BSOD Random crashes - Bugcode_USB_Driver_Error 0x000000FE

well so far so good...... (where have I heard that before!). IF it doesn't crash over the weekend and I assume disabling the USB is the reason, would that prove that it is a USB hardware issue? They did change the motherboard which is connected to the ports. I think if they needed to physically change the USB ports, then this would actually involve replacing the entire base of the computer - i.e. a new computer? But I'm not complaining, so long as I keep the hard drive as re-installing does not fill me with joy!

The motherboard would have to be replaced if you wanted to change the USB ports, but I'm not sure if Dell would give a motherboard replacement or replace the entire computer, you would have to ask that question yourself.

This may help explain things:

• What Is a USB Selective Suspend? | eHow.com

The problem could be due to the USB driver or the USB ports, and in some cases both; but since you have reinstalled Windows then I think it may be more of a hardware issue.

Yes they have already replaced the motherboard - twice now! I'm assuming it's not a driver issue due to software installation twice but not sure what they can replace now as motherboard has been done. No crashes at all since I switched off USB Suspend?!

That's good so far, let's just wait and see what happens :)

Gone another day without crashes and can probably say this is the solution as it has not crashed since Friday when I enabled USB Suspension. I understand what that means but what I'm not clear on is what this means in terms of getting a permanent fix that does not require me to suspend USB? Although it's not a big deal and I'm delighted my laptop has not crashed, it does mean there is a problem somewhere and I'm not sure what this requires to make it a permanent fix? I guess Dell will know but as the motherboard has been replaced twice now, I'm assuming there must be something else at fault which can be replaced so that I can be confident it's a permanent fix? I also have all options to Sleep Mode switched off as this was also giving me grief but I think the two are connected. Many thanks Chris

That's good to know, and well all the crashes pointed to the USB driver, which is a Microsoft operating system file, and you have had a complete reinstallation of Windows, so I'm not entirely sure what the issue may be myself

You can try testing the power:

• NVIDIA/AMD Video Card - Test with OCCT

Select the Power Supply test and then upload the results.

Actually Dell did all the tests remotely, including the power. It may remain a mystery. It did once crash when I took the power cable out but it has often crashed when I do something as simple as moving the machine - which is why I felt there may be a hardware issue somewhere or a loose cable or something. But then it also crashed when I wasn't using it so who knows! I am sure that enabling suspension of the USB is the reason it hasn't crashed though because that's all I have done since the last crash. I could of course switch it back just to prove it - but not sure I can face seeing the BSOD again! I will see what Dell say. Again, thank you and I will get back to you will the final resolve. Chris

Let's see what Dell says and it's strange that there doesn't seem to be a real problem

Your welcome :)

And finally...... Dell have called today and said they will replace my Vostro130 with a brand new machine! However, they don't make the 130 any longer (I wonder why?!) so I would need to find something comparable. They are suggesting the Vostro 3360 but I need to check it out to make sure I am getting something of similar spec. I have also requested that perhaps they just reimburse me so i can make my own choice but I might be pushing my luck there!

Anyway, you will no longer have me harassing me with my laptop issues (hopefully) as this one is to be gone soon. Actually, I can safely say that there are no more BSOD so enabling the USB suspension definitely sorted it! However, Dell didn't ask so I didn't tell them - and anyway it still indicates there's an issue so no guilt feelings about that.

I just wanted to come back and say a HUGE thank you for all of you who contributed to my sorry little story and especially x BlueRobot for just being there to help me for what seems to have been going on forever. I am really very, very grateful for all your help. I think it's incredible that you give up your time to support people and it's really so much easier to cope with these mind-boggling technical issues when you know you can ask advice and get help on this really brilliant forum.

I'm not sure if my 'solution' was a 'solution' but I think I will 'Mark as Solved' just because I can - and actually it might help someone out there.

Bye from me and thanks again, REALLY!

Chris

Your very welcome, let's just hope you don't have the same issue with the new laptop :)