Aurora R1 - Blue Screens, Lockups, and Shutdowns Oh my!

I have been experiencing numerous Blue Screen errors, shutdowns, and lockups over the past year (almost always during startup) on my Alienware Aurora R1. These issues sometimes disappear for a few days but always come back. I have updated and reinstalled my Alienware Command Center and drivers to no avail. Also, I have been researching and correcting various errors and warnings in the event log, which have not fixed the problem.

I have also done hardware checks, multiple virus scans, and a disc check that all came back negative.

Any help is appreciated.

 

Blue screens are usually cause of two possibilities:
1. Faulty hardware
2. Faulty drivers

In these days faulty drivers are actually very rare so in your place I would check all components one by one on your Alienware for the one causing error. For example, I have faulty GPU on my m15x and every 10th cold boot I have blue screen because of GPU Ram cold soldering points. You can temporary fix it by doing oven trick, but it does not last.

 

This^

Download and run a couple passes overnight of Memtest 86+. If all passes then we at least know your ram is good.

Next check the HD. The best one I have ever used is PC Doctor but that isn't free. Check around and I am sure you can find a free alternative to check the HD. Most disc manufactures (Western Digital, Seagate, etc.) offer free bootable downloadable iso's you can burn that contain a disk checking utility.

If that passes have you monitored your temps? A PC can BSOD if temps are getting up there. Using tools like HWMonitor with Prime95 you can stress test a while and make sure your CPU is not overheating. Can do the same with the videocard as well using something like FurMark.

Report back with results and we can help.