Very Serious Studio XPS Problem - Help!

Last week, I faced some BSOD probs, but solved it by uninstalling the KB973879 Microsoft Update.

Things were relatively crash-free after that.

About a half hour ago I went to look at the downloaded but uninstalled MS Updates (horribly BAD idea) and picked some updates while unticking 2 of those KB#### updates.

I rebooted and the MS updates were doing it's update screen thing when suddenly a BSOD appeared. I restarted in safe mode and went to see if the previous KB973879 culprit was there.

It's not there so I restarted, but it took a long time and the screen just went black, but the notebook is still on. I then tried to press and hold the ON button, hoping for another reboot but nothing changed... then I closed the lid, unplugged the battery... but the comp is still on, the HDD led blinks, and the notebook just refuses to close itself as I type, it's been almost 20 minutes now since rebooting from safe mode.

What do I do? Help me!

My OS is Vista Premium 64 and I just got this notebook not more than 2 weeks ago.

DAMN YOU MICROSOFT!!!!!

 

Hey KaoriB, You restarted that thing yet?

 

I restarted by reading another thread on removing the batt.

Now, Startup Repair is going on, attempting repairs for the past 3 mins..

 

I figured you did not actually 'unplug' the battery... Have a read of a post I added regarding the BSOD some hours ago. I talk restoring to factory default and installing SP2. Might be just what you need.

 

It restarted but there's a "test mode" on the wallpaper's edges and the gadgetsidebar had a gray fill, I closed it and looked at the latest installed updates installed today.

Security Update for MS Win (KB972260)
Update for MS Win (KB969058)
Update for MS Win (KB973874)
Win IE 8

Are there known BSOD probs with the above list?

 

BSOD seems rare in Vista (Atleast on the systems I have used it on).

The only time I was getting it was down to a faulty stick of RAM. Problem with the BSOD is that there are so many things that could cause it.

I think the Dell diagnostics (F8 during startup I think?) can do a test of the RAM along with everything else and attempt to identify problems.

Otherwise you could try Memtest.

P.S
If you just got the laptop 2 weeks ago you probably qualify for the free upgrade to Windows 7 upon it's released. Very Nice OS

 

Yes, I registered and am awaiting W7. The previous KB was a confirmed issue.

Meanwhile, here's what happened since yesterday..

1. After the Startup Repair yesterday... and after login there's 'Test Mode' on all 4 sides of the wallpaper while the Vista effects are not on.. I tried to look up 'test mode' but could not find out how to restart normally.

2. I uninstalled all 3 Windows updates done yesterday except IE8. Then restarted.. the ShutDown took a long time and ended with a BSOD.... I think it was 'Power Driver Fail'? I forgot to remember the exact wording

3. Restarted in 'Last Good Configuration', rebooted and scheduled a Memory Diagnostics Tool run. Result: No mem probs.

Now, everything seems okay I guess, I don't know if ShutDown will trigger another BSOD but at the moment, how do I make this 'Test Mode' off and start Vista nomally?

 

My issue was fixed when I uninstalled that Win-update in Safe Mode, followed by reboot.