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April 20th, 2025 18:09
m15 R6, BSOD (CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED) occurs when SSD is in the gen4 x4 slot
Hello, I am using this forum topic to seek help regarding a problem that has been occurring with my M15 R6.
It is currently in this situation.
With the SSD in slot 1 gen4x3, the blue screen did not occur, even after installing games and programs, as well as running them for several hours.
When placing the SSD in slot 0 gen4x4, simply opening a program/game, or running some task in Windows, the blue screen error occurs.
In the Windows Event Viewer, after the blue screen, I have these errors.
(Error - The previous system shutdown at 1:56:13 PM on 4/20/2025 was unexpected - Source - EventeLog.)
(Error - Dump file creation failed due to error during dump creation. BugCheckProgress was: 0x00040049 - Source - volmgr.)
(Critical - The system has rebooted without cleanly shutting down first. This error could be caused if the system stopped responding, crashed, or lost power unexpectedly - Source - Kernel-Power.)
(Error - The xTendUtilityService service terminated unexpectedly. It has done this 1 time(s) - Source - Service Control Manager).
INFO.
The original SSD 2235 (Kioxia 512GB gen4x3) still has the system installed on it. If I use it in slot1 Gen4x3, no BSOD errors occur. It is currently not installed on the system.
I will describe what has happened so far.
I have a Dell Alienware M15 R6. Last year, it started showing the blue screen (BSOD). I contacted Microsoft, they remotely accessed my PC and performed a factory reset, which fixed the issue. A few months later, the blue screen appeared again. I formatted the SSD in slot1 (a Kingspec brand SSD that I had added as an upgrade), and that worked for a while. But after a few more months, the blue screen returned. I decided to remove the SSD from slot1, but that didn’t help. Then, I thought the issue might be with the factory-installed SSD in slot0.
I bought a new SSD—an Adata XPG Gammix S70 Blade 1TB—and installed it in slot0. I tried formatting it using a bootable USB, but the Windows installation failed. I attempted creating the installation media using Rufus, YUMI, and Microsoft's Media Creation Tool, but nothing worked. Every time, either the installation would fail, or after installing, just as Windows was configuring and downloading updates, the blue screen would appear.
I then decided to install Windows 10 instead, which worked. After that, I upgraded to Windows 11 using Microsoft's update tool, and everything seemed fine—until a few hours later, when the blue screen came back.
Next, I tried booting into Safe Mode and ran various terminal commands to fix the issue, but nothing worked. I tested the SSD and RAM via terminal—both were fine. I even removed the RAM, cleaned the contacts with an eraser, and reinstalled it, but the blue screen persisted.
Finally, I performed a full reset using the cloud-based reinstallation option accessed through Windows settings. It installed successfully, and for a while, it seemed fixed—but yesterday morning, the blue screen appeared again. I don’t know what else to do. The error code is always the same: CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED.
DELL-Jesse L
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April 24th, 2025 10:09
A BSOD (CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED) error on an Alienware laptop, specifically when the SSD is in the Gen4x4 slot, suggests a possible hardware issue, particularly with the SSD or its connection. Troubleshooting steps include checking the SSD's connection, running hardware diagnostics, updating drivers, and potentially resetting the BIOS.
1. Hardware Issues:
SSD Connection:
The most likely cause is a loose or faulty connection between the SSD and the motherboard, especially if the laptop is experiencing physical stress. Re-seating the SSD or reinforcing the slot might help.
Hardware Diagnostics:
.Running hardware diagnostics, if available, can help pinpoint whether the SSD or other hardware components are malfunctioning.
SSD Compatibility:
.Ensure the SSD is fully compatible with the Alienware laptop's specifications, including the Gen4x4 interface.
2. Software Issues:
Driver Updates:
Outdated or corrupted drivers, particularly for the SSD or related components, can cause BSOD errors. Update drivers through Dell's support site or the Alienware Update tool.
BIOS Updates:
An outdated BIOS can sometimes cause compatibility issues with new SSDs. Check for and apply any available BIOS updates.
Windows Issues:
Corruption or conflicts within Windows itself can lead to BSOD errors. Try running the Windows Troubleshooter or performing a clean installation of Windows.
3. Other Potential Causes:
Overclocking: If overclocking is enabled, it might be causing instability and BSOD errors.
External Devices: Faulty external devices can sometimes trigger BSOD errors.
RAM Issues: While less likely, RAM problems can also cause BSOD errors.
4. Troubleshooting Steps:
Disconnect External Devices: Remove all unnecessary external devices.
Hard Reset: Disconnect the power cord (or remove the battery if applicable) and hold the power button for 15-20 seconds to drain any residual power.
Reset BIOS: Reset the BIOS to its default settings.
Re-seat the SSD: Carefully remove and re-insert the SSD into the Gen4x4 slot.
Run Hardware Diagnostics: If available, use the laptop's built-in hardware diagnostics.
Update Drivers: Update all relevant drivers, especially for the SSD, storage controller, and chipset.
Check Event Viewer: Review the Windows Event Viewer logs for any specific error messages related to the SSD or BSOD.
Consider a Clean Install: If other troubleshooting steps fail, a clean installation of Windows might be necessary.
To receive assistance from Dell chat support, they need to verify the warranty status and ownership. Then you must troubleshoot with them. Click the "Get Help Now" icon on the right to start a live chat session. If already out of warranty, click here for the Dell out of warranty offering.
(edited)