Acer laptop crashing

My laptop is just over one year old and has begun to crash every time I use it. The screen goes through a sequence of vertical graduated grey stripes, then the same but horizontal, followed by white, red, green and blue and so on...
I then have to hold the on/off button down until the computer switches off and I re-start it in safe mode.
Occasionally I get a blue screen with a fault diagnostic of some sort but it doesn't stay on the screen long enough for me to read it.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Read the instructions HERE to get BSOD help. You need to include zipped copies of your DMP files.

On a hunch, I'd say you have a memory problem, whether it be with the GPU or the mobo RAM. On the other hand it could be a overheating issue but my money is on the memory. Once you get it up and functioning download MemTest 86+ and run it to check your memory. It's a boot-able piece of software, which means you have to change your boot order to cd/dvd first and then load the disc and boot up.

Many thanks....I ran Memtest 86+ and (with fingers crossed) all seems normal again with my laptop.

Same again....Many thanks for your help and advice. Memtest 86+ seems to have done the trick!

Memtest is a great tool, if you still have your crash dump and were willing to post it I could do a re-analysis, however if things are fixed I don't see a need for it. Nice work

Thanks for your offer Ace. All seems ok with my errant laptop now. I must say it has been reassuring to find such knowledgeable people here on the forums.

Cheers.

Grumnall