Windows 7: Frequent BSOD

My Dell Inspiron Desktop is crashing to BSOD many times per day (not stable for more than 10 minutes). This happened 2 months ago and I couldn't restore as there were no restore points and this is the same again - there is one restore point to 3 days ago but it won't work which is the problem I had 2 months ago. This is despite following advice here and setting it up to make regular restore points.

Is there a way out of this without a windows reinstall?

Hi themaverick,

'BSODs' may occur due to a 'Hardware issue' also; please run 'Hardware Diagnostics' to check 'Hardware functionality'. If no 'hardware issue' is detected, you may share the 'Mini-dump' for better understanding.

To run 'Diagnostics' please refer to the following steps:
- Power off the computer
- Power it back on and at 'Dell splash screen', repeatedly tap 'F12 key'
- Use 'arrow key' to highlight 'Diagnostics' and tap 'Enter'
- If no 'error occurs' you may run 'Custom Test' on 'Hard Drive' and 'Memory' (Custom Test is an advanced diagnostic test)
- Capture error message, if any

Have a look at the following 'web article' for detailed steps on running 'Diagnostics': http://dell.to/OUGnqT
You may find the video on 'Hardware Diagnostic' useful: Video Support Center

If no 'Hardware issue' is detected, please share the details of 'Mini-Dump' for further research: http://www.sevenforums.com/crashes-d...tructions.html

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

OK - No errors from diagnostic test (F12) :

Not sure what to do next:

If no 'error occurs' you may run 'Custom Test' on 'Hard Drive' and 'Memory' (

Hope I've done this right!

Hi themaverick,

Thank you for the prompt reply.

Good that the basic 'Hardware Diagnostics' have passed; appears that you were not able to run the 'Custom Test' on 'Hard Drive / Memory'.

To initiate the 'Custom Test', please follow the steps listed below:
- Run basic diagnostics (as before)
- After the completion of 'basic diagnostics' a prompt appears: 'Would you like to run the remaining memory tests' > Select 'No'
- Select option 'Boot to utility partition' > You should be able to select the option of 'Custom Test'
- Run 'Custom Test' on 'Hard Drive' and 'Memory' one by one > Capture errors if any

Thank you for sharing the 'log files'. They are just about fine; only the 'mini dump' is missing. You may share the 'mini dump' using the following steps:
- Navigate to C:\Windows\Minidump and tap 'Enter' > Share all 'mini dump files' / You may also copy all files in a single folder and compress (using Winzip/Winrar) > Share this folder for more research

Do reply with the findings; glad to assist.

Hey Maverick,

Just a thought, can you boot the computer into safe mode (F8) and see if your BSOD stops, if it does then its quite likely that its a software/driver related issue...just to eliminate that as a cause?

Cheers

Dave

I have navigated here:

C:\Windows\Minidump

But the folder is empty.

Hi Maverick,

1.Click Start, point to Computer, and then click System Properties.

2.Click the Advanced system settings in left pane, and then click Settings under Startup and Recovery.
3.In the Write debugging information list, click Small memory dump

And on your next BSOD your minidump files should be present.

Hope this helps

cheers

dave

Is this right click on computer? I cant see start up and recovery.

Hi Maverick,

Click start, left click computer in menu or just open up "computer" on your desktop.
Top left menu....left click system properties...then you should see Advanced system settings on the left pane which should bring up the System properties box in which you will then see Start up recovery.

Then hopefully you can get your minidump files and Saurabh will be able to assist you further.
Cheers Dave