Resolve STOP 0x0000000A IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL

This error happens when an application or device drivers running at kernel mode accessing memory address that is not permitted. IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL meaning that IRQL (Interrupt ReQuest Level) number of a kernel process is more than what it can process. The common cases are device drivers that are buggy trying to access unprotected or restricted memory locations. Other causes of this errors are:

1. Antivirus pogram or backup tool, sometimes is the cause, because when its Vista incompatible.

2. Also, when hardwares are Vista incompatible. So does the corrupted device drivers, BIOS firmware incompatibility, and a corrupted installation of system services.

3. Failed hardware.

Steps to resolve STOP 0x0000000A

1. Remove all external hardwares such as CD, DVD, printers, camera, sound card, network/wifi card, USB stick etc… and confirm they are all VISTA compatible. Dont plug in yet.

2. The next step is to restart the computer, and press F8 immediately when the PC starts to open Advanced Boot Options. Select System Recovery Option, and press System Repair. This starts the repair process of the entire PC.

3. Once the repair is done, plug in all the Vista compatible hardwares. Now click on Start->Control Panel->System and Maintenance->Problem Reports and Solutions. This must find the driver updates, run them. Now the problem must be resolved!

4. In come cases, you still see the error during startup but the windows loads. In that case go to c:\windows\system32
right click cmd.exe and Run As Administrator. Enter mdshed.exe.  This opens up Windows Memory Diagnostic tool. Click on “Restart now and check for problems (Recommended)”. System restarts now to run this tool. This will diagnose all the memory problems as this STOP 0x0000000A IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL is related to memory.

4. b. Making sense of Windows Memory Diagnostic Test Results

If the test fails RAM is failed, i recommend you to get a new memory. Crucial.com is the best place i personally get my memory sticks.

If the test shows errors message “Hardware problems were detected”. The following steps helps,

i. If you have only one RAM, get another one for the test. (other computers or even friends)

ii. Run an Extended memory test (press T on the Tool screen) for both the RAM one by one at one RAM module, keep the others free. This might take a while. If your RAM has errors while the other hasn’t then its an hardware problem. Get a new one. Ram sticks are dirt cheap at crucial.com.

Its good to have all the maintenance tools with Vista compatibility. A good vista compatible antivirus, antispyware and Registry Optimizer Tool will make up for a great arsenal of PC health maintenance tool.