Same problem with my XPS M1330. After installing Windows Vista Updates (which of course is done automatically) I experienced the same behaviour: white stripes, blue screen, etc. (Booting in save mode was possible)

After a fresh installation of Windows Vista, the problems were gone BUT downloading and installing the Windows Updates lead to a similar behaviour except that I couldn't even boot into save mode.

Perhaps this has something todo with the SP1 Updates? I read in some articles that there may be severe problems after installing (I'm not sure if SP1 is even installed, Vista is so nontransparent, unbelievable ...)

I hope I can get a downgrade to Windows XP, but first I have to figure out if this is possible and whom to contact (don't really want to call the expensive software hotline).

In the meantime I have a dual boot: non updated Vista / Linux. The latter only as a fallback to boot my so beloved XPS :-) in case of another failure.

Hopefully someone has some hints.

Best,

West 

Perhaps this may cause all the problems:

http://www.dellcommunity.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=Tech_Talk_XPS_Laptop&thread.id=8805

Best,

West 

It sounds like a "video hardware error". If so, you will need to replace your video card.

RA - After I posted this I saw your info on another similar string. Since I keep almost all my important files on my desktop, I decided to go ahead and restore it to the default factory configuration. Unfortunately, even though I can log in now, after a few minutes, I get now a purple screen and everything locks up.

So I'm going to call Dell and see what's up. But anyway, how can I find the "Window Problem and Solution Report File" that you refer to?

Thanks!

If you are using Windows Vista, you will see it in the regular main window files. Click Start, Program and in the list of folders/icons, you should see the file named: Windows Problem Report and Solutions. If by chance, you can still run your system and get to that point, you should be able to see it.On the top of the report page, it would say "video hardware error". And on the lower end of the page, it will say NVIDIA Driver error, if your system uses an INVIDIA graphic driver or others. 

 Have you chat online with DELL's Technical Support?  They can very well help you. They have a program that they connect and get into your system and fix your system remotely. They can fix it remotely if the problem of your system is only a software or driver issue. If it's a hardware (video card), a technician needs to come down and fix your system. 

I hope this will help you.

Have your tried reinstalling/updating your video driver (NVIDIA if your system uses such)? Try it first. If it doesn't work, mostly like the problem of your system is the video card (hardware), which can only be fixed by replacement.

You can download the video driver from DELL's technical support online.

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@RArevalojr wrote:
Boot it up with your CD, USB Utilities copy. If nothing else works, it's most likely a video hardware/card issue. 

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