Frequent BSOD

Hi themaverick,

Thank you for the reply.

Would like to know if you performed 'advanced diagnostics' on 'Hard Drive' and 'Memory'; is important to verify the 'Hardware functionality'.

In the mean while, you may also use the computer in 'Safe Mode' to see if it still crumbles. To enter into 'Safe Mode' environment, power on the computer and at 'Dell splash screen' repeatedly tap 'F8 key'. Use 'arrow keys' to highlight 'Safe Mode' and tap 'Enter'.

Also try to capture details of 'Blue screen'; screen shot would be most useful. If the 'Blue screen' does not stay on the screen for long or causes an immediate crash, try the following steps:
- Power off the computer > Power it back on > All Dell logo repeatedly tap 'F8 key' > 'Advanced Startup Menu' appears > Use 'arrow keys' to highlight 'Disable automatic restart on system failure' > Tap 'Enter' (This will not crash the system after the 'Blue screen' and will allow you to capture the details)

Also share the current status of 'Device Manager'; please capture the details of all devices with any 'yellow mark' / 'exclamation mark'. You may use the following link to install the 'Ethernet card' drivers installed in Inspiron 580 (Compatible with Windows 7 64 bit): Driver Details | Dell United States

Hope this helps. Do reply with the findings.

Hi themaverick,

We did not have any conclusive evidence that suggested the 'Ethernet driver' in your system as the main culprit. Therefore its installation may or may not have fixed the issue.

Now that you've repaired/re-installed 'Windows', the issue should stay fixed if it originated due to 'software corruption'; was wondering if the 'custom test' on 'Hard Drive/Memory' had passed.

Good luck. Do reply if you have any further questions; would be glad to assist :)

Hi themaverick,

Thank you for the prompt reply; glad that the 'Memory Test' passed successfully.

It appears that you've performed a 'parallel installation' of 'Windows' (2 copies of 'Windows' on your computer). One of the 'Windows account' is the new environment and may also include a folder with 'old system configuration; and data' (Windows.old)

You may use the link to installed the 'Ethernet driver' that I shared in my previous post. I can also share steps that will 'discard' the 'old Windows copy' at 'Start-up' and will only open the new 'Windows environment'; however, that would be a work-around.

I would suggest you to backup all personal data from the computer from the following location (Windows.old in C drive) on an external media. Once data is backed up, you may perform a 'clean Windows re install'. That may provide you with more 'disk space' and 'stability'.

Do reply if you have any further questions; would be glad to assist.

Hi themaverick,

Thank you for the reply.

Wanted to check if you ran 'Custom Diagnostics' on 'Hard Drive' also; please share the results.
If no 'hardware issue' is detected in the 'diagnostic test', it indicates 'software corruption' and needs a 'fresh Windows Re-install'. (Note: Fresh re-install of 'Windows' leads to loss of data; please backup all personal files/folders/data on an external media before attempting the re-install)

You may use the 'Windows re-install media' for the re-installation; for detailed information check this link:
Windows 7 Manual Reinstall | Dell

Hope this helps. Let me know with the findings; would be glad to assist.