Solved BSOD Vista 64

After transferring files to a new Win 7 machine (connected and disconnected removable USB drive several times), I started to get BSOD's on the old Vista machine. I went into MSCONFIG and disabled all of the startup programs that I was comfortable with disabling, but the problem is still there. I ran jcgriff2 and attached the .zip, but I couldn't get the health report to run.
Thanks.

Welcome
Looks like this might be an easy solve
Make a system restore point to return to now, if things dont go as planned
The cause is your Symantec anti virus
Uninstall using the uninstall tool from their webite
Then install Microsoft Security Essentials
Then, cross your fingers and lets hope
https://www-secure.symantec.com/nor...10133834EN&product=home&version=1&pvid=f-home

After the Symantec uninstall, go to search and type cmd
In cmd type driverquery. Make sure that this driver is gone
SRTSPL64.SYS

That is the specific cause of your problem

For some reason, I don't have the "System Protection" tab in Control Panel. Is there another way to create a restore point?

Here you go
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/76332-system-restore-point-create.html

This is really strange, but when I run the "systempropertiesprotection.exe" command, it brings up the control panel window without the system protection tab. When I try to get in through accessories>system tools... it brings up old restore points to choose from. Do you think it's safe to proceed with those points as the backup?

Lets talk bottom line
I think that the solution that I gave you will work and prevent the BSODs.
If it does not, you may not like the result, and you will have to go back.
Now, its up to you. If things do not work out are you happy with those old dates or would you prefer a more current date?
After this is resolved, we will work on your system restore problem.
Are you sure that you followed the tutorial, carefully?
Never had that problem, before.

I was pretty careful in following the tutorial, especially after it didn't work the first time. The older restore dates are fine. I'm going to give the Norton uninstall a shot...

Wish you luck. Keep us posted.

The Norton program didn't complete the uninstall. I got the following error message "Symantec AntiVirus 9 or later must be uninstalled using Add/Remove Programs before uninstaller can proceed" Not sure if it matters, but the version of Symantec that I have is thru a volume license at work. I made sure used the correct Norton uninstall version.

Thats fine. The source of your software does not matter. The uninstall tool is suppose to completely remove the software. Sometimes add/remove programs leaves remnants. If we have problems we can download and use ccleaner to clean up the remnants.

I neglected to add that add/remove programs won't let me uninstall (I suspect because I'm in safe mode). Let me see if I can make this easier. This Vista machine was just "replaced" and will become my daughters computer. There isn't any important data on it, and I have a set of Vista disks to do a clean install. Is there a simpler way to proceed?

Yes, there is an easy way.
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/117366-clean-install-full-version-vista.html

Thanks! I'll going to give it a shot tomorrow. Kudos sent!

We wish you luck.
Keep us posted so that we both can enjoy the success or continue to help.

Just tried to install Vista and was stopped at the product key page. Got the following message:

"To use the product key you entered, start the installation from your existing version of Windows"

Can I do the installation from Windows in safe mode?

When asked for the key, do not enter. We will enter after all is installed. Lets see how that goes.

The "Next" button isn't highlighted, so I don't think there's a way to go further.

Edit: Disregard. It let me continue without the key. Running now...

If you install, post and I will give you instructions on how to validate. I am hopeful

EDIT:If you have installed the OS, you now have 30 days to activate. If it were me, I would install my programs, favorites, etc. Then when its just the way you want it activate.
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/84488-activate-vista-phone.html
I prefer this method because if you activate first and then you do not like or have probles with the software that you are trying to install, you may have to activate again. After a while they may not let you activate, again, without questions.
I would also make a copy of the hard drive after activation and then update monthly. This will allow you to use the image to reinstall if ever necessary.
http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.aspx

I am so hopeful that you will be successful, this is how you maintain the computer

As soon as you get home with your computer:

Dont install the antivirus software that pops up with instuctions to install.
Should be done at the end and this software, although probably free for a while,
will cost money down the road and is probably not the best.

Windows updates should be done immediately as you are vulnerable to problems
until updated; be sure to include office updates.

Adobe reader should be updated, the most recent version is a sandbox version which
reduces virus vulnerablity to your PDF files.

This is also the opportunity to download Adobe Flash Player

Download an alertative browser; ie FF or Chrome etc. In the event of problems with IE.

Remove any unwanted program bloat. They will slow up your computer and probably
cost money in the future.

Download your antivirus; Microsoft Security Essentials is suggested.

Make your recovery disc.

Now enjoy the internet.

To maintain your computer

10 Tips on How to Properly Maintain Your Computer

Steps that I did not notice on the guide include:

Running a scan disc before doing a defrag

Using Microsoft Security Essentials and Malwarebytes.

Making System Restore points, at least once a week

Makaing a system Image once a month (varies by user)

Not relying on your A/V common sense, should prevail. You know of many sites can cause a problem.

Do not use any reg cleaning or optimizing software.

Download and use Ccleaner about once every two months. Untick any registry entries.
http://www.piriform.com/

If you follow these instructions, you will be trouble free for a long time to come.

Be sure to back up your hard drive about once a month (varies by user) and to keeep system restore points up to date.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/w...er-performance

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/81176-speed-up-performance-vista.html

Thanks again for your help and the tips to keep the machine running smoothly!