Fixing the 0x0000000A BSOD: Your Complete Guide to Solving IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Errors

The 0x0000000A Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), commonly referred to as IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL, can leave many Windows users frustrated. This error typically signals that a driver or software is trying to access a section of memory that it should not, often leading to system instability. This article provides a comprehensive guide on understanding the 0x0000000ABSOD error, its causes, and actionable steps to fix it.

What is the 0x0000000A BSOD Error?

The 0x0000000ABSOD is a type of system crash in Windows, also known by its error message: IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL. This error occurs when a kernel-mode process or driver tries to access paged memoryat an interrupt request level (IRQL) of DISPATCH_LEVELor higher. Essentially, your system is attempting to access memory that is unavailable or is being used in an improper manner, which triggers a critical failure and the blue screen.

Common Symptoms of the 0x0000000A BSOD

When this BSOD occurs, you may notice the following symptoms:

• System crashes or unexpected restarts.
• Frequent BSODs showing the error message "IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL".
• Performance slowdownsor freezesprior to the BSOD.
• Driver issues, such as failing to load properly.

Causes of the 0x0000000A BSOD

Several factors can trigger this error, typically related to driver conflicts, memory access violations, or hardware issues. Here are some of the common causes:

1. Faulty or Outdated Drivers 

   Drivers are often the root cause of the error. If a driver attempts to access memory improperly or is incompatible with the system, the 0x0000000A error can appear. This is especially true for device driverslike graphics cards, printers, or network adapters.

2. Corrupt or Incompatible Software 

   Third-party software, especially security programs or hardware utilities, can sometimes interfere with kernel processes, causing memory issues.

3. RAM Issues 

   Problems with your system’s physical memory (RAM) can trigger errors. Corrupted or faulty RAM sticks can lead to memory access problems.

4. Overclocking 

   Overclocking your CPU or RAM too aggressively can cause instability in the system, leading to BSOD errors such as 0x0000000A.

5. Windows System File Corruption 

   Corrupt or missing system files in Windows can prevent the operating system from accessing critical resources correctly, triggering memory access errors.

6. Incompatible Hardware 

   New hardware, such as added RAM or a new device, may be incompatible with your system, causing memory conflicts or access violations.

How to Fix the 0x0000000A BSOD

Fortunately, there are several ways to resolve the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error. Follow these steps to troubleshoot and fix the issue.

1. Update Your Device Drivers

Since outdated or faulty drivers are one of the most common causes of this BSOD, the first step is to update your drivers.

Manually update drivers through Device Manager:

• Right-click on Start, then select Device Manager.
• Expand each device category (e.g., Display adapters, Network adapters) and right-click on individual devices to select Update driver.
• Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.

You can also visit the manufacturer’s website to download the latest versions of your drivers.

2. Run Windows Memory Diagnostic

Memory issues, such as faulty RAM, can trigger the 0x0000000A error. To rule out this possibility, use the built-in Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool:

• Press Win + R to open the Rundialog box.
• Type `mdsched.exe` and press Enter.
• Choose Restart now and check for problems. Your system will restart and check your RAM for errors.
• If errors are found, consider replacing the faulty RAM stick(s).

3. Check for Windows Updates

Make sure your Windows operating system is up-to-date, as updates often contain important bug fixes and driver updates that may resolve the issue.

• Go to Settings> Update & Security> Windows Update.
• Click Check for updates and install any available updates.

4. Uninstall Recently Installed Software

If the BSOD began after installing new software, try uninstalling it to check if it is causing the problem.

• Go to Control Panel> Programs> Programs and Features.
• Select the recently installed software and click Uninstall.

5. Roll Back Drivers

If you recently updated a driver and started experiencing the error, try rolling back to a previous version.

• Open Device Manager and right-click on the device.
• Select Properties, then go to the Driver tab.
• Click Roll Back Driver to return to an earlier version.

6. Perform a System Restore

If the problem persists, you may want to restore your system to a previous working state before the error occurred.

• Type System Restore in the Windows search bar and select Create a restore point.
• Under the System Protectiontab, click System Restore.
• Choose a restore point before the error started and follow the on-screen instructions.

7. Check Hardware Compatibility

If you’ve recently installed new hardware, it could be incompatible with your system. Try removing or replacing the new hardware to check if it resolves the issue.

8. Reset Windows (Last Resort)

If all else fails, you may need to reset Windows. This option will reinstall the operating system, potentially fixing any system corruption causing the BSOD.

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
• Click Get Started under Reset this PC and follow the instructions to reset Windows.

Conclusion

The 0x0000000A (IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL) BSOD is a common but fixable issue that can stem from faulty drivers, corrupt software, memory problems, or incompatible hardware. By following the troubleshooting steps in this guide—updating drivers, running diagnostics, and performing system restores—you can likely resolve the issue and restore your system to its normal state. If you continue to experience problems, it might be worth seeking professional assistance to avoid further disruptions.

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