Laptop troubleshooting forum: Gateway NV52 BSOD

Thanks for the suggestion, I might as well perform the tasks you suggested while I'm in there. Yes, I've done a lot of research on my issue but possible solutions are all over the place. But here's the latest with mine. I fiddle faddled around with the memory sticks for a while last night and low and behold once again with only one memory stick inserted it came back on!!! I left the other stick out and again did a factory restore sending it back to Windows Vista. I've been performing updates and reinstalling my programs for hours now with no issues whatsoever. Although I can't say for certain, I'm really starting to believe there is some sort of conflict with ATI and Windows 7, possibly through the most recent update? I have re installed the second memory stick as well. Knock on wood all is good for now!

I have not seen such an issue but the model under discussion is getting older and your usual owners do not take very good care of them. About 1 in 10 have canned air to keep the vents clean, about half ask what canned air is.
Bob

Only time will tell. Canned air is what you use when you rotate the air in your tires right? thanks again

Update: You were right strictly coincidental the system was running better on Vista. BSOD reappeared but if I wait for about 3 min the screen turns back on. Obviously some sort of overheating issue and as for now since the screen will restart apparently no permanent hardware damage has occurred, I hope. But here's a trick to anyone else who is experiencing the same issue. The system does run cooler with just one memory stick but obviously will suffer in performance. I found out more than once that once I power down for any extended amount of time and the system completely cools, It will enter the BSOD upon boot up. To get my system to boot up I run both memory sticks and allow it to enter the BSOD. Yes the screen is off but the CPU is running heating up the system. I wait about 10 min, remove the one memory stick again and what do you know it boots up! Why it has to warm up like a 72 Pinto before it will start is a mystery but I'm sure related to my original issue. I've performed the cleaning as suggested. The fan and heat sink is not expensive, think that's next.

And btw, I updated the Atheros Wireless LAN Driver (HB93) version 7.7.0.356 like suggested by other's experiencing similar symptoms and believe it or not Gateway. Haven't a clue what this could have to do with it but I'm using process of elimination.

I've found many failing WiFi cards and your average new tech may try driver versions. Let me be blunt. If the factory load fails, that's a sign. Again, your new tech might try driver versions but your seasoned tech knows the signs.

The seasoned tech knows to tear down the laptop to replace the compounds and clean as they go. Then if the WiFi is suspect they swap it out or just remove it and use one of those under 10 buck USB WiFi units to take over. Cheaper in the long run.
Bob