Try running the free version of WhoCrashed. WhoCrashed will analyze the crash dump files available on your computer and create a conclusion. It will inform you about responsible drivers and offer suggestions on how to proceed. I ran it on my system but did not have any dump files to analyze.

Try running the free version of WhoCrashed. WhoCrashed will analyze the crash dump files available on your computer and create a conclusion. It will inform you about responsible drivers and offer suggestions on how to proceed. I ran it on my system but did not have any dump files to analyze.

Unfortunately, all it identifies is the fact that it's the driver.  I've called tech support twice and will have to do so again wasting hours of time uninstalling, reinstalling drivers to no avail.  opening the box pulling out the GPU, rearranging cables, reassembling to no avail.  A brand new computer (top of the line X51 w/ the GTX 555) simply should not be doing this.  What poor quality control on Dell / Alienware's part.  just type in X51 Blue Screen and you can clearly see a lot of folks are having this problem.  I don't know what DELL / Alienware is going to do about this problem.

crash dump file: C:\Windows\Minidump\050712-23946-01.dmp
This was probably
caused by the following module: nvlddmkm.sys (nvlddmkm+0xC3BAE4)
Bugcheck code:
0x116 (0xFFFFFA800AA4E0E0, 0xFFFFF8800FCA2AE4, 0xFFFFFFFFC000009A,
0x4)
Error: VIDEO_TDR_ERROR
file path:
C:\Windows\system32\drivers\nvlddmkm.sys
product: NVIDIA Windows Kernel Mode Driver, Version 285.66

company: NVIDIA
Corporation
description: NVIDIA Windows Kernel Mode Driver,
Version 285.66
Bug check description: This indicates that an attempt to
reset the display driver and recover from a timeout failed.
A third party
driver was identified as the probable root cause of this system error. It is
suggested you look for an update for the following driver: nvlddmkm.sys (NVIDIA
Windows Kernel Mode Driver, Version 285.66 , NVIDIA Corporation).
Google
query: nvlddmkm.sys NVIDIA Corporation VIDEO_TDR_ERROR

@tomgunn711

This issue has been solved !!!!

All you have to do is install the Nvidia Beta driver is not  a Dell issue,  is an Nvidia issue no one has that problem with AMD cards on the x51

it has not been solved.  I have had new drivers installed twice by two different Alienware techs via remote control. 

This is most certainly a Dell issue as I order this computer brand new from Dell and did not modify it in any way.  The problem is from a new computer.

@tomgunn711

1. AO2 Bios

2. 301.24 BETA Nvidia drivers

Regards,

Ps  If that don't fix your issue, contact DELL support you be looking for hardware issue good luck!! 

@tomgunn711   1. AO2 Bios   2. 301.24 BETA Nvidia drivers   Regards,     Ps  If that don't fix your issue, contact DELL support you be looking for hardware issue good luck!!

Just to add that when you do step 2 make sure you do a full clean of the old drivers with CCleaner before installing the new ones. Uninstall the drivers, run CCleaner and do the reg cleaner part. Reboot and then install the drivers direct from Nvidia. There is a very good chance that a clean driver install will fix it for you so don't give up to fast. Read the FAQ at the top of the forums for more help.

http://en.community.dell.com/owners-club/alienware/f/3746/p/20102312/reply.aspx?tsid=62dd5434-cff4-4726-8a01-802b19d7168d

I think the 03 bios is for the new CPUs that are now available on the x51,  so as we don't know I think stay on 02 and do the beta driver update good luck !

I notice the A03 BIOS update is now available.  Is it reccomended to upgrade to this and then install the 301.24 BETA drivers?

I am having the same issue as the OP, and wondered if the A03 update would change the effectiveness of the BETA driver.

Thanks.

SOLRAC135,

Thanks for the advice... after many attempts to solve the BSD via support - I think I'm okay now.  Here's what we did:

1. AO2 bios

2. 295.73 Nvidia driver (I think at least 3 different driver replacements were attempted)

3. physically removed the GPU card, replaced (the power cord was already in the correct retaining clip)  - note that it still crashed upon only doing this so I don't think this did anything.

4. had external power adapter replaced

5. in the Nvidia control panel, under 3D acceleration, set graphics acceleration to integrated graphics for Firefox

6. Ceased to use Firefox - this may be the most important action I took.

I have no idea which of the above actions worked, but at least it hasn't crashed yet.  Ridiculous that all this time was wasted for a new $1150 computer.  Cheers.  

@Tomgunn711

My pleasure 

I am glad your night mere is over now, the one that did it is 301.24 BETA Nvidia driver !!!!