Has anyone run across error: bad_pool_cooler?

[computers]

I have been working on a machine recently (a 2 year old emachine) Major problems, rewrote the hard disk, reinstalled Windows, etc, everything was working fine, customer took machine home, 3 days later, they called with yet another problem, bad-pool_cooler, but, no beep codes, no error codes, just that. I'm suspecting a memory stick problem. Anyone run across this?
Side note: told customer to do themselves a favor; don't but another emachine! Mainboard is a sub-generic, which explains the price being soooo cheap.

[minstrel]

I have been working on a machine recently (a 2 year old emachine) Major problems, rewrote the hard disk, reinstalled Windows, etc, everything was working fine, customer took machine home, 3 days later, they called with yet another problem, bad-pool_cooler, but, no beep codes, no error codes, just that. I'm suspecting a memory stick problem. Anyone run across this? Side note: told customer to do themselves a favor; don't but another emachine! Mainboard is a sub-generic, which explains the price being soooo cheap.
That was true of e-machines - basically, cram in any old cheap part you can find to get the selling price down as low as possible - however, a recent article in PCWorld indicates that they have cleaned up their act a lot and that the systems are now worth having a serious look at.

As for the error message, not one I've ever heard before although I would suspect it's related to the "DMI Pool Verification" family: "Your computer displays, "Verifying DMI Pool Data...." and then hangs or gives you an error message about the DMI pool.


DMI
The Desktop Management Interface (DMI) is a method of managing system information. The main component of DMI is the Management Information Format Database, or MIFD which is the actual DMI Pool Data. This database contains information about the hardware, settings, and software. This information is particularly useful in an enterprise setting where knowing the particulars of each computer is a must. The "hang" at the "Verifying" message means that an event happened that was deemed serious enough to stop the boot process. This event can range in severity from "Monitor" (not too serious) to "Non-Recoverable" (possibly fatal)... if you are so inclined, there is more information than I wanted to even think about at DMTF.org in their information documents. Source (http://www.benchtest.com/flash.html).
I've seen this several times on my brother's Windows ME machine and I'm about to decide it's some hard-to-detect error on the hard drive or controller. A Google search for "DMI Pool" will give you more information than you ever wanted - this is a sample from the first page:


287553 - Error Message "Verifying DMI Pool Data" Occurs and the ... When the computer is running the power-on self test (POST), it may stop responding (hang), and a "Verifying DMI pool data" error message may be displayed. ...
support.microsoft.com/?kbid=287553

Computing.Net - Verifying DMI Pool data error
... Subject: Verifying DMI Pool data error. Original Message. ... It ALWAYS hung on verifying dmi pool data. For me, it was the Hard Drive. ...
www.computing.net/os2/wwwboard/forum/1280.html

Re: DMI pool data To: debian-en <debian-user@lists.debian.org>; Subject: Re: DMI pool data; From: messmate <messmate@tiscali.fr>; ...
lists.debian.org/debian-user/2002/ debian-user-200212/msg00103.html

[computers]

Thanks for the info! Unfortunately, it seems that it does not have anything to do with DMI pool data, I've gone thu all my manuals and text books, have done research and what little I've found indicated an overheating issue or bad memory. This also seems to be a problem with emachines, dell, Compaq and old HP machines. I appriciate your time in trying to lend a hand! This is also a new problem for me, very, very frustrating! I'm solving the problem by replacing the mainboard and the CPU, heat sink and fan and memory.
It was quite a shock when I opened up the little emachine to discover that the components were sub-generic and generic, but it had a Maxtor HDD! They must have gotten quite a deal! I only use Maxtor when building new systems, or replacing HDD's, they are known to last practically forever, but normally they are a little more costly.
Thanks so much again!

[mikmik]

What model eMachine? I could only find the below:

1. WinInizio Forum - Urgente Problema Pc Appena Assemblato [preview ] [ ixquick.com ]
Inoltre spesso si blocca e compare una schermata blu ***stop : 0x00000007 ecc ecc, oppure mi da bad_pool_cooler o, ancora,age_fault_in_none_area :whip: poi ... www.wininizio.it
2. Microsoft: Windows 95/98 - Serious System Problem [preview ] [ ixquick.com ]
constant bleeping inside my machine another screen came up this time blue saying I have a Bad_pool_cooler. Please help! ... gviewthread.cfm/ lev2/ 67/ lev3/ 70/ pid/ ... www.tek-tips.com

One in spasnish, no less (I think)

I used http://turbo10.com/ , but just the 'generic' search. Deadly meta-search tool, I will select a subset of computer tech search engines and directories for an advanced search.

I was unable to get the post from the 'tek-tips' forum above, even though I am a member.

So, you are obviousely getting thruogh POST enough for the BIOS video to initialize.

Can you provide any more specific details?

If you are relying on 'customer recall', I understand and sympathize. eMachines? "The tech's most feared nemesis except for 'Compaq'!

I was able to ID a motherboard from a compaq P-I system by going to Intel one time, and visually comparing legacy motherboard layouts. I then retrieved a BIOS update and was able to flash, and return the boot up procedure to a more recognizable process. Anyhooo... I'll keep looking :o)

And even I almost forgot, the model? OS version?

[computers]

I don't have the unit right now, won't have it back for repairs till next week. The model is emachine T1090. It has a sub-generic mainboard, with onboard audio and video, Intel Celeron 900Mhz CPU, generic 48X CD-Rom, and generic floppy, Maxtor 10Gb HDD. It originally had XP Home, they had the unit for two years, started having major problems, couldn't get into Windows, a system restore didn't solve the problem, I worked on it for several hours, but to no avail. As I stated before, did a HDD rewrite, format, installed XP Pro, everything was fine for 3 days, then they got the bad_pool_cooler error, this happens after the welcome screen, right before the desktop would open. No system beep codes either.
The mainboard is a sub-generic CN810, I have looked it up and have found no information except many complaints, there seems to be no availibility on specs for it anywhere in the net. The owner does have a manual, but it has very limited info. Does not even give the recommended memory (ie: PC100, PC133) but does give maximum amount of memory. Although the mainboard and CPU are going to be replaced, I'd like to find some more info for futuer reference. Thanks, I appriciate your help!

[mikmik]

OK It is definitely a memory address prob, as far as I can tell, and is specific to NT kernal OS's

Or I think the pool repairman has hacked into the system! lol

All right! Registry talk! If that isn't bad enough :
Pool damage may be the root cause of many of the most evasive issues with Windows NT. Pool damage is caused when a kernel-mode component writes to memory outside of its allocated pool area. By writing to memory beyond the boundary of its allocated area, it is likely that another area of allocated memory, possibly owned by another component, is overwritten. This damage can cause problems such as blue screens in completely unrelated areas of code. A kernel-mode component reading beyond its allocated area can also cause problems.

Whether it is caused by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) drivers or problems in Windows NT, pool damage problems are some of the most difficult to identify. Usually, all that can be seen in a crash dump analysis is the symptom of the real problem, such as a data area becoming damaged and causing problems in a completely unrelated piece of code. Up until now it has been almost impossible to identify the piece of code damaging the memory.

The source of pool damage can now be identified at the instruction causing the pool damage. A new memory management utility called Special Pool is included with Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 4 (SP4) and Windows 2000. The Special Pool utility identifies the kernel-mode component that is damaging pool data by writing to memory outside its allocated area.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=188831

[ldyguique]

I took a page from mikmik's translation via google for that Italian site (and other than an extremely funny read,) it didn't come back with a whole lot of info; although one of the BIOS websites for beeps was listed: http://www.comptechdoc.org/hardware/beepcodes/index.htm

I dunno if you know the BIOS version for that sub-generic MB

[computers]

Thanks so much! I have bookmarked the page for future reference and will be printing it! It's too bad that the registry has not been able to be gotten into thus far, but will be giving it a go again, when the unit comes back in for repairs. Again I do appriciate the help, it's rare that I'm not able to find the needed info, good to have such a resourse as this forum and all the helpful persons on it!

[computers]

ldyguique,

That was part of the problem, no beep codes what-so-ever! But thanks! It's appriciated!

[mikmik]

Yes, 40,000 heads are better than 1! lol
Idyguique has some excellent links up her sleeve, as I have already discovered.

I have about 4 or 5 'stashes' of troubleshooting sites that I've accumulated between my periodic re-installs, and one in particular struck me as exceedingly deep in information - in a class by itself - so to speak. I can't believe I've misplaced that one, but I'm sure I'll get it any moment, and of course I'll post it here.

Computers, I don't know if you've got the links from bootdisk I sent via email and PM from here - just a 'heads up' if you haven't been aware fo it yet.

[mikmik]

My very next task and ; presto! It is on that newsletter:
http://aumha.org/win5/kbestop.htm

I hasven't looked through this one yet, I was to excited to put the link here! Yes, I am an adult LOL

My my arent we just the lucky ones!!!!


BAD_POOL_CALLER from this above page!

Might as well just have done this in the first place!

0x000000C1: SPECIAL_POOL_DETECTED_MEMORY_CORRUPTION
(Click to consult the online MSDN article.)
A driver wrote to an invalid section of the special memory pool. You need a new driver!
Partial List of Driver Error Codes That the Driver Verifier Tool Uses to Report Problems {KB 315252} Win XP
0x000000C2: BAD_POOL_CALLER
(Click to consult the online Win XP Resource Kit article.)
A kernel-mode process or driver incorrectly attempted to perform memory operations. Typically, a faulty driver or buggy software causes this.
0x000000C2 {KB 265879} Win 2000, Win XP
0x000000C2: BAD_POOL_CALLER {KB 310527} Win XP (upgrading Compaq Professional Workstation AP550 from Win 2000 to XP)
Computer with ATI RAGE FURY MAXX Video Adapter Stops Responding After Upgrade to Win XP {KB 307151} Win XP


BTW, I'm sure you all know this but, beep codes only happen before the first video output during post, correct? I'm never 100% sure, so thought I'd check.

[ldyguique]

mikmik's link -- took me to an MSDN article -- oh, this is too good :))
Bug Check 0x7: INVALID_SOFTWARE_INTERRUPT
The INVALID_SOFTWARE_INTERRUPT bug check has a value of 0x00000007.

This bug check appears very infrequently.

[mikmik]

Who you calling a bug, Idyguique? It's Mr. bug!

Anyhoo,
0x00000007 Reserved Pointer to pool header
This value is always zero
Attempt to free a memory pool that was already freed

I do want computers to clarify: 'cooler', or 'caller'?
I wouldn't be surprised at ANY term these days lol

So we also have ;
0x00000001, 0x00000002, or 0x00000004
Pointer to pool header
First part of pool header contents
This value is always zero
Pool header has been corrupted

Computers! My goodness, it's only TWO years old!

Good work :o>

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/treeview/default.asp?url=/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/reskit/prmd_stp_czgw.asp (again with the late link! lol)

[computers]

Thanks, thanks, thanks!
mikmik, I did receive your email and have responded. What great info you've all found! I'm thinking of compiling a better 'book' for use with these unusual problems, right now I have various troubleshooting 'manuals' in my filing cabinet under different headings, kind of a PIA when I need something quick! Anyway thanks again so very much for all the work in finding what I have been looking for! And yes, it is cooler. I have to concour, it is exciting when you've found something pertaining to computers! I'm thingking of changing my user name to 'geek' LOL!

Thanks so much again mikmik, ldyguique and minstrel!

[mikmik]

You ladies are scaring me. I love it!

I propose, to both of you

a toast! lol
Here's to 'geeks', 'nerds', and 'propellerheads' ! when we take off our glasses, pocket protecters, and calculater belts - we're cool!

And I'm cut off coffee!

[computers]

mikmik,

You are right on the beep codes, however they can occur, while in windows. A particularly annoying one is when a system overheats, even an umph (barley negligible) degree! Long annoying seemingly never ending beep, that's why most systems have it disabled in the bios.
Memory and Video generally start before or during the first post screen, other codes can happen anytime (but usually as you've described).

Here's a crazy one for you, mouse seems to be fine, however; click on anything and 10 or more of the item will open at once, anything typed into the address bar will quiver or shake, system tray icons blink repeatedly, or other eratic behavior. Know what causes this? Are you ready? Are you sure? Something you wouldn't expect to cause this, a bad keyboard!

[mikmik]

computers =
Here's a crazy one for you, mouse seems to be fine, however; click on anything and 10 or more of the item will open at once, anything typed into the address bar will quiver or shake, system tray icons blink repeatedly, or other eratic behavior. Know what causes this? Are you ready? Are you sure? Something you wouldn't expect to cause this, a bad keyboard!
Bizarre! If mine ever tries that, it's off to bed, with no supper!

Also, I stand corrected. Of course, these modern MoBo's! I've experienced the 'shrill' scream of an overheat warning, I overclocked my dual p450's on a Sunmicro board. I'm amazed that it has'n't happened yet with my newest contraption - Barton2500+ on GigaByte 7N400-L set to 200FSB @ 11x =XP3200+ !
Stock AMD cooling, worst I've seen from them. I have my case open and a 12 in. fan blowing into it from 2 feet away, and here is a trick for these heatsinks - I put a piece of scotch tape aroung the heatsink along the sides at the top of the fins, and completely covered the side openings for the 'retaining clip' to force the airflow lower into the fins before exiting. Dropped my temp from 49/50 C (122 F) about 3C/5F !

[computers]

I'm going to keep your tape trick in mind! As I said before, sometimes the best solution is the simplest remedy!

[rocky1]

............ Here's a crazy one for you, mouse seems to be fine, however; click on anything and 10 or more of the item will open at once, anything typed into the address bar will quiver or shake, system tray icons blink repeatedly, or other eratic behavior. Know what causes this? Are you ready? Are you sure? Something you wouldn't expect to cause this, a bad keyboard!


Mik and I was thinking we'd seen that symptom before, but it was attributable to lack of beer, (and by BEER we of course mean Ale), and that it had nothing to do with the keyboard!

[computers]

...thinking we'd seen that symptom before, but it was attributable to lack of beer, (and by BEER we of course mean Ale), and that it had nothing to do with the keyboard!

Or maybe too much beer? LOL

[mikmik]

rocky1 wrote:
Mik and I was thinking we'd seen that symptom before, but it was attributable to lack of beer, (and by BEER we of course mean Ale), and that it had nothing to do with the keyboard!
computers replied:
Or maybe too much beer? LOL
One inevitably leads to the other. Can't tell if the display stops acting wierd, though, or if we just stop noticing.
Insufficient data. That means...
Time to do some more research! rocky1, if you get the Bud', Ill get the keyboards. And don't forget the 'bud', Bud! lol

But that's interesting, computers. I notice that sometimes when I open new browser windows, I get get a flashing orange icon in the taskbar, and sometimes a new window opens. I also haven't gotten a new keyboard lately. Hmmmm. What's your favorite ale? lol

[minstrel]

I notice that sometimes when I open new browser windows, I get get a flashing orange icon in the taskbar, and sometimes a new window opens.
Ah, that one isn't the absence or presence of beer - it's a feature not a bug, and it just means that, like me, you're impulsive and/or multitasking and/or both.

It happens in XP when you click on something to open a new window or application and then click on something else, even the original window, while the new one is still busy opening in the background. The icon down in your taskbar then starts flashing to let you know it's ready for you, in case by that time you've run off multitasking and forgotten why you clicked on that new window item in the first place.

[rocky1]

One inevitably leads to the other. Can't tell if the display stops acting weird, though, or if we just stop noticing. Insufficient data. That means... Time to do some more research! rocky1, if you get the Bud', Ill get the keyboards. And don't forget the 'bud', Bud! lol


Very astute observation, my Canadian friend.... In fact, it is a rather vicious cycle! Lack of beer inevitably leads to too much beer, which in turn leads to lack of beer! Which in turn leads to a trip to the store for more beer, eh!

(And, by beer we of course mean Ale. Or, most anything in the liquid refreshments department, that warns minors they aren't old enough to consume it.)

[computers]

My favorite brew? Budweiser, the king of beers, of course!

[mikmik]

rocky1 wrote:
mikmik wrote:
I notice that sometimes when I open new browser windows, I get get a flashing orange icon in the taskbar, and sometimes a new window opens.

Ah, that one isn't the absence or presence of beer - it's a feature not a bug, and it just means that, like me, you're impulsive and/or multitasking and/or both.

It happens in XP when you click on something to open a new window or application and then click on something else, even the original window, while the new one is still busy opening in the background. The icon down in your taskbar then starts flashing to let you know it's ready for you, in case by that time you've run off multitasking and forgotten why you clicked on that new window item in the first place. Hey you're not rocky! I recognize the 'scotchish' accent!
computers wrote:

Very astute observation, my Canadian friend.... In fact, it is a rather vicious cycle! Lack of beer inevitably leads to too much beer, which in turn leads to lack of beer! Which in turn leads to a trip to the store for more beer, eh!

(And, by beer we of course mean Ale. Or, most anything in the liquid refreshments department, that warns minors they aren't old enough to consume it.)?????!!
rocky? Say something?
My favorite brew? Budweiser, the king of beers, of course!
I don't know! You and computers both sound the same.

That's why I prefer the number one brew in CANADA - Budweiser, the king of beers!

[rocky1]

Budweiser too! No wonder they're #1.