Q & A – Lockups & Crashes

This document provides some frequently asked questions about Sandra. Please read the Help File as well!

Q: Sandra stop with missing database/MDAC message!
A:
The resolution depends on usage:

  1. External Database (Direct Connection): check that you have installed the Data Repository and that the SQL Server and database are available from this box (i.e. you can connect to it). Also check permissions if using NT authentication. If you do not have the Data Repository you cannot use the External Database option.
  2. External – RPC Connection: check that the RPC server works on the remote system and accepts connections. Also check user permissions on the remote server, you should have invoke rights.
  3. Internal Windows (Win64 IA64/AMD64/EM64T): Unless you have installed Jet 64-bit drivers, you need to use RPC.
  4. Internal Windows (Win32 x86): No MDAC/Jet drivers should be required. Check that Sandra’s database is not corrupted, try uninstalling and re-installing. Also try Windows Update and apply any patches for MDAC/Jet there may be quite a few.

Q: The Performance Tune-Up Wizard crashes!
A:
The problem lies with another module. If only one module crashes, the wizard will not work since it runs all enabled modules. First find the module with the problem and fix it (see below). If you cannot fix it, delete the module (select it and press Del). The Wizard will skip the module.

Q: Memory Bandwidth Benchmark (EMMX/SSE(2) version) crashes my OS with different errors!
A:
Your memory timings are too aggressive; set the BIOS memory timings by SPD and turn off any Ultra or Turbo options.

Q: Sandra BSODs with BAD_POOL_CALLER
A:
Make sure you’re using video drivers with proper OpenGL support.

Q: Sandra crashes in Mainboard Information with different errors!
A:
Right-click module, select Options and uncheck Include Mainboard Info.

Q: Sandra crashes with an exception in MFCxx.DLL!
A:
See Install Problems.

Q: Modules System Information, Mainboard Information, CPU & BIOS Information crash.
A:
In module list (main window), right-click a module, choose Options and uncheck Include DMI Information. If it works, repeat for the other modules. Your BIOS does not support DMI properly in Windows. Find a newer BIOS version, and flash it. If no new version is available – contact your mainboard/system manufacturer. If you’re running a version of Sandra earlier than 2.05, please upgrade to the latest version.

Q: Modules Mainboard Information and CPU & BIOS Information lock up!
A:
Try the following: in module list (main window), right-click a module, choose Options and:

  1. Uncheck Include Temperature Information. If it works, repeat for the other modules. The mainboard may not have a compatible system monitoring sensor chip. You can also try updating to the latest version of Sandra.
  2. Uncheck Include Programable Clock Generator Information from the module Options. If this works, repeat for the other modules. The PLL IC may be locking the SMBus/i2c bus – or it may be write-only.
  3. Uncheck Include SPD EEPROM Information from the module Options. If this works, repeat for the other modules. The mainboard/chipset may not support the SMBus/i2c bus correctly or the memory modules do not implement SPD correctly or are damaged in some way. You can also try updating to the latest version of Sandra.

Q: The CPU MultiMedia Benchmark module crashes on SMP box
A:
If the processors have different model/stepping versions, make sure the boot processor is the one that has the lowest version. If the processors have different feature sets, make sure the BSP (boot processor) is the one with the lowest feature set.

Q: The Network Information module locks!
A:
On large networks with many workgroups and hosts this module may take some considerable time to scan them all (2-10 minutes). So the module does not actually lock but takes a long time to complete.

Comments are closed.