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Friday, January 15, 2016

BSOD / Black Screen -> Processor Limited by System Firmware FIX

A frequently seen problem especially with Lenovo laptops.

Scenario

Your machine has a BSOD (blue screen of death) , The Screen turns off but the machine still appears to be on and other times it will just shutdown unexpectedly.

You will check Event Viewer like a good troubleshooter or possibly C:\Windows\MiniDumps for BSOD log if they are enabled

The event viewer will reveal the problem **

You will notice a Kernel-Processor-Power error

with general description of : The speed of processor 3 in group 0 is being limited by system firmware. The processor has been in this reduced performance state for 71 seconds since the last report.
(your msg will differ depending on number of processors and time)

the FIX

1. Update Bios

This is usually the most common fix , visit your motherboard manufacturers website or download a system update tool to download the latest update.

always check the website for the latest update , system update tools are very good and not showing you the latest versions of updates/drivers.

2. Update Docking station Firmware

This one is not as common , updating firmware for your docking station may correct the issue


3. Disable Intel SpeedStep

Intel speedstep often turns out to be the culprit and you will often find even when on the latest bios firmware that you will still see the firmware limited msg's in your event viewer. This is a clue that speedstep is reeking havoc.

Intel speedstep works by scaling clock speed to save power draw or minimize heat . Its basically power saving options for your CPU.

To Disable
- Restart your machine
- Enter your BIOS (usually by pressing delete or F1 upon boot)
- Navigate to Intel Speed step option and DISABLE
- happy days

I have seen this occur on some very new machines so its not just for the oldies

 thats all from me again, peace

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