Solved BSOD-"Driver IRQL Not Less" at random times

[Brianc52]

Hi, I'm new to this type of error and moderately computer literate. Here's the SF_Diagnostic zip.

The BSOD has happened now 5 times. Twice while surfing the net and 3 times working on MS Word documents. This is my first "homebuilt" system and I only put it together in late November.

Thanks in advance for any help, please let me know if I missed any pertinent info

 

[koolkat77]

Welcome.

Please upload your msinfo32.nfo file. To get this: Start Menu -> Type msinfo32 into the Search programs and files box -> When it opens, go to File, Save -> Save as msinfo32.nfo and save in a place you will remember -> Let it finish the process of gathering and saving the system info -> Right click the .nfo file, click send to compressed (zipped) folder -> Upload the .zip file here.

Please upload your msinfo32.txt file. To get this: Start Menu -> Type msinfo32 into the Search programs and files box -> When it opens, go to File, Export -> Save as msinfo32.txt and save in a place you will remember -> Let it finish the process of gathering and saving the system info -> Right click the .txt file, click send to compressed (zipped) folder -> Upload the .zip file here.

Norton is known and contributing to your BSOD crashes, consider uninstalling it with the Norton Removal Tool and replace with Microsoft Security Essentials at least to test.

• Norton Removal Tool

Microsoft Security Essentials.

Recommended from a strict BSOD perspective, compatibility & stability compared to other antiviruses/internet security software. It is free and lightweight:-
​

• Microsoft Security Essentials - Free Antivirus for Windows
  • Malwarebytes : Malwarebytes Anti-Malware removes malware including viruses, spyware, worms and trojans, plus it protects your computer
    • http://www.sevenforums.com/system-security/206705-good-free-system-security-combination.html

   Warning

:ar: Do not start the free trial of Malware Bytes; remember to deselect that option when prompted.

Run a full scan with both (separately) once downloaded, installed and updated.

Perform a System File Check:

1. Click on the start rb:
2. Type CMD on Search
3. Left click and Run as Administrator
4. Type SFC /scannow

Full tutorial here:

• http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html

Disk Check on your hard drive for file system errors and bad sectors on it:

• http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/433-disk-check.html

If its wireless, match your device from here:

• ATHEROS Wireless drivers for Windows

If its not a wireless, match your device from here:

• ATHEROS Network drivers for Windows

Let us know the results.

 

[Brianc52]

I ran the system file check, disk check and found no errors or problems. Atheros driver installed is the latest available. Here is the msinfo file.

Thanks

 

[koolkat77]

Thanks.

Have you uninstalled Norton for the time being?

System Optimisers

Please remove the following software

Start Menu\Programs\Internet\PC Tools Registry Mechanic	HomeComputer\Brian:Start Menu\Programs\Internet\PC Tools Registry Mechanic	HomeComputer\Brian
Start Menu\Programs\Internet\PC Tools Security	HomeComputer\Brian:Start Menu\Programs\Internet\PC Tools Security	HomeComputer\Brian

This software is a known cause of BSOD's. The windows 7 operating system does not require these registry cleaning software. They often tune-down rather than tune-up and can wreck the OS beyond repair. Microsoft have improved Windows 7 significantly and it is much better at organising and optimising itself than its predecessors. Check this, this and this thread for evidence.

If you feel the need to use a registry cleaning or optimisation software, most of us recommend the use of CCleaner - PC Optimization and Cleaning - Free Download but make sure you back up the registry before making letting ccleaner delete anything.

 

[koolkat77]

Any update?

 

[Brianc52]

Sorry, I was away for a few days. I removed both PC Tools programs. Wife used the computer while I was gone with no BSODs. I hope that was the problem.

Thanks very much

 

[koolkat77]

   Tip

• If your problem is solved please use the
  
  Mark this thread as solved link at the top of your thread or down on the left corner