How to Troubleshoot ASUS VivoBook 17 Constant BSODs, Shutdowns, and Freezes

Experiencing constant Blue Screens of Death (BSODs), random shutdowns, or system freezes on your ASUS VivoBook 17 can be frustrating. Despite your comprehensive attempts to resolve the issue, including driver updates, PC resets, and hardware diagnostics, the problem persists. Here's an in-depth guide to help you identify and fix the issue.

1. Verify System Logs for Critical Errors

Your Windows Event Viewer is an invaluable tool for diagnosing BSODs and freezes. Follow these steps:

• Press Win + R to open the Run dialog, type eventvwr, and hit Enter.
• Navigate to Windows Logs > System and look for entries marked as "Critical" or "Error" around the time of the crashes.
• Note the error codes or messages (e.g., DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL) and search online for specific solutions.

2. Update BIOS and Chipset Drivers

Your laptop’s BIOS and chipset drivers play a critical role in system stability. Since your motherboard is an ASUSTeK X712UA, check ASUS's official support page:

1. Go to ASUS Support.
2. Enter your laptop model and download the latest BIOS and chipset drivers.
3. Follow the provided instructions carefully to update the BIOS, ensuring your laptop remains plugged into a power source.

3. Test System Stability in Safe Mode

Booting into Safe Mode can help determine if third-party software or drivers are causing the issue:

1. Press Win + I > System > Recovery > Advanced Startup.
2. Click Restart now, then navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
3. Choose Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
4. Use your laptop in this mode for an extended period to see if the crashes persist. If they stop, a third-party driver or app might be the culprit.

4. Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot eliminates conflicts caused by non-Microsoft services and startup programs:

1. Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to the Services tab, check "Hide all Microsoft services," and then click Disable all.
3. Go to the Startup tab and open the Task Manager.
4. Disable all startup items and restart your laptop.
5. Test the system for stability. Re-enable services and startup items one at a time to identify the problematic one.

5. Inspect for Overheating

Although you’ve purchased a laptop cooler, ensure the system isn’t overheating:

• Use software like HWMonitor or Core Temp to monitor CPU and GPU temperatures under load.
• Check that the laptop vents are clear of dust. If necessary, use compressed air to clean them.
• Consider reapplying thermal paste to the CPU and GPU (recommended if the laptop is over two years old).

6. Check for Corrupted System Files

System file corruption can lead to instability. Run these commands in Command Prompt (as Administrator):

1. System File Checker (SFC):

sfc /scannow

This scans and repairs corrupted system files.

2. Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM):

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

This repairs issues with the Windows image.

7. Test Your RAM and Storage Again

Although you’ve run diagnostics, intermittent hardware issues can sometimes escape detection. Recheck both:

1. RAM: Use MemTest86 (a more advanced tool than Windows Memory Diagnostics). Create a bootable USB and let it run multiple passes.
2. Storage: Use CrystalDiskInfo or HD Tune for detailed analysis of your HDD and SSD health. Look for abnormal values in the S.M.A.R.T. data, such as "Reallocated Sectors Count" or "Pending Sectors."

8. Evaluate Power Supply and Battery

Unstable power can cause random shutdowns. To ensure consistent power delivery:

• Use the original ASUS charger or a high-quality replacement.
• Test the laptop without the battery installed (if removable) and only connected to the power adapter.

9. Look for Conflicting Software

Certain third-party programs can cause instability. Temporarily uninstall the following if installed:

• Antivirus or security suites (e.g., McAfee, Norton).
• System optimization tools or overclocking software.

Windows Defender provides adequate protection during troubleshooting.

10. Reinstall Windows with Minimal Drivers

If all else fails, perform a clean installation of Windows 11 but only install the minimal required drivers:

1. Download the Windows 11 installation media from the Microsoft website.
2. Create a bootable USB drive and perform a clean install.
3. After installation, install only essential drivers from the ASUS support site and test system stability before installing other software.

11. Seek Professional Help

If the issue persists, the problem could be hardware-related (e.g., motherboard or power delivery issues). Contact ASUS support or a local technician for a detailed hardware inspection.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting persistent BSODs, shutdowns, and freezes requires a systematic approach. By thoroughly testing hardware, isolating software conflicts, and keeping your system updated, you can pinpoint and resolve the issue. If these steps don’t resolve the problem, consider professional assistance to diagnose underlying hardware faults.