We go for #3. Here is what I got after trying to run a full virus scan and only got about half way through before crashing.

Kernel_Stack_image_error.

STOP: Stop 0X00000077 (0X000000B5, 0XC000000B5. 0X00000000, 0XE308000.

Eek, looks like registry corruption.

Given that new information, we've got additional evidence that there's something wrong with the SATA communications with the hard drive.

This particular BSOD usually indicates a drive error. Given that the computer keeps crashing while doing virus scans and chkdsks, and that the Dell diagnostics reported an SATA issue, that's quite possible. I'd recommend getting someone to replace the SATA cable between your main hard drive (if that's the drive you're scanning when the computer crashes) and your motherboard, and then testing the computer to see how it runs.

Another possible cause would be a RAM problem, so running a memory diagnostic would also be a good idea. However, given the symptoms, an SATA issue is much more likely.

If a replacement cable doesn't help, and a memory diagnostic comes up clean, then it's likely that either the hard drive or the motherboard has a problem.

I have someone coming over to look at it Tue or Wed. Is it safe to go ahead and use the computer?

Probably not. If there is a problem with the SATA communications, then it's possible the computer is writing bad data to the hard drive. That potentially could corrupt files or even the OS if it gets out of hand.

Or if the hard drive is failing, then continued use brings it closer to a potentially catastrophic failure.

So if you need to use the computer, use it sparingly.

P.S. What antivirus software are you using?

I am running AT&T Security Suite powered by McAfee.

Good enough. I did a quick 'net search, and not surprisingly I didn't find any correlations between McAfee installations and either of the two BSOD errors you've had, so at least we can eliminate your AV software as a candidate. (Although that was probably already eliminated when some of the chkdsks you ran resulted in BSODs)

We are thinking about getting a new computer and looking at the Dell Studio XPS 8100. We were wondering which of these video cards would be good for gaming.

Want to Boost Performance? A better video card improves multitasking and graphics.


ATI Radeon HD 5450 1GB DDR3 [Included in Price]
Dell Recommended

1024MB nVidia GeForce GT220 add $0.00
May delay your Studio XPS 8100 ship date

ATI Radeon HD 5670 1GB GDDR5 [add $49.00 or $2.00/month-1]

nVidia GeForce GTS240 1024MB GDDR3 [add $49.00 or $2.00/month-1]

ATI Radeon HD 5770 1024MB GDDR5 [add $127.40 or $4.00/month-1]

The HD 5770 is a great mid-range card, if you can afford it. It will run most things well at the moment, unless you're into FPS or other demanding games on a high resolution monitor, like Crysis at 1920x1200. It's more than enough to run adventure games.

The 5670 is a budget card, but adequate for modern adventure games and medium resolutions. It will struggle in some demanding games at higher resolutions.

The GTS240 is a slightly slower card in most games, and unlike the other two cards it lacks DirectX 11 support. It's about the bare minimum I'd recommend even if you're only playing adventures--but for the price the 5670 is a better buy.

Just ordered a Dell Studio XPS 8100 with the HD5770 card. Thanks much for all your help.

Will still try and find out what is wrong with this one and if it is not too expenseive, get it repaired.