I carried out rhe first check (I have also done SFC .Scannow). On reboot I had a blue screen with:

STOP:

(0x0000000000000003, 0xFFFFFA8006154910, 0xFFFFFA8006154BF0, 0xFFFFF80003DDF460)

Collecting data and initialising data did not move

Hi JohnP90,

It might be an issue with the software or the hardware of the computer. I would suggest you to try the following steps. Run the diagnostics to check the hardware functionality.

To run ‘Dell Diagnostics’

• Power off the computer
• Restart the computer, press F12 on the Dell logo
• Select ‘Diagnostics’ from the boot menu
• Please refer to the link if any error code shows up http://dell.to/OUGnqT

Alternatively, check in Safe mode:

• Power off the computer
• Restart the computer, tap F8 on Dell logo 2-3 times
• This will take you to ‘Windows Advanced Boot Options’
• Choose ‘Safe Mode’ in the Advanced Boot menu (use ‘up’ or ‘down’ arrow keys to highlight the option, press ‘enter’ to select)
• When Windows finishes loading in Safe mode, work on the computer for few hours and check if the issue persists

To know more about Dell’s products, services, drivers & downloads, please go to http://dell.to/QjjZDA
Please reply if you have any questions.

I was really hoping to avoid this - not so much because of data loss - more one of losing settings and having ot reconfigure so much.

Hi JohnP90,

Thank you for the response. If the diagnostics have passed, you may perform PC restore, which means taking the computer back to factory defaults to eradicate any software issues.

Note: We would advise you to take a complete backup of your data (pictures, music, videos, and documents) as this step leads to complete data loss. Please disconnect any external peripherals as well.

To perform PC restore:

• Restart PC, press 3-4 times when the Dell logo appears.
• Advanced Boot Options menu appears, ‘Repair your Computer' is highlighted, press Enter. (Use the arrow keys to highlight your choice)
• Windows is loading files screen appears. Wait for it to load.
• System Recovery Options prompt appears. Specify the language and keyboard input that you want, and then click ‘Next’.
• Log in as a user who has administrative credentials; select the username from the drop-down list, type the password and click OK.
• Choose a Recovery Tool Window appears, select Dell Data Safe Restore and Emergency Backup.
• The Welcome screen will show 2 options; Restore computer and preserve my new or changed files and Select other System Backup and more options. Select the second option (Select other System Backup and more options) and click Next.
• The next window shows these options; Backup Files and folders and Restore my computer. Select ‘Restore my computer’.
• Select the Factory Image and click ‘Next’.
• The next window shows 2 options; 'Preserve new or changed files before restoring to selected System Backup' and 'Restore without preserving new or changed files'. Select the second option (Restore without preserving new or changed files) and click Next.
• A prompt appears stating that your computer is about to be restored all data currently on your computer will be deleted and replaced with your selected Full System Backup. If an Emergency File & Folder Backup was created, it will still be saved at the location you selected. Click 'Yes, continue' and click Next.
• PC restore will initiate. Once done, click Restart.
• Follow the onscreen instructions to create a user account

You may refer to the link http://dell.to/Wj1rZe

Please reply if you have any questions.

Hi JohnP90,

I understand your dilemma. However, performing PC Restore will eliminate any software issues with the system.
Please reply if you have any further questions.