BSOD while starting Windows 7 Ultimate

Hi pietronz.

Stop 0x9C is Machine Check Exception. Mostly caused by failing hardware.

But as you can run the computer in safe mode (without the load of drivers) and not in normal mode (with drivers' load), it might be a device driver that is causing the issue.

In safe mode, free up the startup. Windows does not need any other program to auto start with it, but the auto start programs often conflicts and causes various problems including BSODs.

1. Click on the Start button
2. Type “msconfig (without quotes), click the resulting link. It will open the system configuration window, with the "general" tab selected.
   
   • Click the "startup" tab. Click "Disable all" > Apply > OK.Click on "services" tab.
   • Check the "Hide all Microsoft Services"; Click "Disable all" > Apply > OK
   
   
3. Accept then restart.

Then try to boot again normally. Is it failing still?

So remove the GPU. Run the computer with onboard graphics (display is the major difference between normal and safe mode). Does it boot to normal mode?

If still not, follow the broad step by step guide: Stop 0x124 - what it means and what to try
I am suggesting it to you because actually stop 0x9C is a variant of stop 0x124. Stop 0x124 includes stop 0x9C in its scope.

Let the GPU in, but unplug the display adapter from it. Connect the monitor with the motherboards display output (VGA or DVI etc as applicable in your case).

Ah .... I missed that part.

I cannot verify the specs of Alienware m17x cause I am seeing only this message in dell's page.

Attachment 321840

But such a machine must have dual display.

Boot into the BIOS. Search for the display settings. Set the onboard graphics (Intel HD most probably) as the primary GPU and disable the dedicated GPU.
Then try to boot back.

I also see essenbe here. It will be our pleasure if we get his invaluable wise guidance. :) Please, Steve?

As far as it is running fine, you need not to be worried about the BIOS update.