I started hearing the chirping then updated both the firmware and driver. That is when I started crashing almost immediately upon opening X2. I am currently uninstalling FF400 and drivers. Will try to reinstall.

I took Daveny5's advice and system restored. Now everything is working, no chirping, and the FF is running the new driver and firmware.
 
Lastly, thanks for all the help. This is a great forum where folks with incredible technical knowledge and experience help those of us who (though we read manuals and watch countless tutorials) don't have a clue. I have no clue what happened or why system restore made "it" go away.
 
Riz

Good deal! Glad you got it fixed.