irql_not_less_or_equal

[jpw2ch]

Hey Guys,

I have a Dell Dimension 4400 that started getting a BSOD with a message:
irql_not_less_or_equal

At first I was able to reboot and then windows would open. Now the only thing I can do is go into safe mode. I have heard that problem could be caused by a number of things. Memory, bad drivers, etc. I have physically removed my video card, modem, cd-rom drive, floppy drive and still have the same problem. Do I need to uninstall them from the device manager? I have not tried replacing memory yet. My question is if it can boot into safe mode wouldn't that rule out bad memory? Any ideas? No new hardware or software has been installed recently.

[SuperSparks]

It's most often caused by a buggy driver. Does it mention any particular file on the Blue Screen?

Here are a couple of good articles:

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=314063&sd=RMVP

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=183169&sd=RMVP

Also, try testing the RAM, you can run either or both of these from a floppy, without needing to boot into Windows:

Memtest86

Windows Memory Diagnostic