IRQ not less or Equal

[Roburn]

This happens whenever i try to boot.

The blue screen will pop up when i see the XP boot screen (loading bar)

The error message is only "IRQ not less or equal"

I've also swapped all my ram and still encounter the error.


Any ideas??

[jamesj2001]

Two things are trying to use the same IRQ.  Have you installed any new hardware or updated any drivers?  Can you get into safe mode?

[Roburn]

That's the problem, i've just returned from an oversea trip and my sister used the computer..

I've asked her but she said she didn't install any other things other than games.

As for the hardware side, nope, no need additions.

I can't go into safe mode also, same error.

[jamesj2001]

If you can't get into safe mode, there's no easy fix.  One of those programs or games needs to be uninstalled.  Maybe someone else can offer a different solution, but I'd get a knoppix disc to back up my files and reload the OS.

Oh, but first, from the safe mode screen, try "last known good configuration".

[Roburn]

That didn't work either..


Maybe someone else can help?

[Broni]

IRQ not less or equal

Two most likely causes:
- overheating
- bad RAM

What exactly did you mean by "swapping" RAM?

Turn off computer. Open the case. Clean inside, using compressed air. Turn computer on. See, if all fans are running.

[Roburn]

remove all 4 sticks of ram and putting them in one by one, trying to pin point out the faulty ram (if there was any).

So far, all 4 sticks of ram will encounter the error.

[Broni]

Try cleaning, and checking on fans.

[BC_Programmer]

Two things are trying to use the same IRQ. 

misinformation. the error is caused when a Device driver calls a system function and specifies a IRQL (interrupt request Level) that is not less then or equal to the current IRQL. Thus the error. bad RAM causes this problem by causing Driver-level structures to become corrupted, such as structures that might be used to specify the IRQL parameter.


For the record- I've had this problem occur on my old AMD K6-2, for display drivers in 3d mode. My new computer, however, ran them fine. I can only guess that the display drivers (being newer) attempt to use features of non-existent hardware on my K6, such as SSE or something, (how it translates into the IRQL error and not the INVALID_OPCODE error I cannot guess, likely to do with Ring 0 code).

[abelleba]

I had the same thing happen to me a few days ago. Windows reinstall didn't help. I disabled reboot on error so I was able to see the error. I wrote it down on a notepad. The error said the same as yours but referred to a file RT2500.sys which is my wireless card driver. I did everything to get around it and nothing, cleaning dust out, testing ram and cpu temp, nada... Finally, I removed the driver and hardware from my computer and it hasn't shown up yet.

*NOTE* My wireless card was working for 3 years +. No software or hardware changes. The card just went to crap I guess. Only thing I can suspect is a service pack update?

Oh well, I'm up to 4.5MB down using a cat-5 cable now.

Moral, look for a file name in your error. Then google the filename, that is your clue what is happening.

The first time it happened, it showed me that file. After I re-formatted the file name didn't show.

I will write a blog with more details soon, PM me for the future URL.

Regards,

[Roburn]

The blue screen contains no error msg, just IRQ not less or equal, no file name.

Checked the fans, and removed the dusts, still encounter the error

[Broni]

To me, it's rather hardware caused error, but there is nothing to lose by trying Windows repair: http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm