BSOD Random crashes - Bugcode_USB_Driver_Error 0x000000FE

Ha! I might have spoken too soon. I had not changed any of the power options and when I closed the lip the laptop went into sleep mode (as per the settings). However I was unable to get it out of sleep mode and ended up having to switch it off but before it did that the ?!?!?! BSOD (same error) was there! I am hoping this is just a problem with sleep mode as I have read before this can be an issue. Will monitor and get back if not. Actually, if I do get any further BSOD, it will just have to go back to Dell because I cannot do much more than re-install Windows!

Have you disabled sleep mode? Sleep mode can be issue as you have correctly said :)

Yes I have now! My laptop is going through a ton of updates so it might have been something to do with that also - although it seems odd that it was the same BSOD error! I had disabled it on the original version before the reinstall so that wasn't the issue originally. I will continue with the updates (some of the last lot have failed!) and see how it goes over the next few days. Think I will wire it up whilst it's updating - could be trying to update hundreds of windows files is not such a good idea on wireless! Thank you

Brogues said:

Yes I have now! My laptop is going through a ton of updates so it might have been something to do with that also - although it seems odd that it was the same BSOD error! I had disabled it on the original version before the reinstall so that wasn't the issue originally. I will continue with the updates (some of the last lot have failed!) and see how it goes over the next few days. Think I will wire it up whilst it's updating - could be trying to update hundreds of windows files is not such a good idea on wireless! Thank you

Your welcome, and remember to install the Optional Windows Updates too, it may take longer installing all the updates, but there is quite a few Windows Updates which improve the security and stability of the operating system.

Try and install the failed updates afterwards :)

yep I'm doing the lot - leaving nothing to chance here! I REALLY hope this works - I don't want to have to go through it again! The good news is (if it works) is that I have cleaned up my C drive and I'm now installing all programs (other than windows) my my D drive, including MS Office, etc. so should make life a bit easier if I do have to reinstall Windows again..... will keep you posted. Thanks again

No problem :) hope everything goes okay!

Well spent all day yesterday installing and updating windows files - the final ones being installed around 2AM this morning! Left it running and in the morning...... BSOD!! Can I swear on this forum? Probably not so please just use your imagination as to my reaction! I have called Dell and had a major tantrum and they are sending out a Dell Engineer tomorrow to replace some hardware parts. This doesn't fill me with confidence to be honest but at least if they do that and maybe reinstall Windows again (my broadband allowance may be pushed to it's limits this month!) then I am passing some responsibility to them at least. If that doesn't work, then I will ask them to come and collect the machine and take it away until it's fixed! Enough is enough! I have read so many forums on this problem and there never seems to be a 'resolve' so I will keep you posted and try and find out what the issue is and what the resolve was (if there is a resolve). In the meantime, I think I will take a visit to the AppleMac shop :)

Why did it have to crash?

The only cause, I can think of is, one of the USB ports may be faulty, but let's see what Dell find.

Well they have recently replaced the motherboard and they will replace it again tomorrow and various other bits and bobs. It has crashed several times this morning but I am beyond caring now. I know I have done absolutely everything I can do so it's almost satisfying to know it's out of my hands and there is nothing more for me to do to resolve this! I will update you after tomorrow sometime.

Well.... having waited in all day Tuesday for a Dell Engineer who couldn't be bothered to turn up, I eventually saw someone today who came on a booked appointment time after giving them hell (!) and and put a new hard drive, motherboard and memory into my machine. Have been installing all my apps today and so far, so good. However, I am definitely not holding my breath yet as I would want a week of no crashes before I can be sure that all is well - but I have to assume it will be or this laptop is going back to Dell and I will demand a new one (apparently if you have a Dell engineer more than 3 times on a similar call they normally replace). It's frustrating not to be able to confirm what the problem was (if it is fixed) as it is always helpful for others if there is a resolve. But given that I had already installed windows, then if it is fixed, I would have to assume that it was, after all, a hardware problem - we shall see. Will report back in about a week to confirm all is well. And again, thank you for your total support during my quest to resolve this. Chris