BAD_POOL_CALLER
 

Okay, so...where to start.

A year ago, I got a Dell computer (XP) for a graduation present. Had it for about a month and when I tried to restart it one day, I got a blue screen that said something about a BAD_POOL_CALLER and gave some random properties about it. My aunt (the one who gave me the computer) only now got down to fixing it and it had to be reformatted.

Since then I've gotten a new computer, a Compaq Presario, since I'm pretty comfortable with them. All of the best computers I've had (had three, only one I had trouble with was the Dell) have been Compaqs.

I just wondered for future reference if anyone knows anything about what causes BAD_POOL_CALLER errors. I was thinking that it could have possibly been due to a faulty driver of some sort, but I'm not sure.

I'm not having any problems on the computer I'm on now (the new Compaq), but I just would like to get some feedback for future reference.

Any information is appreciated.

http://www.microsoft.com/resources/d...d_stp_czgw.asp

That's what I found when I did a Google search.

Also from other stuff I read, it's mostly due to faulty hardware (memory, hard drive, etc.)

As a note: Compaqs are terrible... Build your own computer. As far as prebuilt PCs go, Dell is still top.. you just got one problem. Don't know why you went out and got a new computer over one problem. -Most- errors are user related... plus, Dell would have sent you a new component for free if it was an error on their part.

To each their own, I guess.

I've had nothing but trouble out of that Dell, whereas I've never had to reformat a Compaq. Maybe the occasional defrag, but that's it.

I highly doubt it was user-related, since it happened spontaneously. There was no slowdown at all. I just tried to restart, and that appeared for no reason. I called customer support when it happened, and they were little to no help (Try reformatting!....No shit. Only problem was that I didn't have a disk to restore everything from, as they never provided one. Guess I was used to that from Compaq too).

They tried to mess me over on my warranty, saying it was no longer valid, since I had it 90 days. Problem was, we ended up buying an extended one, but that -conveniently- didn't show up on my information, according to them.

Heh, well... over a year after I got my dell, they sent me a free replacement part when one got fried due to lightning. The guy talked me through everything over the phone (back when I knew nothing about computers), and said they'd send me the part. Got it a few days later, and was fine.

I've had bad luck with compaq though, for just the reasons you don't like Dell. Just depends.. Anyway, you shoulda just built your own this time around.

Odds are, I probably will. :y:

I would've done that this time, except I didn't have too much cash on hand. Got this one pretty cheap, and I figure I'll upgrade as I need. Started a checking account recently, so maybe I won't be strapped for cash if I work inbetween semesters this summer (finals are done this week :D). But yeah...This one was a bargain...Paid 485 for it, I think. It'll get me through what I need it for until I can get some custom specs set up. :D