HP Probook 6540b shuts down

[Wulfric]

Hello,

I have this issue for years now. While I'm playing a game, my laptop shuts down unexpectedly. I tried every BIOS, firmware things and also the video driver... But it still shuts down while playing a game. Can someone help me please?

Thanks in advance.

[AttackofZaq]

Hello Wulfric.  I understand you're having issues with random shut downs.

The three most common causes of this sort of issue are overheating, hard drive problems, and problems with the memory. 

First, you should begin by ensuring that your notebook is clear of dust and debris.  Take a look at this video.  It shows you the various parts of the notebook which you should clean.

I would also suggest running the built in diagnostics for the hard drive and memory.  If you're unsure how to perform these diagnostics you can find instructions here.  Make sure to post the results of both.

Once you and I can rule out these hardware causes it will be much easier to determine the cause of the problem.

I will keep an eye out for your response.  I hope you have a great night!

[Wulfric]

I tested my hard-drive and it passed it without an error or issue. I cleaned my laptop and I'm sure it's not over-heating. (Also, my Probook does shut down while playing specific games. It doesn't shut down on every game. For example, It doesn't shut down while playing Crysis 2, but it does shut down while playing Minecraft.) What's the next step?

[AttackofZaq]

Good morning Wulfric.

You actually answered my next question which was whether or not the issue persists across all games or just certain games.  If the issue doesn't occur with all games it implies it is something specific to those which do cause the issue.

You should make sure that event logs are written when the computer experiences a crash.  Try the following.

1. Click Start, right click on "Computer" and select Properties.
2. When the window loads select "Settings" under "Startup and Recovery."
3. In the "System Failure" section ensure that "write an event to the system log" is checked and that "automatically restart" is UNCHECKED.
4. Take note of the location of the dumpfile.
5. When you experience a crash again check that location for the dumpfile and upload it to a site such as Send Space.

I can analyze this file to see if anything in particular stands out.  I will await your response.  Have a great day!

[Wulfric]

Hello again!

(First of all, thank you for helping me out to solve this problem.) I did what you told and got two .dmp files. Here are the links to download them:

http://www.sendspace.com/file/8v90dn

http://www.sendspace.com/file/jns2cp

I hope we solve this issue soon!

Kind regards.

Have a pleasant day!

[AttackofZaq]

Good morning Wulfric.  You are very welcome.  I enjoy helping solve problems!

I took a look at your dumpfiles with my diagnostic utility and the first file says that the BSOD was caused by "ataport.SYS."  The second dumpfile mentions "ntfs.sys" as the cause.  According to the information I've found these could both be caused by malware or other nasty software.  You should scan your system as soon as possible.  

First, install and update both Microsoft Security Essentials and Malwarebytes.  Once these are installed I suggest booting into Safe Mode (here are instructions if you need them) and running both of these applications.  Let me know if either of these scans find any malware/viruses.  Pay close attention and look for "Rootkit.Win32.TDSS."  This rootkit is one of the common causes of the "ataport.SYS" BSOD.  If you see this software you'll need to visit Kaspersky's Support Site as they have a special tool for removing the infection.  Here is a link to the tool.  

Let me know the results.  Have an excellent day Wulfric!

[Wulfric]

I can't access the Malwarebytes' site. It says "Untrusted Connection" and I can't enter the page. Also, I have ESET Nod 32 which is not updated for a long time. I'm having problems with updating it but I will solve it soon. And also, I have two anti-virus programs, one is ESET Nod 32, and the other one is Avast. That might be the issue, right?

(I will do the things you said and report you the results tomorrow morning)

Kind regards.

[AttackofZaq]

You shouldn't have two anti-virus applications installed.  The can cause problems and "conflict" with each other.  You should uninstall one of these applications.  Also, since you already have an anti-virus application there is no need to install Microsoft Security Essentials.  Just make sure that the anti-virus is up to date.

[Wulfric]

When I update my anti-virus program, will I be able to play games without random shut downs?

[AttackofZaq]

Malicious software is just a possible cause.  I can't say for sure that this will resolve the issue but it is certainly a possibility.  Just make sure to boot into safe mode after updating the anti-virus and allow it to perform the deepest scan possible.  

I am unsure whether or not anti-virus applications scan for rootkits or if that would be more of the realm of an application like Malwarebytes.  So, it will be very important to try to get Malwarebytes installed as well.  I suggest trying to access the site by using a different browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome.