an example and get a lot of hits.. don't really see any solutions right off.
Are you using the newest drivers off the ATI(AMD w/e) site? (at least I think you listed a 4870 for video card..)
If you are using 4 sticks ... might be an issue .. I honestly haven't run anything but 2 x 2 (4 gigs) since I started using DDR2/3 depending on system. Are they all the same brand? In matched pairs? I'd even ask if they are all the same size but I'm not sure that should be an issue. (edit: the pairs would have to be the same size but I'm not sure if both pairs have to be the same capactiy aka two 2 gig sticks and 2 one gig sticks.)
What is the capacity of the sticks? and when you are booting or go into bios does it display the correct amount?
they are all Kingston HyperX 1gb DDR2. Now I took one off and it's on my hand. I will not put it back before I get bsod. Don't know if bios shows correct amount haven't looked yet.
Seriously?
I'll be damned.
Sorry about that Thillian. I've never heard of that before.
Yes, I am an English Major.
what brand of video card? is it a single slot or dual?
power supply- you said it was 500-550 watt but model/manufacturer?
if it is a single slot ati they get screamin hot. time for a aftermarket cooler.
if you have a generic power supply 500 watts doesnt really mean anything. it could be breaking down trying to feed the card under a heavy load. might need to get a good brand like pc power and cooling/corsair.
the other thing is sometimes vista and ati drivers dont get along-especialy if you run 64 bit vista. if you have a copy handy
try running your setup on xp. see if the crashes stop.