Can only recover from BSOD by unplugging all USB devices

Been posting my problem in somebody's closed thread. My bad.

So, here my problem in my very own new thread.

PC slows down, then locks up, then does the BSOD thing. Sometimes with very few things open. (email and a magazine reader) Sometimes with lots of things open. (powerpoint, email, Bible study software, video editor, youtube downloader, etc)

If I've done it right, the zipped dump file is attached.

Here are the system specs.

CPU: Intel Core i7-2600K CPU @ 3.4GHz

Motherboard: ASUS TeK Computer INC. P8P67 PRO

BIOS: BIOS Date: 02/05/10 19:13:52 Ver: 08.00.10

Total Memory: 16.00 GB Usable 15.98 GB

HDD: (1)OCZ-VERTEX3 (2)SAMSUBG HD204UI (3)HP Photosmart 8200 USB Device (4)Lexar Jump Drive (5)Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex (6)WD My Book 1140 USB Device (7)WD My Book 1140 USB Device

Sound Card: (1)Realtek High Definition Audio (2) USB Audio Device (3, 4, 5 and 7)NVIDIA High Definition Audio (6)Dazzle DVC100 Audio Device

Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560Ti

OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1

Thanks for help.

I can't find the "C:\windows\minidump folder". I got as far as "C:\windows" But, no "minidump folder" is there.

Just checked the original post I sent and it shows the BSOD dump files was attached. I even opened and looked at the contents. There are 7 document files and 1 system information file attached.

So, I've attached the zipped folder again. From the desktop. According to the preview page the files are attached.

I also checked out Dump Files - Configure Windows to Create on BSOD but, am confused. Which is my fault. Not yours. Do I need to do these steps to get the dump file in a "minidump" folder in the C drive? Not sure why the dump file would load from there but not my desktop. But, what do I know.

Also, how do I make sure my firmware for my SSD is up to date?

OK folks. I must be dumber than a rock.

As best as I can understand it and follow directions I have tried every way suggested to get a minidump.

I've used the Windows Seven "SF Diagnostic Tool". Twice. I learned the first time that you need to drag the tool off to the side of the monitor because if you don't you can't get to and click the various "OK" buttons that appear behind the tool face. Had to shut the PC completely down and start over. Now that I have run this tool twice I now have on my desktop two separate "SF" folders. The first one has the stuff I have sent twice before but apparently isn't getting to you. Or, is the wrong stuff. The other folder has the new info in it. But, I'm not sending it because, based on the earlier attempts, something will happen to it and the contents won't get to you. Or, it would be another copy of the wrong stuff.

In both of these folders there are a list of documents. But none are named "minidump".

I also downloaded and ran the "Create Minidump" tool. (I ran it twice.) But, I can't find where the results are. So, again, nothing to attach and send.

I did the "show hidden folders" thing so I could see the "minidump" folder in "C\Windows\". Even checked it twice to be sure everything was checked as directed. But, still no "minidump" folder in "C\Windows\".

I have done the steps in both "Option 1" and "Option 2" to try to get the "minidump".

I must be "maxi-dumb" 'cause I can't find the "minidump" even though the tools have been run and run and run again.

What am I doing wrong?

Thanks

If (and that is a big word with me in the process) I have done this right, there is a slide attached.

On that slide are two questions. Trying to be sure I understand this process right.

As I understand it, I can't send a minidump file until I have another BSOD event that will cause a file to be created.

That's kind of like having a kidney stone. They hurt like the devil. But, if they aren't hurting then they aren't moving and that means you are stuck with it and the doctor will have to cut or blast it outta' ya. The pain is beyond awful. But, the cure is wonderful.

Likewise, I don't want another BSOD. But, I actually need one so I can get a minidump file to send to you brilliant folks who are being so kind with this dumb country boy.

Am I right in understanding there is not a way to get a minidump from a BSOD event that happened before I loaded these two tools? (SF Diagnostic tool and the Create Minidump tool)

Thanks folks.

MeAgain

PS: Notice on the slide that the SF Diagnostic tool is set off to the side a bit. Per my previous note, the "OK" buttons come up behind the tool if you leave it in the middle of the screen and you can't get to them. Only way I could get out of it was to shut the PC down and start over.

Well, I finally figured something out right.

Thanks for reply.

Sometimes these BSODs come along frequently.

Sometimes, it'll be 3-5 weeks between them.

So, if OK with you folks how about we just leave this thread open until I have another BSOD and hope there is a minidump file so send you.

Meanwhile, there is one open question. How do I check to see if my SSD has the most current firmware and where do I get any updates?

I was running Slimdriver for a while to find out what updates were needed and then go get them from inside slimdriver. But, about 3 weeks ago I started getting a warning that the slimdriver tool didn't have a "digitally signed driver" and I stopped using it. (Driver: Unknown Publisher. Service: SWDUMon. Publisher: Unknown Publisher. Location: C:\Windows\Syste...\SWDUMon.sys)

Thanks again.

MeAgain