Reboot and select proper boot device or insert boot media in selected boot device (Windows 7 Dell XPS 8700)

remove the SSD and mount it in an external caddy can you access the disk, if so backup what ever you need to need.

Thanks for your response, not_an_expert.

I turned off the machine for some time and I just turned it on. It was able to boot into Windows and so I am backing up everything right now.

What could be the cause of the problem and what could be done to avoid/fix it? :-(

if you post the minidump, -  it may have more info on the cause
you find it in windows minidumps
you can copy the dmp file when the disk is connected as 2nd drive to a working PC, or when running from a live cd like knoppix : http://www.knopper.net/knoppix-mirrors/index-en.html      

or with a rescue kit like Paragon :       http://www.paragon-software.com/home/rk-express/

Next time it fails to boot and shows no Samsung SSD drive - go direct into BIOS and see if BIOS has detected your Samsung SSD drive.
The fact that you get this BSOD at all means that Samsung (if it is your OS drive) is indeed detected but due to some problems Windows was not able to boot.
And in this case the minidump file would be really helpful.

I had issues once I changed to SSD, similar to that you have described. For me it turned out that there was some issue with the extra hard drives I had connected during Win installation. All I had to do was unplug all but the SSD and boot up. Adding one drive at a time and booting until I found the culprit. Luckily it was´t a failing hard drive, only the cable to that drive.

it is star,ge that it seems to boot from the disk - and does not show it in the bios...
unless your boot system is on another disk drive
is that possible?
to test -disconnect all other disks

Many thanks everyone for your response. Sorry for going AWOL.

Was planning to upgrade the SSD to Samsung 850 EVO 500 GB anyway. So replaced it and did a fresh install of Windows 7. Things have been good so far.

@nobus: This is all I could see Minidump folder. Nothing around the dates when the issues occurred :/


@rindi: I ran the diagnostics for both the internal drives. Nothing unusual. Not sure how to run the diagnostics for the Samsung SSD. All I could find for this SSD is Samsung Magician software.


Now that I have no issues booting into Windows with two internal drives attached, is it safe to assume that the old Samsung 840 EVO is to blame for the issues?

Sorry once again for my delayed response. I'd be more diligent going forward.

Attach and see its smart status it might have encountered an error in a block.

Your new, magician setting has an option to optimize the layout if the OS a that might improve performance further through the pacing of tikes in particular locations.

you should post the dmp file - not it's name

@Arnold: Will try to put it back and check it out. So sorry. I'm unable to grasp this sentence:

Your new, magician setting has an option to optimize the layout if the OS a that might improve performance further through the pacing of tikes in particular locations.

@Nobus: My bad. Will post the file as soon as I connect it back.

The SSD's admin tool whose image you posted, look at the bottom right corner, where it says that the OS is optimized for HDD.  since you have an SSD as the boot device, the performance can be further OS optimized.

Got it. Thanks so much for your prompt response, Arnold.

I was a little concerned about that option (to optimize for SSD) and was going to be one of my questions in the future but I guess it's okay to give it a shot.

I changed it to:


This is how it looks now:


Does it look good to you, Arnold?

and the dmp file?

The SSD's utility you have should be able to diagnose it and tell you it's state. It should also be able to upgrade it's firmware. keeping an SSD's firmware up to date is important and can fix issues with them.

Without DMP file we will not know the reason of BSODing. Post it.

Sorry I wasn't clear when I posted those screenshots in my last post. It was from the new Samsung 850 EVO SSD.

I've ordered an enclosure for the old SSD and it should be here tomorrow. Once I connect it, I'll be sure to get and post the DMP files.

@rindi: Last time I checked, Samsung Magician software did say that the SSD was in good health. I'm not sure if I can check the health of the SSD (connected via an enclosure) using that software but will be sure to try that tomorrow.
Going forward, I'd be sure to frequently check the firmware of the SSD.

Many thanks for all your responses.

you can test the drive even in an external closure. just tested mine.

arise5 - any reason you don't post the dmp file as asked??

Thanks sharjeel ashraf and nobus.

@Nobus: Sorry about that. I'm just waiting for the enclosure for the old SSD to be delivered so I could get and post those files. :/

why do you need that?  you can boot from a live cd also to get the file
here a live knoppix cd : http://www.knopper.net/knoppix-mirrors/index-en.html      
you can also use a rescue kit cd :  http://www.paragon-software.com/home/rk-express/

Here's the entire Minidump folder, everyone:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/525ksv8m13n04vc/AAD1Hf1FZ6AOW45o1aoU8x89a?dl=0

why use dropbox?  i don't
can't you just post the dmp file here?

My bad.. There you go.
041415-52806-01.dmp
061515-43727-01.dmp
052015-41324-01.dmp
063015-15834-01.dmp
063015-17191-01.dmp

I've requested that this question be deleted for the following reason:

Not enough information to confirm an answer.

After installing the new RAM sticks, I tested the new sticks with Memtest and they passed with flying colors.

The system has been fairly stable after that.

Thanks so much for all your responses. I apologize for the delay in getting back.