Persistent BSOD and CTD problem

Yes, the bios is old (2007). The newest version I can see is from 2008, v3.8 http://www.msi.com/product/mb/G965-Neo2.html.

Sorry to be so dense, but I can't see how to adjust RAM timings in my BIOS - I've been through all the possible settings and I can't see it.

Would you recommend updating my BIOS to the newer version?

Have a look at the reasons its been updated. See if you've had any of the "issues" the updates address.

I downloaded the MSI 'Live Update' programme to update the BIOS. It scanned my system, and showed me the BIOS update I needed. Downloaded it fine, but then the programme stops working each time I try to go to the next step. And when I find the BIOS update files it downloaded, the executable does nothing.

The update doesn't specifically talk about stability issues, but mentioned CPU code fixes. The fact that I've wiped this system and upgraded to a new OS and still got the same problem makes me think it could well be a BIOS, or other underlying issue.

But right now I'm stuck at the stage of apparently being unable to update my BIOS, and also being unable to change my RAM settings as you previously suggested.

Well. I had a look at a manual for your MoBo and have to admit it's lost me!! Not the clearest (to me) of manuals to find the ram timings.

Originally Posted by Splendid Belt

The update doesn't specifically talk about stability issues, but mentioned CPU code fixes. The fact that I've wiped this system and upgraded to a new OS and still got the same problem makes me think it could well be a BIOS, or other underlying issue.

I think that MS pretty much got it right with their response to you. Hoping someone who is more into BIOS settings than I takes a look. This is the manual I downloaded. Think I got the right board!

Thanks again for this Elmer. Would you recommend I take the PC to a specialist to get the BIOS upgraded? I'm worried about completely destroying it if I try myself...

I've had a further thought. I may be wrong, but I think the crashing problem started after I installed my current graphics card. The old one pretty much blew up whilst gaming, but I don't think the system used to crash at that point.

Not sure if that helps, but thought I'd mention it.

Originally Posted by Splendid Belt

Would you recommend I take the PC to a specialist to get the BIOS upgraded? I'm worried about completely destroying it if I try myself...

I can understand your 'nervousness' although updating bios is a lot easier these days than it was. For the price of taking it to a specialist you could most likely afford to upgrade your MoBo with a nice new one (well, near enough!!). Have you no-one you could ask who has updated their BIOS before who could help you?

My helpful IT guru friend moved to Denmark, unhelpfully. Seems I'm a bit stuck.

I'm not going to say to you tht you should update your bios if you don't feel confident in doing so. And a quick look at the instructions seems to show the "old" method, as in, boot from floppy etc.. Nowadays you can just run from your system. PC re-boots. Voila!! Updated bios (that's the simplified version!!).

Has AVG been removed (still showing on last dump file)?