What is a general protection fault (GPF)?
Computer Doctor: GPFs are generally caused by software bugs or corrupted files, but they can also be caused by memory problems. They are the result of invalid instructions being given to the processor, which cause a violation of the processors protected mode of operation. A GPF means generally that a program (module xxx.exe) has committed an error causing it to access a location in memory which is outside of it’s allowed area. In other words, MOST of the time these are software problems (bugs or incompatibilities between different programs or drivers), but they can also be caused by literally ANY failing component in the system which can corrupt data either in memory or being transferred to or from it. This includes every single part in the machine, in fact from a hardware perspective I have found often that marginal power supplies are the cause of a flaky system such as you describe. It can also be caused by improper CMOS settings, an IDE cable too long or of improper impedance, mixin
