Windows 7: BSOD every time a few seconds after startup

Okay, go ahead.



I'll wait for an update.

I am stuck on trying to update the BIOS. I downloaded the Toshiba BIOS Launcher fine but the problem is when I try to run it from Safe mode it tells me that it can't be run from safe mode. But whenever I boot into normal mode, I get the BSOD error, so my only choice (I think?) is to boot into safe mode.

I have searched on google for a solution to this but have not found one
I spoke with Toshiba Tech Support and, unfortunately, they confirmed that the machine is out of warranty.

I asked about updating the BIOS from safe mode and the rep told me that (1) I would need to speak to tier 2 support, but (2) they won't be available til tomorrow morning.

The rep also suggested that I might consider wiping the machine and starting over with factory defaults. I suppose as a last resort I can try that but obviously would prefer not to have to do that if I can.

So, would appreciate any thoughts on whether there is a way to update the BIOS when I can't boot into normal mode.

Thanks

OK, hold the BIOS update for now

Enable Driver Verifier for 36 hours
Driver Verifier - Enable and Disable
Post the dumps if you get any with verifier enabled

Q: What's the purpose of enabling verifier?
A: "testing" drivers for bugs. If it finds one, a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) will result; the corresponding dump file will hopefully show the faulty driver. After we update those drivers, we hope for no more blue screens.

Q: How do I know if verifier is enabled and doing its work?
A: Your system will be laggy

I'm not quite sure what to make of this but somehow after I enable driver verifier, I was able to boot into normal mode and
1) update the bios
2) install windows updates
ALTHOUGH I also am periodically getting a spontaneous shutdown and the machine throws an error when I try to do statup repair.


Here's what happened
1) I enabled driver verifier per instructions in the tutorial
2) restarted in normal mode
3) got a spontaneous shut down
4) on restart, was given the option for "startup repair"
5) chose start up repair but then got an error message f3-f100-0010
6) hit ok on that dialog box (which was the only option presented) and the machine powered down
7) restarted and got the same options: repair or startup normally
8) chose startup normally
9) this time it booted in normal mode and I was able to update the BIOS
10) after BIOS updated, the machine restarted
11) AGAIN got the problem where the machine spontaneously turned off (before booting up)
12) AGAIN got the option for startup repair but selected start up normally
13) Machine booted in normal mode
14) I went to windows update and selected install updates
15) These are installing right now
Not sure what to do now
1) are there any more files I should post to this thread?
2) should I run the memory test suggested earlier?
3) should I sign up for Toshiba online backup and or Carbonite right now and back up the system in case I need to do a clean install?
Thanks again for all your advice and assistance

Thanks for the detailed post.
Yes make a back up in case of a re-install.

Are you still getting the start-up repair loops?
See if this tutorial helps:
Startup Repair Infinite Loop Recovery

Ok, I've been trying to install Carbonite and along the way I've gotten a few more BSODs. I've uploaded the latest version of the files from SF Diagnostic Tool. Would be grateful for any insights that can be gleaned from the latest set of .dmp files.

Was this with verifier enabled?

When you upload dumps again, just upload the newest ones

Yes this was with verifier enabled.

I just ran SF Diagnostic Tool again and then created a zip file with the most recent ones (from last night after 10 pm)

Is this the necessary info?

Thanks

Umm I think you need to do the memtest now..
See why:

Got it. thanks.

I will run memtest tonight when I get home from work.

thanks again.