I found the answer.
The culprit is an old version iastor.sys file.
I downloaded a newer version of the file from http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?DwnldID=17882 - the "Intel Matrix Storage Manager". It is contained within the f6flpy3289.zip file.
I replaced the old iastor.sys file with the newer 2009 file (there were a number of locations on the SSD); and now all is well.
The SSD toolbox loads normally; no blue screens.