Ok, so here is what I have done step by step to the T...

I formatted and reinstalled xp.
After install, I loaded xp, I let xp choose the best resolution for viewing (didn't change it to my preference).
I then install the LAN driver for my mobo, and only the LAN driver.
I proceeded to view this thread over the internet to find out which vid driver you recommened and got a bsod immediately, before I could even type "hotmail.com" in the address bar.
(The first dump file is of this bsod)
So then I restarted in safe mode, got online and downloaded the vid driver you recommended.
I installed the driver just fine. The software asked to restart pc, so I restarted. XP booted directly to a bsod...
(This would be the second dump file)
So I booted to safe mode again and sent this response...

Starting to think I just need to be done with it and replace mobo/cpu?? What do you think??? Any other suggestions? I would love to solve this problem as I really enjoy working on/fixing pc's, but this one has completely gotten me stumped.......

Ah-ha! That BSOD got me somewhere. We still have our usual "Driver Error" as a cause, but this time it was significantly different than the other ones. Microsoft's database has given me instructions on this that likely may solve this half of the issue (as this is a different type of BSOD since the ones in the very beginning, I still think your old video card is bad, but if what we do here fixes this BSOD, we're going to try to get the old ones back. But that's getting ahead of ourselves).

First of all, are you overclocking your CPU? If so, this could very well be the issue.

If not, you have the P4P800-E Deluxe Motherboard, correct? If so, get this file:

http://dlsvr03.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/...X/P4P8E009.zip

It's the latest (non-beta) BIOS update for that motherboard. It is highly likely this is where this particular problem lies.

Ok, so I flashed my bios and received a bsod. Attached is the dump file.

No, I don't overclock so that shouldn't be the issue.

Thanks.

My, my, this is becoming quite confusing. But there are still a few things we can check on and try before I actually have to call in reinforcements. I am going to get a hold of some others to keep an eye on this thread just in case this ends up stumping me.

Here's what Microsoft has to say:

CAUSE
This problem occurs if one or more of the processors in the computer:
• Require a microcode update that is not applied by the computer's basic input/output system (BIOS).
• Are damaged or defective.
• Are operating outside their specified ranges for temperature, power, or other conditions.

Damaged or defective is especially going to be a last resort in this case, especially since more than one pieces of hardware are subject to being "defective" as determined by these BSOD dumps. Next I think we should rule out temperature and power, since we've eliminating overclocking and BIOS (which is where that microcode would be).

Strip down your PC to only the vitals (no add-on cards except video, and only one stick of memory). This will lower the stress on your PSU and also generate some less heat. Try running Speedfan to see if you are running a nice, low temperature.

Next, check this:

eXtreme Power Supply Calculator Lite v2.5

Put in all your specs (put in what you have with everything inserted, not just barebones), and add about 50-100w to the result. This is the power of PSU you should be using.If you're using one that's powered too low, it might cause that BSOD.

I had the same thought when this problem started to happen about the psu. I unhooked all that I could and still had problems. PSU size shouldn't be an issue, I'm running a 500 or 600w psu, can't remember for sure, and it's less than a year old.

Now, I can say that I have had "heat" problems with my case for quite a while. I've ended up buying a hard drive cooling fan to help move some air and also added a 120mm fan to the outside of the case to help also. So this sounds like it could be deterioration of the cpu due to excessive heat??? What do you think??

Thanks

Please download and run Speedfan to give us an idea if this could be it.

Ok, I downloaded speedfan and here are the temps I'm getting. These are temps while in safemode, I tried to get some while not in safemode, but my pc locks or bsods on me.

Temp1:33c
Temp2:60c (has the flames indicating hot)
Temp3:-48c
Temp:126c (has flames)
Temp:126c (has flames)
HD0:34c
HD1:34c

I don't know what the "temps" are assigned to above, this is all it says. I hope this helps with the mystery. Let me know your thoughts.

Thanks.