BSOD "Hardware Malfunction"

Download this app, burn to cd, and then boot from cd,

http://www.majorgeeks.com/Microsoft_Windows_Memory_Diagnostic_d3955.html

 

Is this a Vista laptop?

Many users are finding that Vista works the memory harder and marginal modules which are OK with XP crash out with Vista.

Also make sure the laptop is internally clean and not overheating, and that the modules are seated properly. Take them out and reseat them. Try with only one at a time and see if the fault still occurs.

 

There should be removable panel(s) on the underside to allow acces to the memory modules.

Dell have very good pictorial instructions on their website.
When I have more time I'll find the link for you. What inspiron model is it?
Look also for vents and clean these with a paint brush or better, a brush head attached to a vacuum cleaner.

 

to boot from a CD, all you have to do is put the CD in the tray, and reboot the machine.

watch the screens really close and there should be something where it comes up "hit [something] for boot menu" or a message that means about the same. hit that something key, with dells it is usually the F2 key, but it might be different for you.

it will give you a menu of choices to boot to, choose the CDROM or DVDROM drive that you have installed and there you go

 

as far as your BSOD issue, I would have to guess that your laptop is over heating, one of the vents is clogged with dust or something. Especially if it happens out of the blue and never happened before. make sure that the memory is seated well, like previous posters have said and make sure that all the various fans and blow holes are clean of dust or obstructions.

 

I suggest you attend to the hardware first especially as the CD is a stress testing disk.

What BM meant was to put the CD in and reboot.
Watch the screen and if you get a prompt
'press any key to boot from cd'
I usually press the space bar as its biggest.

If it won't boot to the memtester then you must go into the bios and set the pc to boot from cd first.
To do this tap the del key during frst switch on and scroll down the Dell setup list. Dells are slightly different and more limited but you should see the option to set the CD drive to boot first
Save changes and exit.

The memtester cd should now boot.

 

Remember you are not trying to disassemble the pc so that it looks like the picture under 'system components'!

The memory modules are easy. You can access them under one small cover by removing 2 screws. The manual suggests you have dual channel memory which means you can't test each individually. So just remove and reseat following the pictures. Touch a ground point first.

Look at the first picture in the 'processor thermal cooling assembly' section. Again I'm not suggesting you disassemble anything but note the ventilation grilles in the bottom and sides of the case. These should be clear of dust etc and you should be able to feel a good draught from them. Do not obstruct them. I recently had to replace a motherboard because the user used his laptop on the arm of a fluffy sofa and blocked these vents.

 

If you are really wanting to open your laptop up and clean it out

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins9400/en/sm/fans.htm#wp1000550

is the manual that you want. you just want to blow out the fans and make sure they spin freely without making any squeaking noises.