The IRQLNOTLESSOREQUAL Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) occurs when a driver or system process accesses a memory address without permission, often due to outdated or corrupted drivers, faulty hardware, corrupt system files, conflicting software, or misconfigured BIOS settings.
Causes of the IRQLNOTLESSOREQUAL BSOD include:
- Outdated or corrupted drivers
- Faulty RAM or other hardware
- Corrupt system files
- Conflicting software, especially antivirus programs
- Overclocking or misconfigured BIOS settings
Methods to troubleshoot and resolve the error include:
1. Update or Roll Back Drivers: Ensure drivers are updated or revert to previous versions if issues arose after an update.
2. Run a Memory Diagnostic Test: Use the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool to check for faulty RAM.
3. Scan for Corrupted System Files: Utilize the System File Checker (SFC) and DISM tools to identify and repair corrupted system files.
4. Check for Disk Errors with CHKDSK: Run a CHKDSK scan to identify and fix hard drive errors.
5. Disable Overclocking or Reset BIOS Settings: Disable any overclocking settings or reset BIOS to default.
6. Uninstall Problematic Software: Remove recently installed software that may interfere with system processes.
7. Perform a System Restore: Use System Restore to revert the system to a stable state before the error occurred.
8. Reset Windows: If other methods fail, reset Windows while choosing to keep files or remove everything.