Solved BSOD which seems to be caused by IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL and ntoskrnl.e

Hi All,

I have found multiple helpful answers on this forum regarding similar situations yet none that seems to apply to mine specifically.

Though I'm sure my dumps will be more helpful than I could ever be, here's what I noticed:

1. the installation of a new external drive (hp 2TB) seems to increase bsod occurences

2. there seems to be a problem with how my ram is getting used as I can always predict a crash when I go past 9 gig (out of 16).

3. I also read a post which suggested to remove Kaspersky. I'm not using it yet I do have BidDefender running.

I did run Windows Memory Diagnostics which didn't find any problems.


Thanks for your help as I've wasted 2 days with no results whatsoever on my own...

Seb.

Hi -

Please run - BSOD Posting Instructions

Regards. . .

jcgriff2

Wow!!! that was lightning fast!

Ok, thanks.

Here's the info:

system is a little over 1 year old

windows 7 Ultimate x64 was purchased separately and reinstalled about 3 months ago, because of too many bsod... It is the full retail version.

Thanks.

though my files are .zip, they don't seem to be getting uploaded as I've had this message for well over 10 minutes now (and did retry 2 times before deciding to wait so long):

here are the files

anyone?

Problematic Software: I have seen the above leave many systems' Windows installation and programs damaged beyond repair and in need of a clean install of Windows. I would recommend removing it and I hope the damage has not already been done.


I would also recommend removing all ASUS utilities. They are primarily designed for software overclocking and tweaking of the hardware. These should really only be done through the BIOS, and even if you are not using them for those purposes, the hardware interface the utilities provide can cause instability of the system.


For removing software: Start Menu -> Control Panel -> Uninstall a program


Two of your crashes indicated your Acronis software. Whether the software itself is corrupted or the problem is due to the work of Advanced System Care 5, I would recommend uninstalling the Acronis True Image Home software, downloading a fresh copy, and then installing it again with the fresh copy. That should negate any corruption of the program itself.




The other crash was a 0x124 BugCheck. If the system is still under warranty, I would recommend sending it in to have diagnostic tests done and any bad hardware replaced.

   Warning

Before you proceed with the following, answer these two questions: Are you still under warranty? Does your warranty allow you to open up the machine to check hardware? If you are unsure of the answers to these questions, contact your system manufacturer. :warn:WARNING: The steps that follow can void your warranty!!!

For your hardware stop 0x124 crash, read through http://www.sevenforums.com/crash-lockup-debug-how/35349-stop-0x124-what-means-what-try.html and use the following hardware checks to supplement that link.

• If you are overclocking any hardware, please stop.
  
  
• If you have an SSD, make sure the following are up to date:
  • SSD firmware
  • BIOS Version
  • Chipset Drivers
  • Hard disk controller drivers/SATA drivers
  • If you have a Marvell IDE ATA/ATAPI device, make sure the drivers are up to date from the Intel site or Marvell site and not from your motherboard/vendor support site.
  
  
• Run all but the advanced tests with SeaTools for HDDs.
  SeaTools for Windows
  
  SeaTools for DOS​
  
  
• Monitor temperatures during the following tests.
  
  Use the following programs to monitor the temperatures.​
  • Real Temp is a good CPU temperature monitor.
  • Speccy - System Information - Free Download will monitor all hardware temperatures.
  • HWiNFO, HWiNFO32 & HWiNFO64 - Hardware Information and Analysis Tools can be inaccurate for CPU temperatures, but is a good program for GPU temperature monitoring.
  • Use FurMark: VGA Stress Test, Graphics Card and GPU Stability Test, Burn-in Test, OpenGL Benchmark and GPU Temperature | oZone3D.Net to test the graphics card GPU. Let it run until the GPU temperatures even out or until the GPU temperatures reach a dangerous level (you can find the max temperature for your card on either the nVidia or AMD sites; if you are not sure, ask us). The goal is to get a steady temperature, find out if the GPU is overheating, or to see if there are any artifacts present in the test itself: look for strange pixelated patterns on the screen or colors that do not look like they belong. Then use the |MG| Video Memory Stress Test 1.7.116 Download to test your graphics card memory. Let the memory test run for at least seven passes; the more the better.
    
    
  • Run http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/100352-hardware-stress-test-prime95.html to determine any hardware problems. Run all three tests for a few hours each. If you get errors, stop the test and post back here.
    
    
  • Follow the steps for doing CPU stress test using IntelBurnTest
  
  
• Run the boot version of Memtest86+ paying close attention to Parts 2 and 3 of the tutorial. Also, in case Memtest86+ misses anything and comes up with no errors, run the extended version of the Windows Memory Diagnostics Tool for at least five passes. These you may want to run overnight since they take a long time to complete (run them an hour before bed each of the next two nights and check before going to sleep that they are still running).
  
  For Part 3: If You Have Errors: If you swap any memory components, follow these steps for ESD safety:
  1. Shut down and turn off your computer.
  2. Unplug all power supplies to the computer (AC Power then battery for laptops, AC power for desktops)
  3. Hold down the power button for 30 seconds to close the circuit and ensure all power drains from components.
  4. Make sure you are grounded by using proper grounding techniques, i.e. work on an anti-static workbench, anti-static desk, or an anti-static pad. Hold something metallic while touching it to the anti-static surface, or use an anti-static wristband to attach to the anti-static material while working. If you do not have an anti-static workbench, desk, or pad, you can use your computer tower/case by finding a metal hold in it, such as a drive bay.
  Once these steps have been followed, it is safe to remove and replace components within your computer.

Remember to read closely through http://www.sevenforums.com/crash-lockup-debug-how/35349-stop-0x124-what-means-what-try.html for the crash.

Hi Writhziden,

This is an amazing answer! Thanks for being so thorough and fast. I'll apply all your suggestions and keep you posted in a few days.

Seb.

Hi,

Here are the results to all the tests you prescribed:

new dumps (after adding an external 8" fan).

Anyone?

Your CPU is getting way too hot. You need to reapply the thermal compound and make sure the heatsink is properly attached afterward. The heatsink should not budge if you gently wiggle it with your finger.

Thermal Paste and How To Use It | techPowerUp


As you add and remove hardware, follow these steps for ESD safety:

1. Shut down and turn off your computer.
2. Unplug all power supplies to the computer (AC Power then battery for laptops, AC power for desktops)
3. Hold down the power button for 30 seconds to close the circuit and ensure all power drains from components.
4. Make sure you are grounded by using proper grounding techniques, i.e. work on an anti-static workbench, anti-static desk, or an anti-static pad. Hold something metallic while touching it to the anti-static surface, or use an anti-static wristband to attach to the anti-static material while working. If you do not have an anti-static workbench, desk, or pad, you can use your computer tower/case by finding a metal hold in it, such as a drive bay.

Once these steps have been followed, it is safe to remove and replace components within your computer.


Run a http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/433-disk-check.html with both boxes checked for all hard drives you ever use.


Check that your Windows installation is ready for Windows updates. Please follow the Windows Genuine and Activation Issue Posting Instructions. Post the results in your next post; do not start a new thread.


Update to Service Pack 1 (SP1)

HI,

Followed all your advice and I'm delighted to tell you that my pc has not crashed in over 3 days with no sign of having a hard time now.

Thank you so much for all your help and time.


Seb.

You're welcome. When you are sure the problem is solved, please report back and also mark the thread solved.

Hi,

Before I do mark this thread closed, this is actually what was wrong with my pc (in case someone else reads this):

I had a bad memory stick
applying the paste on my cpu did help
so did adding an extra fan
and finally, installing SP1 (W7) did the trick.

Thanks for all your help!

Seb.