The IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error in Windows-based systems is one of the most common and is usually accompanied by the appearance of a blue screen, which, to put it mildly, causes shock, to put it mildly. But what do you think is the reason for this behavior of a computer system and what actions can be taken to eliminate the consequences of a failure? Next, we will try to decide on both the one and the other, offering the simplest explanation of what is happening and giving methods that are accessible and understandable to any ordinary user.
IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error: what is it and why does it appear on Windows?
First, a few words about the nature of the failure itself. It is believed that the appearance of hardware installed on the computer hardware is only indirectly related to its appearance, and the main reason lies in the logical errors of the operating system itself. Windows multitasking is based on the principle of priority operations based on IRQ interrupts. The urgency level of processing requests by the central processor, for which the thread scheduler is responsible, is determined precisely by the IRQ value. Appeal of high-level processes to subsystems with a level lower than the scheduler leads to a logical error, as a result of which a blue screen appears with the error code IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL 0x0000000A or 0x000000d1. Both failures are almost the same, but the only difference is which component was the root cause of the error.
As for the causes themselves, in most cases, it is customary to distinguish the following:
- malfunctions of hardware drivers (most often video cards and sound adapters);
- problems with RAM;
- malfunctioning hard drive;
- damage to important system files;
- viral exposure;
- operating system conflicts with antiviruses.
How to fix IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error: finding the culprit
Since the main reason for the appearance of this error is still the drivers, we will begin to consider solutions to resolve problems with them. The first step is to determine which driver caused the failure.
In principle, even on the screen with an error, there may be a link to the SYS file. If there is nothing in the description, you can get complete information using the special Blue Screen View application.
You can also use the system information (msinfo32), where you need to enter the file name shown on the screen or in the proposed utility in the search field and look at its status. If necessary, you can open an additional section for viewing hardware problems or information about Windows errors.
What if the driver name is unknown?
But let's assume that such methods failed to identify the source of the conflict. Which control software could cause the DRIVER_ IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error? In this situation, you will have to use your own driver verification system tool, which is called from the Run console by the Verifier command. Please note that if it is impossible to start normally, it is recommended to start the operating system in Safe Mode.
In the test start window, for a start, it is better to select the task of standard parameters, and then mark one of three options.
Optimal is the automatic output of all installed drivers. When the component causing the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error is found, you can begin to troubleshoot.
Actions with failed drivers
As you know, you can update or reinstall any driver of any equipment in the "Device Manager". However, such a technique cannot be fully trusted, since the control software will be installed either from its own database on the computer or from Microsoft’s own online storage. In order to avoid the error 0x0000000a IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL in the future, it is best to download the updated driver in advance from the online resource of the manufacturer of the conflicting device or use automatic utilities to find and install drivers like Driver Booster.
In the case of laptops, you can do even easier. Many manufacturers directly on the site offer to perform online testing, according to the results of which it will be proposed to update the management software. However, sometimes it’s enough just to enter the name of the laptop model or its serial number, after which a list with available updates will be issued.
RAM check
Problems with RAM can also cause the appearance of an IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error. Checking the bars for conflicts can be two main methods.
If the system boots at least in safe mode, you can use the scan tool directly in Windows (the easiest way to find this tool is through a search). However, direct testing will be performed only when you restart the computer.
A more effective method is the use of Memetst86 or 86+ programs, which can be run either in a working OS or from a pre-created bootable media. If a failed component is detected, it will need to be replaced.
Of course, you can identify an inoperative bar yourself, only for this you will have to remove the strips from the connectors on the system board, constantly rebooting the system until the start is completed in normal mode. But it is too long in time.
Fix hard drive problems
Sometimes a hard drive can cause an IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error. In this situation, there are several options. Firstly, you need to check it for errors and bad sectors using either the command line (chkdsck / x / f / r) or special utilities that are launched from the boot disk. Also, in case of physical wear and tear, you can try to bring the hard drive to life with the help of the unique HDD Regenerator program.
Among other things, sometimes it is recommended to turn on record caching and deactivate the option to disable buffer clearing, because in the event of a power failure, important data can be lost. In addition, due to this, it is possible to increase the productivity of the device and the intellectual appeal to it of the system itself.
System File Recovery
It is possible that the cause of the error could be important system files that were damaged or even deleted during operation. They can be checked and restored only from the command console (this means the situation when the standard rollback and restoration of the launch result do not give).
In the console itself, you need to enter the sfc / scannow command, and then just wait for the results of scanning and restoring system objects if problems with them are detected.
Virus issues and antivirus conflicts
Finally, viruses and ... antiviruses can serve as the causes of errors of the type described. As for the latter, the complaints most often relate to the well-known Avast software package, which was noticed ignoring dangerous threats, false alarms, and even deleting some user files or programs that have security certificates and digital signatures! It’s very difficult to get rid of this antivirus just like that, so it’s best to boot the system in Safe Mode and then uninstall using uninstaller programs that automatically remove the main program components and clean up the residual garbage (for example, Revo Uninstaller or iObit Uninstaller).
But in the case of viruses, checking the system with a regular or portable scanner is sometimes completely useless.
In this case, it is recommended to create a boot disk or USB flash drive by writing the Kaspersky Rescue Disk utility onto them, and after booting from such media, perform an in-depth check by selecting everything in the list of components available for scanning. I must say that it is this utility that identifies almost all threats, even those that are so deeply concealed in the system that they are not only not treated by any other means, but are not detected at all.