How to fix IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL errors
The IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL or Stop 0x0000000A errors are generated by both software and hardware issues. The message indicates that a kernel mode process or driver attempted to access a memory address that it did not have the rights to access. Below is an example of how these error messages are formatted.
STOP: 0x0000000A (0xwwwwwwww, 0xxxxxxxxx, 0xyyyyyyyy, 0xzzzzzzzz)
| 0xwwwwwwww | The address that was referenced improperly. |
| 0xxxxxxxxx | IRQL that was required to access the memory. |
| 0xyyyyyyyy | Type of access. |
| 0xzzzzzzzz | Address of instruction that attempted to access 0xwwwwwwww. |
McAfee VirusScan for Windows NT issue
Exact error is as follows:
STOP: 0x0000000A (0x0000015a, 0x0000001c, 0x00000000, 0x80116bf4)IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL
Mcafee VirusScan for Windows NT 2.5.1(9607) and 2.5.2(9609) are not compatible with Windows NT 4.0
Uninstall Mcafee
Windows NT 3.51 upgrade from Windows NT 4.0
Exact error is as follows:
STOP: 0x0000000A (0x0000015a, 0x0000001c, 0x00000000, 0x80116bf4)IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL
If you upgraded your computer to Windows NT 4.0 from Windows NT 3.51 with Gateway Services for Netware to Windows NT 4.0 installed, remove Gateway Services for Netware. Then reinstall the service to resolve this issue.
Service Pack
Exact error is as follows:
STOP 0x0000000a (0x00000006, 0x00000002, 0x00000000, **********) IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL
********** - This portion may vary
Earlier service packs may have had issues with the TCP (transmission control protocol) handling; updating the Service Pack resolves the issue. Ensure you have the latest service pack installed in the computer.
Links to locations to download the latest service packs found through our Windows NT downloads section.
Driver issue
Drivers that have errors can also cause the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error. Consider updating or reinstalling your drivers (more specifically, your network or SCSI (small computer system interface) drivers).
For a listing of driver manufacturer company pages, see the drivers page.
Hardware issue
If the information above does not help resolve the issue, you may have a hardware issue. Exchange or replace hardware in the computer. Our recommendation is: RAM (random-access memory), CPU (central processing unit), or NIC (network interface card).