Windows 7 - BSOD - IRQL not less or equal?

Question

From what I've managed to research so far, it would appear that there are an infinite number of reasons why one's computer would crash for this error message.

I just finished a new build and I get this crash "IRQL not less or equal" along with a few others (I get the IRQL not less or equal crash most often) EVERY time i try to run the install of windows 7. Although one time I did manage to get to the install screen where you choose your language, right when I clicked install it crashed again. Another time it said something about a page fault error and another time it said something else. I just keep trying to restart my computer and am hoping it works.

I have never been able to find an answer that is unique to my specific crash reference. If anyone can answer or direct me to solution in any way I would be most grateful.



My System Specs:

Motherboard:
GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard

Processor:
Intel Core 2 Quad Q8300 Yorkfield 2.5GHz LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Model BX80580Q8300

RAM:
CORSAIR XMS2 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X4096-8500C5C G

Graphics Card:
POWERCOLOR AX4850 1GBD3-PH Radeon HD 4850 1GB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card

Hard Drive:
Western Digital Caviar Blue WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive

Wireless Card:
Rosewill RNX-G300LX IEEE 802.11b/g PCI Wireless Card Up to 54Mbps Data Rates 64/128-Bit WEP, 802.1x, WPA, WPA2, AES, TKIP with 2 dBi Antenna

Operating System:
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders

Answer 1

More than likely you have a memory problem, but it could also be some other hardware (CPU, VGA, etc).



Download Memtest86+ (http://www.memtest.org/), burn it to a CD and boot with it and let it run its basic, generic test for a little while. If it starts to puke errors out at you, then you know where your problem is.



Edit: The memtest on memtest86.com is now defunct and will more than likely not work well on your system. Use the link I gave you.

Answer 2

This Stop error message usually occurs during installation when there was an attempt in kernel mode to touch pageable memory at too high a process internal request level (IRQL). Typically, this error occurs when a driver uses an incorrect memory address. Other possible causes of this error include an incompatible device driver, a general hardware problem, or incompatible software. there might be a problem with the hardware components installed on your computer. First, make sure that your hardware is compatible with Window 7. If your hardware is compatible, look for other hardware issues. Method 1: Specify the Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) Use this method first to try to resolve the Stop error message. During the installation startup, press F5 when the "Setup is inspecting your computer's hardware configuration" message is displayed. When you are prompted, make sure that you specify the correct computer type and Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL). For example, if you have a single processor, specify the "Standard PC" HAL. Try to reinstall Windows7. If this resolves the Stop error message and you successfully install Windows 7, you are finished. If this does not resolve the Stop error message, go to method 2. Method 2: Turn off features in CMOS settings Use this method when method 1 does not resolve the Stop error message. Turn off all the following features in the CMOS settings of your computer. For instructions, see the hardware documentation or contact the manufacturer. All caching, including L2, BIOS, internal/external, and writeback caching on disk controllers All shadowing Plug and Play Any BIOS-based virus protection feature Try to reinstall Windows7. If this resolves the Stop error message, go to step c. If this does not resolve the Stop error message, go to method 3. Try to isolate which feature is causing the error. To do this, re-enable each of these features one at a time, and then restart your computer after you re-enable each feature. If you identify a problem feature, disable or remove it and contact the manufacturer to try to resolve the issue. If this does not isolate a problem with a CMOS setting, but this does resolve the Stop error message and you can start your computer normally, it may be that a setting was preventing the installation. If this is the case, turn on the setting after you install Windows 7, you are finished. Method 3: Check the computer RAM Use this method when method 2 does not resolve the Stop error message. If you need help performing any of the following steps, see the hardware documentation. Remove any mismatched memory DIMMs (the RAM) so that all the DIMMs operate at the same speed. For example, 60 nanoseconds (ns) or 70 ns. Run a systems test on the memory, and remove any bad SIMMs. Test by using different DIMMs if any are available. Try to reinstall Windows 7. If this resolves the Stop error message and you successfully install Windows 7, you are finished. If this does not resolve the Stop error message, please bring your computer to a computer shop repair

Answer 3

www.memtest86.com



This is usually a memory fault (either faulty RAM or faulty sockets on the board). Grab memtest and see what it reports.