Random Freezes, Machine Check Exception

[WHK07]

I have an old PC (Dell Inspiron 3847) that my kids use mainly for educational purposes. A few days ago, it started to just freeze randomly. When it freezes, the computer stays on until I force it off, but I get no response from the peripherals even after unplugging them and plugging them back in. It happens about 2-7 minutes after the machine has been turned on (regardless of the OS used Windows 10, Ubuntu, and Mint). I ran into this issue about 7 months ago and simply ran a clean reinstall of Windows using the media creation tool and didn't see any issues. However, this time, the freezing has persisted into the install of Windows. However, this time I keep getting a BSOD with the Machine Check Exception error. I ran the hardware diagnostic test (ePSA) and everything passed. I re-seated the ram and basically plugged in all of the cables again. I also tried to clear the partition several times (through the windows USB and plugged into my computer) to see if that would repair any sort of corruption on the drive. I also scanned the drive using Minitool Partition Wizard on my PC to scan the drive for any read write issues (which there were none).

 

I spoke with Dell but they can't do anything as this is way out of warranty. They did however, replace the MB for me about 2 years ago (if that makes any difference). I then spoke with Microsoft and they stated that something is corrupted. I told them I would try a different HDD and at this point have done so. I am still getting the freezing each time the machine turns on and I'm not sure what to do at this point. I have spent about a week working for several hours on it each day and just can't seem to find someone with the same issue.

 

Because I've read a ton of other posts I have decided to include some extra information:

- The CPU is not overclocked.

- I have not installed any hardware other than the base hardware listed below other than trying a different HDD (1TB Western Digital Black) and Dell replaced the motherboard.

- Always ran it with Malwarebytes (so no *known* viruses).

- Ran "Dell Support Assist" scans weekly to check for any driver updates.

 

Dell Inspiron 3847

- CPU: i5-4440
- RAM: 2x 4gb ddr3 1600MHz
- GPU: Integrated graphics
- PSU: Dell 300W
- Storage: 1TB HDD Western Digital Blue

 

[jake765111]

4 minutes ago, WHK07 said:

I have an old PC (Dell Inspiron 3847) that my kids use mainly for educational purposes. A few days ago, it started to just freeze randomly. When it freezes, the computer stays on until I force it off, but I get no response from the peripherals even after unplugging them and plugging them back in. It happens about 2-7 minutes after the machine has been turned on (regardless of the OS used Windows 10, Ubuntu, and Mint). I ran into this issue about 7 months ago and simply ran a clean reinstall of Windows using the media creation tool and didn't see any issues. However, this time, the freezing has persisted into the install of Windows. However, this time I keep getting a BSOD with the Machine Check Exception error. I ran the hardware diagnostic test (ePSA) and everything passed. I re-seated the ram and basically plugged in all of the cables again. I also tried to clear the partition several times (through the windows USB and plugged into my computer) to see if that would repair any sort of corruption on the drive. I also scanned the drive using Minitool Partition Wizard on my PC to scan the drive for any read write issues (which there were none).

 

I spoke with Dell but they can't do anything as this is way out of warranty. They did however, replace the MB for me about 2 years ago (if that makes any difference). I then spoke with Microsoft and they stated that something is corrupted. I told them I would try a different HDD and at this point have done so. I am still getting the freezing each time the machine turns on and I'm not sure what to do at this point. I have spent about a week working for several hours on it each day and just can't seem to find someone with the same issue.

 

Because I've read a ton of other posts I have decided to include some extra information:

- The CPU is not overclocked.

- I have not installed any hardware other than the base hardware listed below other than trying a different HDD (1TB Western Digital Black) and Dell replaced the motherboard.

- Always ran it with Malwarebytes (so no *known* viruses).

- Ran "Dell Support Assist" scans weekly to check for any driver updates.

 

Dell Inspiron 3847

- CPU: i5-4440
- RAM: 2x 4gb ddr3 1600MHz
- GPU: Integrated graphics
- PSU: Dell 300W
- Storage: 1TB HDD Western Digital Blue

 

 

Reseating the CPU has fixed my problems in the past

[WHK07]

15 minutes ago, jake765111 said:

 

Reseating the CPU has fixed my problems in the past

I'll try that. Thanks

[WHK07]

On 1/5/2019 at 7:53 PM, jake765111 said:

 

Reseating the CPU has fixed my problems in the past

The initial reseat made it so that I couldn't even access the boot menus anymore. I was able to reseat it again and it looks like that fixed the issue. I was able to get to the boot menu but still needed to try another drive. Luckily I found a cheap one and it looks like the other two that I have have errors. Thanks for your recommendations anyway.