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August 11th, 2023 13:19
XPS 8930, BSOD with Unsolvable Critical Events in Troubleshooting
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-8700 CPU @ 3.20GHz 3.19 GHz
Windows 10 Home, Version 22H2
OS Build 19045.3208
Three weeks ago, before an international trip, I started to have problems that gave rise to a BSOD. I made some changes that seemed to fix it, and did BIOS update, but upon return, they showed back up. I have experienced BSOD for the last 2 weeks. With the CPU getting too hot and a BSOD last week, I assumed I needed to replace the thermal grease, so I did. That helped the CPU A LOT, but problems persisted. I have tried turning certain 'unneeded programs off' and the like, but then I realized I can't really remember what all that entailed.
Recently, another BSOD showed up in the middle of a monster project. Uggh. This has included periods of high Disk usage ramping up and down continuously to 100% for EXTENDED periods at times, while at other times, everything is just fine. But I can't afford to wait around for the next BSOD to happen while working. Big No Bueno. As I have continued to find the issues with Troubleshooting and re-installs, when I log back in and check the Reliability Monitor, I continue to get "Stopped Working" in Critical Events for:
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On restart: Killer x Tend Utility Service --> KAPS.exe came and went as problematic
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On restart: IAStorDataSvc
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After sign in: IAStorlcon
Other symptoms include the following.
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slow, sluggish Disk (Read/Write: average 5-15MB/S with some spikes)
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Mouse control: general functions very erratic, snippets & copy-n-paste very slow and problematic
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USB ports don't seem to be functioning correctly
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LONG wait times for booting up
- Cannot run Dell Diagnostics tool (just flies through them without actually doing anything) or Auto Updates
Downloaded and ran MalwareBytes Pro, and only got some PUPS.
Finally, after re-flashing the latest BIOS, the latest Windows 10 update was successfully installed after 4-5 failures AND the KAPS.exe started to work after FINALLY getting one of the Killer driver sets to install (I think.... I'm a mess at this point). No 'WARNINGS' in last two days. My only positive so far.
Here's a typical day of me UNSUCCESSFULLY trying to fix the problem. I'm getting as unstable as my computer at this point. 🥴
Starting to think a System Reset is needed at this point, but now the computer is not even identifying External Hard Drive (USB), so I can't back up my data, and I don't feel confident in 'hoping' the files will be secure in the Reset.
I was hoping there would be a super cool technical genius that would help this Luddite get to system stability. All I can offer is beer and eternal consciousness on your deathbed for your help, but dang, I could sure use it.
Thanks!
Chino de Oro
9 Legend
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8.1K Posts
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August 22nd, 2023 08:34
@KBone , glad to see you are moving forward with the upgrade plan. You must prepare all upgrade parts and gathering all necessary resources prior to working on the system. If you are performing sufficiently as suggested, all your issues will be resolved at once. Carefully follow these guidance, instruction, and asking question if anything is unclear to you.
The part list: solid state drive, top case fan, front fan, and fan splitter.
Remove the current top case fan (92mm) and remove the metal plate from it. Install the fan into the top front drive cage using 4 existing rubber mounts. Note the airflow inward the system and toward the CPU with fan connector is exposed and accessible at the top of drive cage.
Installing the newly purchased top case fan (120mm) to the top chassis using existing glide lock and screw. A minor adjustment will be needed to center the fan perfectly with the vent opening. Note the cable wiring is accessible for connection.
Installing the newly purchased front case fan to lower front chassis using existing snap-in latch. Note the fan cable wiring is accessible for connection.
Connecting all fans to the splitter cable following the diagram for proper PWM function. This splitter cable will allow all fans to function as the original fan and will adjust speed automatically to cool the CPU when commanded. A 4-pin connector will be connected to motherboard fan header. A master connector (left) will be connecting to top case fan. Two slave connectors (right) will be connecting to both front fans. Finally, SATA power connector will be connecting power supply, it will provide direct power to the fans and avoid damaging the fan header on motherboard from overdrawn power.
Installing the newly purchased SSD to M.2 slot on motherboard and temporarily unplug and remove your current HDD to preserve it in case you want to restore the system the way it was.
After all hardware installation is done, you can proceed to install operating system on the new SSD drive. Reset BIOS to default settings and verify SATA operation mode with AHCI enabled. Perform a clean install Windows 10 from USB.
When the Windows installation is complete, you will need to install system chipset driver and Intel ME driver. Reboot system and run Windows updates to install all the remaining drivers. There is no need to use Dell utilities or apps as Windows will manage all driver updates already.
Test use your system and verifying if all issue are gone. You can reinstall your apps and restore all needed data. After confirming the system operation is satisfactory, you can decide to plug in your original HDD and wipe it (clean with diskpart) for reuse or whatever plan you have for it. Just remember to use F12 at boot to select to boot from NVMe drive, it's a one time only when having 2 boot drives in the same system.
Let us know the result and shout out if you have any question.
(edited)
Chino de Oro
9 Legend
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8.1K Posts
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September 5th, 2023 16:10
@KBone , sorry that I did not see your post until now. You may get thing moving along by now but I thought to reply to your concern.
Yes, that seems to be one of the tutorial for using Rufus. Remember to check only the 2 needed options, bypass MS account, bypass data collection.
As for BIOS firmware, after version 1.1.26, Dell removed 1.1.27 and 1.1.29. The remaining 1.1.28 and 1.1.30 are also having issue with executing in Windows or using Dell tools (DA, DU). But you still can update firmware using a USB drive, outside of Windows.
Many posts on here were related to XPS 8930 broken (bricked) due to updating BIOS firmware after 1.1.26, so my advise is seat out and wait. As there is higher chance of breaking your machine from BIOS update than it will be attacked due to lacking of the latest firmware.
I hope your end result is benefitting your time and effort as well.
(edited)
RoHe
10 Elder
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45.2K Posts
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September 6th, 2023 18:32
BIOS 1.1.27 was the only one that caused damage to some -but not all- PCs so it was removed. BIOS 1.1.29 and 1.1.30 had "regulatory" issues affecting users in certain places, but have no functional problems.
1.1.29 and 1.1.30 were both removed until those regulatory issues got resolved. Since 1.1.30 has all the updates included in 1.1.29, there was no need to fix the regulatory issues with 1.1.29, so it wasn't re-posted.
The version of 1.1.30 that's available now is exactly the same as file that had been removed, but with its regulatory problems resolved. And it's safe to install.
Your PC, and you can do whatever you want...
Chino de Oro
9 Legend
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8.1K Posts
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September 6th, 2023 22:29
@KBone , I think I can clear that up for you. When you check the Device Manager, it will show the firmware version that was updated inside Windows. When you look in BIOS settings, it will show the actual current firmware version that it's running.
RoHe
10 Elder
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45.2K Posts
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September 7th, 2023 00:59
@KBone - Disable UEFI Capsule Updates in BIOS setup. That's the option which allows Windows Update to install new BIOS updates.
After you make that change and reboot...poof...the system firmware entry will be gone from Device Manger. No more confusion!
Just remember, every time you update BIOS, you have to disable UEFI Capsule Updates again. So if you see that system firmware entry in Device Manager, that's a reminder about disabling Capsule Updates.
You should also enable these 3 settings in BIOS while you're in there disabling Capsule Updates:
BIOS Recovery from Hard Drive
BIOS Auto-Recovery
Always Perform Integrity Check
And like Capsule Updates, these 3 settings have to be changed every time there's a new BIOS update.
ispalten
4 Operator
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2.4K Posts
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September 8th, 2023 11:28
I'll jump in here, but some of that is common sense. For instance, the 2 Nvidia drivers... one is older, so you would only need the latest.
Critical ones are ones you should take, but there some that believe 'if it is not broke do not fix it'. You in that camp, read the description and decide if you want it?
I see both the Killer s/w and Qualcomm s/w. Odd you should see both, I'd think only ONE of those would be in the XPS? Did you use the Service Tag or the model number? Suspect Model Number, as that would show all for that modem (XPS8930) but if you used the Service tag you'd only see items for your specific configuration.
Even with your configuration, since you removed the Dell S/W those files would not be needed.
Now that I think about it, entering the Service Tag and then selecting FIND DRIVERS kicks of Dell Update to check your XPS. If that is gone from you XPS it would not work, so maybe that is why you get a 'generic' list for the 8930?
RoHe
10 Elder
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45.2K Posts
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September 8th, 2023 20:21
My XPS 8930 has both Killer E2400 Ethernet (onboard) and the Qualcomm WiFi+BT card. So in theory, you need both, if you have a similar config.
I always update the Qualcomm driver (I have v12.0.0.1118), but -typically- updates for Killer Ethernet (and Killer WiFi, if you have it) only update their crummy software, but not the actual driver which is all that's required.
The latest Killer Ethernet driver is 9.0.0.50 and this driver hasn't been updated for multiple years despite frequent Killer Ethernet updates being offered by Dell and/or forcibly installed by Windows Update, disguised as "Intel" updates.
So every time WU installs any "Intel" update, I check in services.msc to make sure all Killer services are still disabled because Ethernet updates always re-enable them. And they all cause problems, like making upload speeds unusable.
Your PC has both onboard Intel Graphics and an add-in NVidia GPU. It's worth while to keep the Intel Graphics up-to-date. That way, if the NVidia card unexpectedly fails, you can remove it and still use the PC with Intel Graphics, until you replace the NVidia card, or just continue using Intel Graphics without any add-in GPU.
In general, Dell updates marked "Critical" are security updates. "Recommended" updates may be useful but aren't security-related. XPS 8930 is getting old, so I doubt there will be (m)any new hardware related updates, and now mostly security updates, if any.
(edited)
Chino de Oro
9 Legend
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8.1K Posts
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September 8th, 2023 23:47
@KBone , Windows updates will eventually update those "critical" and "recommended" drivers, firmware. You can tell Windows to check for updates when you want it.
You may not need Dell Update, Dell Support Assist as they are duplicate apps. Would be useful to new users group, but not you.
If you decide to perform update manually by downloading from Dell website, you can check in Device Manager first, to see the current version. As many of them may have been updated by Windows already.
RoHe
10 Elder
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45.2K Posts
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August 11th, 2023 18:03
You left out key pieces of info:
Reboot and tap F12 when you see the Dell splash screen. Select Diagnostics from F12 menu and run all of them, including CPU, all internal drives, RAM, etc. This may take a long time. Copy error messages, if any. Post error message(s) here.
Disable every "Killer" and "xTend" service in Start>Run>services.msc. You don't need any of that stuff and Killer software frequently causes problems. Also check on Startup tab in Task Manager and disable any Killer app that are loading at boot.
Have you scanned thoroughly for malware lately? Malwarebytes (free) is a good tool for this.
Next time you see a BSOD, copy exactly what it says and post.
(edited)
KBone
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August 11th, 2023 18:53
@RoHe
YES! It's Dr. RoHe!! (You have helped me before and you were AMAZING! RESPECT.).
Left out key pieces of info:
Reboot and tap F12 when you see the Dell splash screen. Select Diagnostics from F12 menu and run all of them, including CPU, all internal drives, RAM, etc. This may take a long time. Copy error messages, if any. Post error message(s) here.
Will do.
Disable every "Killer" and "xTend" service in Start>Run>services.msc. You don't need any of that stuff and Killer software frequently causes problems. Also check on Startup tab in Task Manager and disable any Killer app that are loading at boot.
I've thought about doing this a few times, but was NOT exactly sure HOW it would affect my situation in the problem solving steps, and future stability. I would like to try this before the long scan now that I have Dr. RoHe's blessing.
Have you scanned thoroughly for malware lately? Malwarebytes (free) is a good tool for this.
Yes, and the MWB AdwCleaner. Just PUPS and a few leftover files from Dell Assist and Dell UpdateforWindows.
Next time you see a BSOD, copy exactly what it says and post.
You got it, Dr. RoHo.
(edited)
KBone
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August 11th, 2023 19:18
@RoHe
Disabled all 'Killer' and 'xTend' in Services and in Startup, and then rebooted.
As it started to wind down, it did show that WER Fault was still in progress, and I did remember reading about that being used in recent hack strategies, so was concerned (but nowhere near smart enough to know).
With the reboot, I at least got a new round of 'Critical Events', so that's at least some diagnostic progress after seeing the same thing over and over.
RoHe
10 Elder
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45.2K Posts
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August 11th, 2023 20:12
See if this can fix the mmc.exe and the other errors:
ispalten
4 Operator
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2.4K Posts
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August 12th, 2023 16:02
I've run into similar stuff (not BSOD's though).
MS's Reliability viewer I feel can't always be believed. All it does is 'scrape' the Event Viewer and some logs I think looking for entries. Not all are 'real'. Many Application failures I've seen are really the services/applications being closed by an UPDATE so it can be applied...
You should click on the ACTION column links to get more info on those. As for the Killer 'stuff' (I am on an XPS8940 with different s/w) I've had similar, update problem, and when I see it, I've had to DELETE (I use Revo Uninstaller) to remove all remnants of the Killer S/W (yes, wireless and Ethernet still work) and get the s/w installer from the Intel site. Problem solved until the next Update either Support Assist/Dell Update or Windows does one.
For the BSOD's, I suggest you go here, https://www.nirsoft.net/utils/blue_screen_view.html and get BLUESCREENVIEW and look at the BSOD and there could be some hints to the root cause there (you have an Nvidia card by chance?). Might want to get the Related Utilities too... nice to have if you should need one.
KBone
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August 12th, 2023 19:59
@RoHe
Did the ePSA Diagnostic...I thought I was running several tests in a row, but ended up doing the same one 2-3 times (5+hours each) 🥴.
Here's a snip of Events Viewer log that might/not shed more light (ispalten alluded to the fact that I may not be giving specific enough info to work with... just out of Reliability overview).
KBone
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August 12th, 2023 20:02
@ispalten
Thanks for the feedback. Yeah, I had been digging around in more metadata, but was not really sure what all to share that might be of help.... or too detailed.
When I get back to computer, I'll follow up with some of your ideas, especially if RoHe asks me to. He's always been very thorough and efficient.
Thanks again for taking the time. Generally speaking, I know juuuust enough about the computer world to get myself into heaps of trouble when poop hits the fan. I just start going all out on it, and eventually deep down any number of rabbit holes! 😆