I have a Dell XPS M1330 (the serial number on the back is all faded). Less than six months ago, I started having problems with it and had a reputable computer repair person tell me I needed a new hard drive. I checked with Dell to find out they aren't making that hard drive anymore (computer was only 18 months old) and they sold me a "remanufactured" one. The computer guys installed it but couldn't get some other stuff loaded on like AOL (my browser).

I have done most of the installations myself as of now. I am now getting the BSOD at start up. When I get the Window that states there was an unexpected error I click on More Info and have copied it below.

I checked a LOT of stuff on the internet on what to do. Here's another problem: When I click on Windows Update and then View Update History there are a TON of updates listed. Most of them installed; some of them failed (looks like most of the failures were Service Pack 2; yes, I have Service Pack 1 on the computer) and Windows Search 4.0 for Windows Vista (KB940157). However, when I click on Installed Updates it only shows six updates total! Even though the prior page shows a lot more!

Another HUGE problem: I am taking the Bar Exam in two weeks. I had to download and install SofTest to take the Bar. It can only be installed on one computer. So far, it still appears to be on here, but I am scared to death that if I try to do anything to fix this BSOD now, it will somehow mess with the SofTest and I won't be able to use it to take the Bar. On the other hand, if I don't do anything, I could get the BSOD on the day of the Exam and be totally screwed. HELP!

Here is what I received after both BSODs today:
C:\Windows\Minidump\Mini020811-02.dmp
C:\Users\Linda\AppData\Local\Temp\WER-47377-0.sysdata.xml
C:\Users\Linda\AppData\Local\Temp\WER28C4.tmp.version.txt

Problem signature:
Problem Event Name:a BlueScreen
OS Version: 6.0.6001.2.1.0.768.3
Locale ID: 1033

Additional information about the problem:
BCCode: 50
BCP1: B5000000
BCP2: 00000000
BCP3: 828F5793
BCP4: 00000000
OS Version: 6_0_6001
Service Pack: 1_0
Product: 768_1

Problem Event Name: APPCRASH
Application Name: Dwm.exe
Application Version: 6.0.6001.18000
Application Timestamp: 47918c97
Fault Module Name: ntdll.dll
Fault Module Version: 6.0.6001.18000
Fault Module Timestamp: 4791a7a6
Exception Code: c0000005
Exception Offset: 000659c3
OS Version: 6.0.6001.2.1.0.768.3
Locale ID: 1033
Additional Information 1: fd00
Additional Information 2: ea6f5fe8924aaa756324d57f87834160
Additional Information 3: fd00
Additional Information 4: ea6f5fe8924aaa756324d57f87834160

Extra information about the problem
Bucket ID: 632095908

SECOND TIME:
Problem signature:
Problem Event Name: BlueScreen
OS Version: 6.0.6001.2.1.0.768.3
Locale ID: 1033

Additional information about the problem:
BCCode: 50
BCP1: FDC2087C
BCP2: 00000001
BCP3: 9573F935
BCP4: 00000000
OS Version: 6_0_6001
Service Pack: 1_0
Product: 768_1

Files that help describe the problem:
C:\Windows\Minidump\Mini020811-03.dmp
C:\Users\Linda\AppData\Local\Temp\WER-41106-0.sysdata.xml
C:\Users\Linda\AppData\Local\Temp\WERA41B.tmp.version.txt

Okay, here's the best I could do. I followed your instructions, however, I could not save the perfmon file as an HTML. I had no option, that I could find, to save it that way.
In the meantime, I installed Ad-Aware, and was suspicious after the first scan that it was not right. I tried to uninstall it, and can't. It says it can't locate the file. I'm not sure if that is important or not but there you go.

Thanks, Captain Jack. I actually uninstalled StopZilla about a week ago (less than two days after I had it). I had the BSOD twice yesterday. Any other ideas?

Thanks again, Jack. I have been trying to uninstall LavaSoft but it keeps saying that the file can't be found in
C:\users\Linda\AppData\Local\Temp\mia1\welcome.dfm
So, I went to Programs from the Start Menu, found LavaSoft and Cut all those files to that folder on the C drive and tried to uninstall it again but I got the same message. I then deleted all the LavaSoft files/folders (to Recycle Bin). I no longer have LavaSoft under Programs on the Start Menu but if I go to the Control Panel and click on Programs and Features it shows AdAware right there and I can't uninstall it!

I will do the other stuff, however, and get back to you.

Do you think there can be any connection to the BSOD and my internet connection? I notice it seems to happen more (I think) if I am on Wi-Fi than WWAN through my Verizon Broadband device.

Also, I already uninstalled and reinstalled FireFox. I need to know of a "safe" place to go to try to do that again. I need a link to a safe download for FireFox if you know of one.

Oh, should I run the Hardware Diagnostics in Safe Mode or Normal Mode?