BSOD 0xc0000001 0x00100950

I like it - a brave and determined soul. Still, a clean install is your best bet for a stable system.

A few final thoughts after a clean install:
Don't be too anxious to update everything at first. Follow the Dell install driver order guidelines and only update from the Dell site what you need. It takes a bit of work, but the end result is worth the effort.

Don't download the Dell bloatware unless you use it - each mfgr has it's own set of utilities that don't add much and often use resources that your machine could better utilize.

Run your machine in the "native" state for a few days and determine if you actually need an update - if things run fine it's better to run back level than to recreate the conditions that brought you here. If you experience issues, you might need to update one thing or another. Take small steps - figure out or ask what is causing the issue and fix only that issue.


Be aware of current security holes in commonly used programs. These issues will be resolved, but until they are, keep your system safe.

• Firefox is going through some difficulties containing holes after FF 12
  Recommend backlevel for FF
• Java version 7 is also going through difficulties containing holes
  Recommend no install or backlevel for Java. If your applications require Java, install version JRE 6.37 - select the correct Windows version (jre-6u37-windows-x64.exe for your system) - only select the x64 version if you run a 64 bit Browser (most folks don't) and tick the "I agree" radio button to download.

Keep your machine free of questionable software - Reg cleaners and auto-updaters are notorious for corrupting systems. See these threads for good tools, but tread lightly.
- FREE Great Programs for Windows 7 [2]
- Free Native 64-bit programs


I recommend only a few basic tools for your toolbox - note that you don't need all of these, but the tools are nice to have around. There are many more in the lists above.

• Required: Antivirus - there's a lot of opinions on which one to use.
  Windows 7 consumer security software providers- list major providers
  AV-Test Institute (AVTI) results - comparative tests
  -> I use free versions from: current Avast! - previous AVG
  What ever product you select - it is recommended to disable eMail scanning. This is considered a redundant feature and is known to cause problems with eMail clients. I chose not to install the real-time eMail, P2P, IM scanner features in Avast. That is a user's choice.
• Highly Recommended: MalwareBytes - standalone scanner. This scanner detects and cleans more threats. It's a nice addition to any real-time scanner.
• Highly Recommended: Piriform - makes cCleaner & Speccy. both are very good (yeah, cCleaner has a registry tool, but it's use is seldom recommend here - the file cleanup feature is more often recommended). Still it's best to use native Windows tools whenever possible.
• Belarc Advisor- Detailed profile of your system HW & SW
• CPU-Z - another good system profiler
• GPU-Z is a lightweight utility designed to give you all information about your video card and GPU

I use and can recommend free applications for Graphics editing (Gimp), Audio editing (Audacity), and Office Suite (Open Office). Each of these have proven excellent alternatives to retail software.

Don't just restore things from your backup - get fresh apps and import data from the backups and only if you need the data on a regular basis. Windows Live Mail is a good example - WLM 2011 was buggy, WLM 2012 is much better.

Again - take it slow, keep changes to a minimum unless required.

Ok, I'll check back if i think of anything else, but that's enough for the moment
- good working with you.

Bill
.

You are now officially a guru!
I await to hear from you after the clean install. I can't stress enough that the best recovery is slow and careful.

See you on the flip side.

Bill
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Startup beeps provide audio POST self-test codes that can identify the problematic component (most common easy solutions include keyboard, mouse, and monitor)

If the beeping is before the Dell screen, that's POST trying to tell you something. The wiki page (or related links at the bottom) might help you figure out the cause.

If the beeping is after the Dell or Windows screen then it's something else.

Since you're pursuing recompensation, I'll let sleeping dogs lie.

Thanks for the update and good luck

Bill
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