Bitcoin-qt synchronization stuck for 2 days or more

[minerg0d]

I have synchronized 0.8 version on a less powerful PC just last month.  Just built this upgraded PC and downloaded 0.8.1.  PC has been running for days now and still will not sync. 

I have seen some posts about a manual import but those files are accompanied by warnings about "do not use if you already have a wallet."

I used all the same files (restored from backups) to initially use 0.8, prior to 0.8.1. 

Synchronization keeps jumping from 1900 block to 800 block, then back to 1900, crawls to 1800, then back to 800, then back to 1900.  This has been going on now for at least 24 hours.  CPU usage is very minimal, HDD usage is very minimal according to Performance Monitoring.

Please help.

[RBMagillicutty]

I have synchronized 0.8 version on a less powerful PC just last month.  Just built this upgraded PC and downloaded 0.8.1.  PC has been running for days now and still will not sync.  

I have seen some posts about a manual import but those files are accompanied by warnings about "do not use if you already have a wallet."

I used all the same files (restored from backups) to initially use 0.8, prior to 0.8.1.  

Synchronization keeps jumping from 1900 block to 800 block, then back to 1900, crawls to 1800, then back to 800, then back to 1900.  This has been going on now for at least 24 hours.  CPU usage is very minimal, HDD usage is very minimal according to Performance Monitoring.

Please help.

There is a torrent you can download with most of the blockchain by Jeff Gzarik (sp), called bootstrap.dat , try loading that

Here it is:

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=145386.0



Tips if it works   1JgVTZa3xrAAwZwcMr65fR5ZHB3thd9oV3

[RBMagillicutty]

Actually I would delete everything but wallet.dat , reload, then put that bootstrap file in .... don't try to reuse old files from old computer (exxcept obvisouly wallet.dat)

[minerg0d]

Did this. Result:

"Database corrupted" And then asks to restart.

Deleted all local data, moved client to new directory and started fresh with backup wallet.  Result: crashed, with same message.

Rinse and repeat...Deleted all local data. Will restore wallet later IF I can get block chain to sync. 

I have seen other posts about this...am thinking about moving back down to 0.8. Have transactions hanging in the ether; I know they should be confirmed when I sync but this still makes me anxious.

[RBMagillicutty]

I have worked with pc's for 20+ years - I bet you have an issue with your PC - either the RAM is bad, or there is a mismatch between the motherboard and RAM. I've seen it many times.

You only see problems when using programs that stress the RAM/cpu, such as bitcoin-qt does

Do a memory diagnostic - Windows 7 and 8 have a built in one. Let it run overnight. If it passes, pick the advanced test and let that run overnight again.

Do not use your wallet on that PC until you are 100% sure there are no issues. Else you could courrupt it.


If it is not the ram, it could be the hard drive or sata cable connecting the drive. But that's less likely then a RAM issue

Good luck

[RBMagillicutty]

here's what I'm talking about

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/diagnosing-memory-problems-on-your-computer


if it passes, try the extended test (which is super slow and takes a long long time)

[RBMagillicutty]

another program to try is Prime95

http://www.mersenne.org/freesoft/

it has tortue test that should never fail, let it run overnight, if you get a single error then its hardware issue

(skip the login stuff... just use it for the benchmark/tortue test)


10,000's of people run bitcoin-qt with no errors... I doubt its a software bug.

[minerg0d]

I will gladly run these, but all hardware is brand new, right out of the box. No other errors with other programs.  CPU and RAM utilization is minimal anyway.

 But I will let you know...

[RBMagillicutty]

I have built 1000 of computers, all brand new parts, have had many problems like this!

Newegg.com once told me, about 5% of the parts they ship are defective, hard drives more like 7%.

It may be your ram is 100% fine, but motherboards come with a list called "QVL" (qualified vendor list), if your ram's model # is not listed on the QVL for your motherboard model's #, then it is offically not supported. Nobody really pays attention to this, but I have seen it cause problems! My own PC had this issue a few years back. RAM was fine, motherboard was fine, but they didn't like eachother.

anyway,
bitcoin-qt puts your ram+cpu at 100% when processesing the blockchain, it's the exact kind of program that would mess up if there was even the smallest issue.

[minerg0d]

Wow. I stand corrected. RAM failed test.  Thanks, I appreciate the help.

[Finkle]

slow inet = forever

[RBMagillicutty]

Wow. I stand corrected. RAM failed test.  Thanks, I appreciate the help.

Glad to hear you figured out what the issue was.

Like I said, RAM might be OK it just didn't like your motherboard's timings, etc. Try 1 stick instead of 2 and see what happens


I'm always hustling for tips so if you feel I helped & can spare a buck I'm 1MTw2PLNCEVUL6DQCNqBmGWwumXpDCW5GC

 

[minerg0d]

RBMagillicutty,

Just got this rig up and running, my first "real" rig. Once I have enough coin spare a buck, I will keep you in mind.  Again, thanks. 

Solved: bought new RAM suggested by memory maker for my motherboard.  Everything working like a charm.

[RBMagillicutty]

RBMagillicutty,

Just got this rig up and running, my first "real" rig. Once I have enough coin spare a buck, I will keep you in mind.  Again, thanks. 

Solved: bought new RAM suggested by memory maker for my motherboard.  Everything working like a charm.

Thanks!

And glad to hear it works.  I went through the same thing, spent a week pulling my hair out, could not figure out what was going on