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I get random BSODs in Vista 32.  Sometimes the computer will go a couple days until it crashes.  Sometimes it will crash a couple times the same day.  This is a new Dell E520 Core 2 Duo 2GB.  I have Vista HP MCE recording shows to an external OneTouch Turbo III on FW800.  With DVRMS Toolbox installed, the system crashes periodically.  When it is uninstalled, the system is stable.  I have tried setting delayed start for file watcher.  I tried engaging CPU throttling for ShowAnalyzer, but the system continues to crash periodically only when DVRMS Toolbox is installed.  Before I installed the FW800 connection, the external was connected via USB2.  It crashed more frequently (1-2 per day) under USB2.

Is there something different I should try?  Is there a way to isolate through the log files to isolate the source of the problem?

- Perplexed.

There's very little in DTB that could cause a BSOD, most often BSOD are caused by bad drivers or failing HW.  It is possible that the additional load DTB puts on the box (processing files) could be highlighting the underlying issue.

the bsod should contain information re the offending component, your best bet is to start there. 

The error points to a driver error, 0x0000008e.  It is not any more specific than that, there is no file reference.

I ran all the diagnostics.  They come up clean.  I tried stressing the connection with simultaneous priority read and writes to the external, recording a show to the internal, a show playing from external, and SA processing a show.  Result - no problem.

The problem only occurs when media center is set to record to the external and DTB file watcher is on.

Media center record external, No DTB -- No Problem

Media center record internal, DTB engaged -- No Problem

Media center record external, DTB engaged -- Periodic BSODs that are more frequent with USB than FW800.