Vista - "Blue Screen, Unable to Start"

Seems like alot of this going around. I read that I should open my own thread so as to not mix issues with other users.

Key features:
Dell XPS 420
Vista Home Premium 32bit SP1 (just installed)
GEForce 528MB grapics card
PC-Cillin

Had some issues with my mouse (USB device not recognized), and had an occasional time where computer would not respond after going into sleep mode and I'd have to hit the power button. Seemed to become more frequent, and then this.

Only recent event was installing SP1 for Vista, but problem was already appearing prior to that.

Now:
I'm not able to boot the computer, getting the "carpet texture" on my screen and it freezes up, not able to finish booting.

Ran dell diagnostics, indicated no hardware issue and no new hardware installed. I do have a blue tooth phone now, but have not syncd them up. Ran memory diagnostic tool, no memory issues.

From what I've read elsewhere, sounds like a driver problem. I'd like to avoid reinstalling if possible.

I see lots of references to memory dumps, and txt files that will tell me what the problem is, but I am not an expert on where to find these files and how to get my computer to load far enough to access them.

I'm trying a few tricks I read about on other threads now -- but I think I need more help from you all.

I'm currently having trouble even getting the computer to boot up -- even in safe mode it is not booting. Startup repair obviously has not helped (though it did a few times within the last week). Last good config and system restore not helping.


Thank you for your help

Adam

Here is the error message:

Problem signature:
Problem Event Name: BlueScreen
OS Version: 6.0.6000.2.0.0.768.3
Locale ID: 1033

Additional information about the problem:
BCCode: 124
BCP1: 00000000
BCP2: 8508B5A0
BCP3: B2000040
BCP4: 00000800
OS Version: 6_0_6000
Service Pack: 0_0
Product: 768_1

Files that help describe the problem:
C:\Windows\Minidump\Mini092808-01.dmp
C:\Users\Adam\AppData\Local\Temp\WER-80231-0.sysdata.xml
C:\Users\Adam\AppData\Local\Temp\WER8C6.tmp.version.txt

you could also try a restoring the system back to factory default. that is if you can, through the menus you can access.....

after restoring to factory default, login and run windows update (note. only install security updates at this time) and install any anti-virus etc....

then install SP1..

if the system seems to be running without any problems. update the drivers (except the the ones that were downloaded when the problems started....

if you cant get to the restore screen... it may be worth calling microsoft and see if they can send you a replacement install disk. they should ask you for your software serial number (printed on a sticker on your machine). there may be a cost for a replacement

hope it helps....

scousa4lyf: thank you -- check this out. I think the real problem is being caused by a video issue.
I'm working on it now. drivers on video card are good. Trying to determine what this error REALLY means.
I can get into my computer via a convoluted process of safe mode, repair, not restore to previous, etc. takes 1/2 an hour.....

I have 36 of these errors listed in my event log in the LAST HOUR (when I worked through my startup process.....I think we have a culprit.

Description
A problem with your video hardware caused Windows to stop working correctly.

Problem signature
Problem Event Name: LiveKernelEvent
OS Version: 6.0.6000.2.0.0.768.3
Locale ID: 1033

Files that help describe the problem
WD-20081002-0718.dmp
sysdata.xml
Version.txt

[IMG]file:///C:/Users/Adam/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtml1/01/clip_image002.jpg[/IMG]View a temporary copy of these files
Warning: If a virus or other security threat caused the problem, opening a copy of the files could harm your computer.

Extra information about the problem
BCCode: 117
BCP1: 890C5008
BCP2: 8E62DC90
BCP3: 00000000
BCP4: 00000000
OS Version: 6_0_6000
Service Pack: 0_0
Product: 768_1

do you have an all in one security centre e.g. norton, Mcafee, Kaspersky etc..

if you do, check it has a script monitor turned ON

and then check to see if there is an update for your security centre...

if there is, download, install and then run a full system virus scan..

if there isnt, just run a scan anyway..

the fact it is a IMG file, it can have a virus/spyware hidden within the data, just like video's and music from the internet...
#
if it does have a virus, quarantine it and then remove it from your computer, but if it doesnt, try the following.

if your security centre has a document/file shredder, i would suggest you copy and paste the file path. and then use the shredder to remove it... all digi-shredders have the capability to shread music, video, images, txt., and many more formats of media

let me know if this helps....

I'm back -- computer actually booted up okay (I was gone for two weeks, it must have missed torturing me) -- I updated and ran my virus checker (PCillin) -- didn't turn up a single thing. I got rid of that file -- have not seen that error again -- now back to this one.

Now, problems are back again.

Still a Bluescreen
BCCode: 116
BCP1: 8911C008
BCP2: 8E22DC90
BCP3: 00000000
BCP4: 00000002

I also found a USB related error, unplugged all USB and it booted correctly, once. Then back to same problem.

I updated to V SP1 -- heard that there might be a connection between USB errors and that -- no help there. Same problems.

How can I read what is in a mini.dmp file? Is there info in there that can help diagnose?

Losing my patience with this thing......

Bottom line, does this sound like a situation where I should restore to factory defaults and "begin again" again this machine? Or does it seem like a hardware issue?

My little brain sees multiple problems moving here.

before factory restoring, you could try a startup repair, if you can get it to this stage that is.. but if not, the quickest way would be to factory restore.... you should however make a quick back up (just file's you want to keep, and not a full system back up) to a external hard drive or alternative storage device... just make sure you are not going to lose any purchased software's, if you do find a program that you paid a subscription for, check with the manufacturer of the product to ensure you can get a copy/replacement/re-installation of it...

let me know how things go.. thanx