System Hardware Error (laptop, hd, blue screen, wireless)

[Blondie621]

Just got my Toshiba laptop from Shopnbc the other day. It is the one they will offer again on their Electronic Connections shows very soon, like maybe today.
I opened it, set my password, and it would not recognice a wireless signal in my home so the cable people are coming today. I then decided to watch a movie I rented to see the HD pic on the screen. Just as the movie was starting it clicked off and went to that dreaded blue screen that said System hardware error! I contacted Toshiba and the girl said it sounded like a c drive problem. She took me thru some steps and now the movie plays. Should I return this laptop? I am leary about keeping it with a problem like that so early on. It was 699 with a 100 rebate so it was a good deal. Any advice as what to do?

[juggler]

What steps did she take you through to "fix" the problem? In my experience, BSODs (blue screens of death) are caused by software/driver problems much more frequently than hardware problems, in spite of the ominous "System Hardware Failure" message.

I would hang on to it and see if the BSOD occurs again. If it does, check to see if the same program is running when the failure occurs... that could be a clue.

[Asheville Native]

BSOD's occur for any number of reasons, and unless they repeat frequently with the same Stop Number, they are just part of owning a Windows PC.

Random BSODs just come under the heading of "stuff happens"

[Blondie621]

Thanx guys, the cable guy came today and got my laptop up and running with wireless. He has worked on computers for over 20 years and said it should be fine. So I will keep it for now.