Last Chance Computer Repair
Recent news
Microsoft is preparing a hotfix for a problematic Windows 11 security update—specifically KB5066835—that's been causing significant issues for some users. 🛠️ What Went Wrong The update, which was automatically installed on systems running Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 (as well as Windows Server 2025), introduced several bugs: Mice and keyboards disabled in recovery mode Network connections broken for locally hosted apps File preview issues in Windows Explorer In some cases, it rendered PCs unusable 🔄 What Microsoft Is Doing A hotfix is in the works, though it may take a few days to roll out. Microsoft has advised affected users to check for updates and reboot, even if no new updates appear—this can help trigger a rollback once the fix is available. Temporary workarounds include registry edits and other manual tweaks, though these are best attempted by experienced users or with guidance.
Today's Repair
A friend brought me a home-built computer that was constantly giving him BSOD errors.
Specifications:
Motherboard: Biostar A880G+
Processor: AMD Phenom II X6 1605T.
RAM: G.SKILL F3-10600CL9D - 8GBNTPC3-10600 DDR3 - 4GB x 2 CL9-9-9-24 1.5v.
Hard drive: Western Digital WD7500AARS 750GB.
CD/DVD drive: SuperWritemaster Speed Plus.
Video card: Radeon Sapphire HD6570
Operating System: Windows 7 64-bit.
A short time after startup, sure enough, I got a BSOD. I checked out the error code and believed the problem to be the video card drivers.. then the bottom dropped out and I was getting a different error code with every BSOD. I tried a Windows repair. More BOSD's with even more error codes. Finally, after several failed repairs, I tried reinstalling Windows. No luck! Almost every error code I looked at indicated a device driver.
I decided to install another version of Windows. This time I installed a 32-bit version of Windows 7.
No BSOD's. No error codes. I started thinking what are the differences between the 32-bit and the 64-bit versions? One of the main differences is the way the OS handles memory. When I installed the 32-bit version and right clicked <My Computer> in the start menu, I got a message saying there was 8GB of memory installed but only 4GB was usable.
The evidence was starting to point to the RAM even though it was relatively new.. I removed 1 4GB stick and reinstalled the 64-bit OS. RATS! another BSOD! So I removed the other 4GB stick and reinstalled the one I had just removed. BINGO! Windows7 64-bit installed smoothly and runs any application thrown at it. I ran Memtest 32+ and got a cleam bill of health.
Conclusion: One stick of RAM was defective and causing the 64-bit Operating System to crash every time it tried to access that memory.
Solution: I installed a new Crucial 4GB module along side the G.Skill module and it worked fine. It is now running Windows 7 64-bit with 8GB of RAM.