Boomer

Did you try downloading debugging tools in safe mode with networking? From what i can understand your system is stable in safe mode, is thiscorrect? Windows debugger, once installed will debug your memory dump files andcould pinpoint the exact problem including the name of the drivers responsible. Withthese names you can then update/roll back drivers responsible, or disablehardware or drivers responsible. This could stabilize or even solve your systemissues. Do you have another working PC available to you? Try disabling your anti-virus and see how your system runs. As long as this is not a hardware issue, your system is fixable it just depends on what measures need to be taken in order to achieve this. i recommend you back up any important files at this point (if you havent already done so).

If your system seems stable in safe mode, and safe mode loads with minimal drivers to run the system….. it could be a driver issue. I will give you a step by step on how to use windows debugging tools to view mini dumps, and if you post the findings, we may come closer to the source of the problem. Step 1. Goto - http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/hardware/gg463016.aspx Step 2. Download Debugging tools from windows SDK. Step 3. When prompted by the installer uncheck everything except ‘debugging tools for windows’. Step 4. Once installed open Windbg and then press Ctrl + S shortcut to open the ‘symbol file path’ box. Step 5. Into this box copy and paste the following - SRV*c:\symbols*http://msdl.microsoft.com/download/symbols Step 6. Click ‘ok’ and then go ‘file’ and then ‘saveworkspace’. Ok we’re ready….. Locate Windbg through the start bar and right click and run as administrator, then under the file option select ‘open crash dump’. Locate your minidump files. The debugger will autorun, once it has stopped click ‘!analyze –v’. (highlighted blue) Now post us your findings for each minidump.

It's called "recent places" on windows 7. Just type this into the search bar from the start menu and click on recent places under "files".

This could be a hard-drive issue. If you get as far as desktop screen check out the SMART drive entries using something like speedfan. You may have to ensure SMART drive technology is enabled in your BIOS setup. Drive health may be low.

Because you are getting system hangs and pixelated screens during BIOS setup sessions, this appears to be a hardware issue. Based on four pieces of information..... -Your CMOS can become damaged by unstable power. -Your system has a dell propriotary PSU likely cheap and poorly designed with respect to named brands (who specialize in PSU manufacturing). This supply could lack the good quality power good signalling and filter circuits nescesarry for stable system operation (especially with age). -Issues with system power up and crashes. -PSU's are the most common failures in PC's. The next component you could look to troubleshoot is the power supply.

I've found a link stating the traits of your graphics card at idle and under load, according to this it seems to be running as expected. http://www.legitreviews.com/article/1258/11/

The computer failing to start and random power offs, combined with incorrect time and date settings are two common symptoms of CMOS battery failure. So i would start my diagnosis with the battery.

If your having troubles with resetting time and date and CMOS errors fingers point to the CMOS battery.

When you say screeching sound, we presume you mean from the tower itself. Not the speakers?

It sounds possible that your battery is dying, and so lost/reset your CMOS settings. Maybe your default CMOS settings contain 3.5 inch floppy installed, except you have no floppy drive. Have you noticed lag in your windows clock? Try entering your BIOS setup by pressing either F1,F2, or Del during post. See if your computer hangs or resets while on this screen.

Microsoft has information regarding your error.... http://support.microsoft.com/kb/324103

Under normal circumstances unallocated suggests a file system doesnt yet exist. It could well be inaccessible because there is nothing on the drive to work with. :(

What pre-installed software did it come with? (aka crapware) Post your Start up entries. You can find them by typing 'msconfig' in the search bar from the start menu. I recommend downloading service packs or updates from microsoft. Try disabling your anti virus and see how it runs. (But keep windows firewall on).

Thats OK Coastguard, Right, 1. Select the tab volumes and click populate, this should fill the blanks with details about your drive. (Report the details back to this post.) Next highlight your drive in the volume window and click properties. Do you see a tools tab in the new window? If so run chkdsk (error-checking) from there. If not.... 2. Goto 'start' and open a command prompt by typing 'cmd' into the search bar and press enter. Type, chkdsk X: /f (where 'X' is the letter of the problematic drive). press enter. Have you tryed using different USB ports? Do you keep the drive plugged in at all times?

Can you shed any more light on the BSOD? What error codes did it display?