Windows stop DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error.
Cause
This error is generated when a driver or part of Windows attempts to access pageable memory using the IRQL kernel process that is invalid.
- Bad hardware drivers.
- Bad memory or mismatched memory.
- Corrupt or bad Virtual Memory page file.
Answer
Recover Windows to an earlier copy
If you're unable to boot into Windows because of this error, you'll need to boot into
Windows Safe Mode and restore
Windows to an earlier copy before being able to attempt any of the other suggestions mentioned below.
Install the latest service packs
Hardware drivers that are installed by third-party programs commonly cause this issue. Many of the errors will not be encountered if you have the latest Microsoft Windows
Service Pack installed on the computer.
Get the latest hardware drivers
Install the latest drivers for any newly installed hardware device. If no new hardware has been installed make sure you have the latest drivers for the below devices.
- Video card
- Network card or router (if present)
- Any removable or external disk drive
A listing of computer drivers and links to hardware manufacturers driver pages can be found on our
driver's section.
Bad hardware
This issue is commonly caused by memory related issues. If you've recently installed any new memory into the computer, it's recommended that it be removed to verify it's not the cause of the issue. If after removing the memory this issue no longer occurs, you have either bad memory or it's mismatched with other memory currently installed in the computer.
If you have not installed any new memory into the computer recently, it's also possible that the memory currently installed in the computer is bad.
Corrupt or bad Virtual Memory page file
If you've followed the above steps and are continuing to experience this issue this error can also be caused by a bad virtual memory page file. To correct this issue follow the below steps.
- Click Start, Settings, Control Panel, and Open the System icon.
- In the System Properties window click the Advanced tab.
- Click the Settings button under Performance.
- Click the Advanced tab.
- Click the Change button under Virtual Memory.
- Select No paging file and then click each of the Ok buttons until all windows are closed.
- Restart Windows.
- Click Start, Settings, Control Panel, and Open the System icon.
- In the System Properties window click the Advanced tab.
- Click the Settings button under Performance.
- Click the Advanced tab.
- Click the Change button under Virtual Memory.
- Click System managed size and then click each of the Ok buttons until all windows are closed.
- Restart the computer.