MacBook-Random Shutdowns After Update

Question

(Note: I posted that I had solved this problem by deleting an older version of Microsoft Office, but a day later the problem resurfaced)
1st Indication of a Problem--
While using "Software Update" to upgrade from 10.4.8 to 10.4.9, the computer screen went black about 1/2 way through the "system optimization" part of the installation. I thought it had just gone to sleep since the white sleep indicator light was glowing on and off. However, I could not wake it from sleep and the only solution I found was to hold the power button down to fully stop the computer. Then, I powered on again to have the computer try to start up, and then go black during the gray screen. I repeated the process and each time it would get a little further into the startup process, but it would never finish loading.
Troubleshooting Steps Taken-
After reading about the proper troubleshooting methods, I booted from the install disks and ran "disk utility" and repaired the disk permissions as recommended, and ran the "verify disk" part of disk utility. The permissions were corrected and the disk verification process indicated the disk was ok.
I restarted the computer and everything appeared to be fine until I opened MS Word. The screen went black again.
Concerned that maybe the update never fully loaded, I downloaded the combo intel updater and tried to reinstall it. The computer screen went black at the exact same point during the "system optimization" stage.
At this point, I decided to try to boot from the installation disk again and run disk utility. However, the computer now would not boot from CD, while holding down C. However, it would perform the Hardware Test by holding down D. So, I ran the hardware test and it indicated no problems.
After restarting computer, the same black screen crash occurred while trying to use various applications. Not all would cause the crash, some crashed it, some didn't. The error was not consistent. The same program that appeared to cause the crash one time would run fine the next. Other times I would let it sit without opening a program and it would crash after a random period of time. It is important to note the fans aren't even running when this occurs, nor does the processor seem to be running fast.
Since I could not boot from the installation CD, I decided to run disk utility while logged in normally. Again, no problems found with the disk and this time no permissions were corrected.
So, I continued the troubleshooting process:
*I verified the S.M.A.R.T. status = verified.
*I checked the build number of the OS to ensure the update was complete (build = 8P2137)
*Checked the RAM in the hardware profile, both slots indicated OK
*Turned off all non-system fonts
*re-installed Java just in case
*Downloaded Cocktail and ran:
1)all cron tasks
2)cleared the caches
3)rebuilt launch services database
4)updated locate and whatis databases
*ran FSCK
*reset the PRAM
*Reset the system Management Controller (SMC)
*tried to login in verbose mode- crashed
*tried to login to safe mode- crashed
None of this worked, so when I could get the computer to stay up and running for a few minutes, I decide to delete unnecessary programs including MS Office.
Immediately after deleting Office, I stopped having problems. I could now boot from the install cd, boot into safe mode, run without crashes so to speak. That was yesterday... Everything seemed fine so I re-ran some of the cleanup processes above to be sure that things were clean.
Today, I used the computer for over two hours without problems. Then instant crash out of nowhere. Same problems above reappeared. It took several cycles to get the computer to load. I opened iTunes to see if that might be the cause since I upgraded that yesterday after the problem ceased. Sure enough the computer crashed. So, I deleted all of itunes except my music library. Still random crashes occur.
I resorted to opening my RAM slots and resitting the RAM to be sure it was secure and it was fine, no change... still crashes.
Two Important Notes:
1)I have never experienced the black screen of death before.
2)I updated the firmware shortly after I got the MacBook because I heard of the potential problems. So, the SMC is up-to-date.
At this point, I am going to schedule an appointment with the Genius Bar for Tuesday. However, I am sure they will merely jump to an "archive and install" which I can do myself if I have to or they will try to check the RAM which I already did.
Is there anything else I can possibly do to fix this myself before handing over my baby to them?

Answer 1

I mention this because you have done such a thorough job of troubleshooting and documenting your problem. According to the link below, the system optimization step in Apple's software installation has a bug that can delete arbitrary file(s) from your system.
http://www.unsanity.org/archives/macos_x/shock_andawe.php
FYI.