not so much an issue but a question

[Gearhart 1st MRB]

So one of my friends computer is doing this..

just curious what it means or what is the main cause or similar cuases for this to happen. It only happens when they shut down the computer or restart.

[Gardner2]

The 0x000007e is a stop code error:

This issue might occur if a system thread generates an exception that the error handler does not catch. This exception can be caused by any of the following: •If this issue occurs after the first restart during Windows Setup or after Setup is complete, the computer might not have sufficient hard disk space to run Windows XP.

•The computer BIOS might be incompatible with Windows XP, or it might have to be updated.

•The video adapter drivers might be incompatible with Windows XP.

•A device driver or a system service might be damaged.

•If the issue is associated with the Win32k.sys file, it might be caused by a third-party remote control program.

Then typically the second line is a driver that's associated with the error, so in your case the iaStor.sys , aka Intel Matrix Storage Manager

Iastor.sys (iaStor.sys) or Intel Matrix Storage Manager is a storage file for accessing the drivers, hardware, and software of RAID devices. RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) is a type of hard drive arrangement in which the same data is copied onto multiple hard drives in order to backup files. Iastor.sys runs on Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7 and can be found in the Drivers subfolder of the primary hard drive’s System32 folder.

From a quick google search:

Is Iastor.sys Harmful?

Iastor.sys is not a harmful file, but malicious software such as trojans, spyware, and keyloggers might mimic it in order to hide from anti-virus software. This is especially true if Iastor.sys is found in a location other than C:\Windows\System32\drivers. In order to be sure that Iastor.sys is not a virus, the user should run an anti-virus software such as Spyware Terminator, Malwarebytes’ Antimalware, or Advanced SystemCare, and enable a real-time shield to protect the computer from threats as they attempt to run.

How to Remove Iastor.sys

Because Iastor.sys manages RAID devices, removing it can cause those RAID devices to stop working properly. However, if the user is no longer using or has never used RAID devices, he/she can remove Iastor.sys by deleting the file in C:\Windows\System32\drivers or using the Add/Remove Programs feature in the Windows Control Panel. If the user wishes to keep Iastor.sys on his/her computer but wishes to disable it, he/she can do so by opening the Windows Task Manager (Ctrl + Alt + Del), selecting Processes, right clicking Iastor.sys in the list, and selecting “End Process.” In order to disable Iastor.sys permanently, open the Start Menu, open “Run…,” enter “msconfig,” and click OK. The user can then select the Startup tab on the next window, uncheck the checkbox for Iastor.sys in the list, click Apply, and click OK. The user will then need to restart his/her computer.

Make sure his drivers are all up to date, and if he changed any recently that they installed properly and did not fail.

Edited September 4, 2013 by Gardner 1st MRB

[Gearhart 1st MRB]

Very informative, thank you Gardner.

[Lafy BAR]

I just did a little poking around. Most people suggest updating the Intel Matrix Storage Manager driver, but a couple have said that there is a rootkit virus that infects iaStor.sys and that it can be quite difficult to remove (the suggested remedy was formatting).

I would suggest that they do a boot time virus scan either with their installed virus scanner, or better yet with a bootable antivirus cd or thumbdrive.

Here are a couple of options for bootable virus scanners:

http://support.kaspersky.com/4162

http://download.bitdefender.com/rescue_cd/

If anything is found by the virus scanner, then I would boot the system into windows, shut it down, and run the scan again and repeat until nothing is found.

If nothing is found by the virus scanner then I would update the intel drivers.

It looks like the intel rapid storage technology driver replaces the matrix storage manager, so that install should update the correct driver.

[Vicari 1st MRB]

After you have done what was said above with the bootable anti virus, go download a registry cleaner. Sometimes the antivirus does get most of the problem out however your registry values may still be changed from the virus. A good registry cleaner can be downloaded here:

http://www.sammsoft.com/

And here is another website if you wish to compare different registry cleaners

http://windowstechies.com/compare/registry...CFRGi4Aodih4Avw

Depending on what virus it is, you can also go into the registry yourself and manually change the values. I DO NOT recommend this because it could cause more problems but if you know what you are doing, it is a good way to ensure that there are no remnants of the virus or trojan.

[Gearhart 1st MRB]

both the links are broken, buttttt thanks!

[Reis]

Oh i know that one, i had troubles with that blue screen aswell.

[J. Kirk]

Gearheart that is a very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very common blue screen. 99% of the time it is a virus/corrupt driver the 1% its a sign of a failing hard-drive. So for safety sakes if you have the ability download the hard-drive diag tool for your friends hard-drive's manufactures website and check it.

[Vicari 1st MRB]

both the links are broken, buttttt thanks!

Weird, they were working yesterday :(

[Gearhart 1st MRB]

Oh i know that one, i had troubles with that blue screen aswell.

Very helpful....thanks Reis I can always count on your help.............jk

[Holland 1st MRB]

Has the problem been resolved? Is there any further assistance required?

[Holland 1st MRB]

Closing this topic down. If you have any further questions, or are looking for further advise, feel free to post a new ticket.