BSOD on Startup, sample error IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL

Laszlo said:

Hello Everyone

Recently, (a few weeks ago I think,) I started getting errors and freezes everytime I boot up my computer.

Either colored horizontal lines screen freeze, mouse freezes or BSOD errors (only remember the one which was IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error but I know there was more).

These problems only happen on startup and turning the computer off and on about 2-3 times solves the problem until the computer is shut down again.

Let me know if you need any more information.

EDIT: Is Windows 7 . . .
- 64 bit
- the original installed OS on the system? YES
- an OEM or full retail version? OEM
- What is the age of system (hardware)? about 1 year and a half old
- What is the age of OS installation (have you re-installed the OS?) same as above

Thanks for your time and help
Laszlo

Hi Laszio and welcome


Memory corruption probably caused by a driver. please run these two tests



1-Memtest.

*Download a copy of Memtest86 and burn the ISO to a CD using Iso Recorder or another ISO burning program.

*Boot from the CD, and leave it running for at least 5 or 6 passes.

Just remember, any time Memtest reports errors, it can be either bad RAM or a bad motherboard slot.

Test the sticks individually, and if you find a good one, test it in all slots.

RAM - Test with Memtest86+



2-Driver verifier

I'd suggest that you first backup your data and then make sure you've got access to another computer so you can contact us if problems arise. Then make a System Restore point (so you can restore the system using the Vista/Win7 Startup Repair feature).

In Windows 7 you can make a Startup Repair disk by going to Start....All Programs...Maintenance...Create a System Repair Disc - with Windows Vista you'll have to use your installation disk or the "Repair your computer" option at the top of the Safe Mode menu .

Then, here's the procedure:
- Go to Start and type in "verifier" (without the quotes) and press Enter
- Select "Create custom settings (for code developers)" and click "Next"
- Select "Select individual settings from a full list" and click "Next"
- Select everything EXCEPT FOR "Low Resource Simulation" and click "Next"
- Select "Select driver names from a list" and click "Next"
Then select all drivers NOT provided by Microsoft and click "Next"
- Select "Finish" on the next page.

Reboot the system and wait for it to crash to the Blue Screen. Continue to use your system normally, and if you know what causes the crash, do that repeatedly. The objective here is to get the system to crash because Driver Verifier is stressing the drivers out. If it doesn't crash for you, then let it run for at least 36 hours of continuous operation (an estimate on my part).

If you can't get into Windows because it crashes too soon, try it in Safe Mode.
If you can't get into Safe Mode, try using System Restore from your installation DVD to set the system back to the previous restore point that you created.

Driver Verifier - Enable and Disable

hello thank you for the reply :)

I ran the Memtest and it did 7 passes in about 11 and a half hours and reported no errors.

I am going to try the driver verifier, just a bit worried since this is the only computer I have and if it keeps constantly crashing I might not be able to do anything then. Is there anything else I can try?

Laszlo said:

hello thank you for the reply :)

I ran the Memtest and it did 7 passes in about 11 and a half hours and reported no errors.

I am going to try the driver verifier, just a bit worried since this is the only computer I have and if it keeps constantly crashing I might not be able to do anything then. Is there anything else I can try?

If memtest passed it is probably a driver and verifier is the only way to confirm it. It is supposed to crash the computer when it finds it and the incidence of not being able to get back into the computer is small.


Just make sure you have an OS dvd and a restore point (backup your data too)

Ok I tried the driver verifier for a few hours and no crashes.

Since all of my crashes occur at start up I figured I would try restarting the computer many times and doing cold boots. Nothing unusual to report there.

I also tried using the computer normally. Aside from being very sluggish and a lot of applications, (Firefox, Internet Explorer, Windows Explorer, some games etc.) that stop responding, nothing else happened.

I'm out of town for a few days starting tommorow so I couldn't leave the computer on for 36 hours straight yet but I can try that when I get back.

I left the computer on for 36 hours straight and no crashes or anything.

I just noticed sluggish loading of all system based and internet based programs and a lot of programs going unresponsive.

I turned off driver verifier now and still getting errors/freezes when i boot up the computer for the first 2-3 times that day.

Is there anything else I can try?