Blue Screen error "STOP 0x0000000A: IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL"

This article provides information on how to repair the Windows Blue Screen error "STOP 0x0000000A: IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL".

The error "Stop 0x0000000A: IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL", usually occurs at Windows Startup. It is most often associated with either a bad driver or with faulty or incompatible hardware or software. Technically, this error condition indicates that a kernel-mode process or driver tried to access a memory location to which it did not have permission or at a kernel Interrupt Request Level (IRQL) that was too high.

If you have a Windows blue screen error 0x0000001A, you may be able to gain some basic information on the code alone. For additional information, refer to Microsoft Community Article: Bluescreen stop error 0x0000001A (0x00000404,0xC0040690,0x6E595847,0xC0042790). Troubleshooting from the Microsoft support site is re-published here for your convenience:

1. Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic Test
   1. Open the Control Panel
   2. Click Administrative Tools
   3. Click Windows Memory Diagnostic.
      [You can also launch the tool by entering "mdsched" in the search bar.]
   4. Select "Restart now and check for problems" or "Check for problems the next time I start my computer" [If you opt to restart and run the tool now, just be sure to save your work and close any open programs for before doing so.]
   5. Select your memory test options and run the test [Once the machine restarts, the tool will launch and run the memory test. You can press F1 to change the test options or just let it run with the standard settings.]
   6. Let the test run [The test could take a few minutes.]

   7. Once complete, Windows will continue its startup process and a pop-up will eventually appear showing the results. You can also view the results by opening the Event Viewer, clicking Windows Logs, clicking System, and then selecting the most recent log with Memory Diagnostics-Results as the source.

   8. If there are no problems, you'll see "no errors". If you see anything else, it might be time to replace your RAM or contact XUM for more help.

2. Update the chipset, video card, display and network adaptor drivers.
3. Verify that any new hardware or software is properly installed. Disconnect the new hardware or replace it to see if this resolves the issue.
4. Disable Memory caching in the BIOS
5. Updates drivers and firmware from the Drivers & Downloads section of XUM Support web site.

Included below are generic troubleshooting steps. Not every Blue Screen error requires an Operating System reinstall. In fact, most can be repaired. These steps are not specific to the actual code and may not be necessary for every Blue Screen error.