New RAM installation might be causing issues!

[ramenoodles]

Hey! So I've come across a new issue with my gaming laptop. For reference, I have an HP Victus 15'' that I got in 2023, and earlier this year, we upgraded the RAM from 8GB to to 16GB. However, since then, Ive noticed that whenever I open applications, or close others, it seems to trigger a reaction. When closing games (for reference, I don't play any RAM intense games, the main ones being Minecraft, VALORANT, Roblox, Stardew Valley, AimLabs, Gang beasts, and some story games such as Little Nightmares, etc) I notice that it crashes any other games I might have open in the background, and it opens up a bunch of applications, like Riot Client, Discord, File Explorer, Steam, and a terminal called SECCNH pipe name: \\.\pipe\{68327F92-4C65-4484-860D-DA80B61FCDBA}.SoundResearch_CoCl_1. Ive also noticed that some games, for example AimLabs and Stardew Valley (specifically when I'm trying to play CO-OP) the game straight up just crashes and triggers all the applications to open up

I've been told that the issue was that HP has Sound Research programs that trigger the applications to all crash, and that disabling it would fix everything. I did that, and the terminal doesn't open up anymore. However, all the other applications still open up and crash, so I feel that that didn't do anything. Is there anything I can do to fully fix this issue? Besides making sure the RAM is current. I'm 99% sure it's the same brand, DDR5 and frequency and my laptop registers that I do indeed have 16 GB RAM but I'll be double checking just in case soon and making sure it's actually in correctly, but I just wanted to see if this would also be considered a software issue to be fixed. 

Thank you, any help is greatly appreciated! 

Note: preferably would like to keep my laptop at 16 GB, especially now in this RAM shortage economy we have going on 😅

I want to have my cake and eat it too! 

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @ramenoodles 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

I can imagine how frustrating it must feel to upgrade your Victus 15 to 16 GB RAM expecting smoother performance, only to be met with crashes and strange application behavior. You’ve already shown great persistence by disabling the Sound Research program and double‑checking your RAM specifications—that’s excellent groundwork. 

Let’s carefully separate hardware and software possibilities so you can keep the 16 GB upgrade without compromise.

 

Step 1: Verify RAM Installation

• Power off the laptop, remove the bottom cover, and ensure both RAM sticks are seated firmly in their slots.
• Confirm they are the same brand, DDR5, and frequency. Even small mismatches can cause instability.
• If possible, test each stick individually to confirm both are stable.

 

Step 2: Run Memory Diagnostics

• Press Windows + R, type mdsched.exe, and press Enter.
• Choose Restart now and check for problems.
• Allow the test to complete and note if any errors are reported.

 

Step 3: Update BIOS and Drivers

• Open the HP App on your laptop.
• Go to Settings > Preferences > Diagnose & Fix.
• Check for updates to BIOS, chipset, and graphics drivers. These updates often improve memory compatibility and system stability.

 

Step 4: Check Background Programs

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
• Under Startup, disable non‑essential programs that may be auto‑launching when applications close.
• This helps prevent the sudden opening of Riot Client, Discord, and Steam when games crash.

 

Step 5: Test in Clean Boot Mode

1. Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
2. Under the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
3. Under the Startup tab, open Task Manager and disable all startup items.
4. Restart and test your games.
   • If stability improves, the issue is software‑related, and you can re‑enable items one by one to identify the culprit.

 

Step 6: Monitor System Logs

• Open Event Viewer (search in Start menu).
• Check Windows Logs > System for errors around the time of crashes.
• This can confirm whether the issue is driver‑related or triggered by a specific service.

For more guidance, you can refer to HP’s official article: HP PCs – Computer Is Slow or Freezes (Windows 11, 10).

You’ve already taken smart steps, and with these checks—especially memory diagnostics and BIOS updates—you should be able to keep your 16 GB upgrade while stabilizing performance. 

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[ramenoodles]

Hey! How are you? So we ended up doing all of the steps and nothing worked, unfortunately, and we even tried removing the RAM. Stardew CO-OP stopped crashing at least, but all the applications still keep popping up (Steam, Riot Client, Discord, File Explorer) even after disabling them in startup like recommended. Is there anything else I can do? Ill be holding on to the RAM in the meantime but Ill be leaving it at 8gb for now. Unfortunately my warranty has been expired so I'm not exactly sure how much support ill be able to get. Thank you so much for your time regardless. I might consider doing a clean boot in a bit once I finish my Stardew save, lol. 

[ramenoodles]

New update,, Stardew CO-OP isn't working either.  So in summary, even after taking out the RAM (the one added), nothing changed. The game crashes still, and all the applications still open up. 

[Hawks_Eye]

@ramenoodles 

Thanks for replying.

I hear you—it’s incredibly frustrating to go through all the hardware checks, even remove the new RAM, and still see the same strange behavior with games crashing and applications popping open. 

Since the issue persists regardless of the RAM upgrade, this points strongly toward a software or system configuration problem rather than hardware. Let’s dig deeper into that angle.

 

Next Steps to Try

1. Rule Out Corrupted User Profile

• Sometimes Windows user profiles get corrupted and trigger odd behaviors.
• Create a new local user account:
  • Press Windows + I → Accounts → Other users → Add account.
  • Log in with the new account and test your games.
• If the issue disappears, your original profile may need repair.

2. Check for Malware or Rogue Scripts

• Unexpected app launches can be caused by hidden scripts or malware.
• Run a full scan with Windows Security:
  • Windows + I → Privacy & security → Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Quick scan.
• For thoroughness, run Microsoft Safety Scanner: Download here.

3. Inspect Event Viewer for Application Errors

• Open Event Viewer → Windows Logs → Application.
• Look for errors or warnings at the exact time games crash.
• Pay attention to entries mentioning Steam, Riot, Discord, or Explorer.
• This can reveal whether a specific DLL or service is forcing those apps to launch.

4. Disable Background Services More Aggressively

• Go beyond startup apps:
  • Press Windows + R → msconfig → Services tab.
  • Check Hide all Microsoft services, then disable everything else temporarily.
  • Restart and test.
• If the problem stops, re‑enable services one by one until the culprit is found.

5. Repair Windows System Files

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
• Run:sfc /scannow This repairs corrupted system files.
• Then run:DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth This repairs the Windows image itself.

6. Consider a Clean Windows Reinstall

• If none of the above resolves it, the most reliable fix is a clean reinstall of Windows 11.
• Back up your files first.
• Use the Reset this PC option under Settings → System → Recovery.
• Choose Keep my files but reinstall Windows.
• This wipes out corrupted services or hidden triggers while keeping your personal data.

 

Why This Matters

Since the issue persists even without the new RAM, the root cause is almost certainly software corruption, rogue background services, or malware. A clean reinstall is often the fastest way to eliminate all hidden triggers if diagnostics don’t reveal a clear culprit.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye