IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error on Vista Ultimate install

[Guest]

I have an entirely new system with an Abit IP-95 motherboard, a Pentium D
3.02ghz CPU with 2 gb of DDR2 ram installed. I have stripped the machine to
only a DVD drive for install, a 250gb SATA drive (no OS on it yet), a PS2
keyboard and mouse.

I changed the BIOS to boot to the DVD as the first drive, the HDD as the
second drive and the floppy drive as the third (currently disconnected).

When I boot, the progress bar says "Windows Loading Files" and it completes.
The computer either then goes to a black screen and the CPU fan speeds way up
for a few minutes, and then the machine just sits there. I left it for
several minutes, thinking maybe something was preparing to install but
nothing happened: no lights, no spinning, just the fan whirring at normal
speed.

Upon rebooting, I'm getting a blue screen saying that an error occurred and
it says IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL. I have restored the BIOS to optimal defaults
(F9). I can't get past this screen. I've tried using both the 32-bit and
64-bit discs (full install DVDs, not upgrade).

I am now installing WindowsXP Pro just to get an OS on the hard drive in
hopes of getting it all up and running, and upgrading to Ultimate from there.

In the meantime, does any one have any ideas of what I can do? I am not a
technical person but I can fumble my way through a lot of this type of stuff.

Like I said, this is a completely virgin machine with all components bought
this week, and I explained to the guy what I wanted to do and he spec'd the
equipment I would need.

Thanks.

 

[Rick Rogers]

Hi Geoff,

Some things to try:

Disable the following features in the CMOS settings of your computer's BIOS.
See the motherboard manual for details.

- All caching, including L2, BIOS, internal/external, and write-back caching
on disk controllers (this will have the effect of slowing your system
considerably in some cases)
- All rom shadowing (especially video)
- Plug and Play (Windows handles this aspect)
- Any BIOS-based virus protection feature (can cause a failure when the
installer attempts to write to the boot sector)

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
My thoughts http://rick-mvp.blogspot.com

 

[Saucy]

I have an entirely new system with an Abit IP-95 motherboard, a Pentium D
3.02ghz CPU with 2 gb of DDR2 ram installed. I have stripped the machine
to
only a DVD drive for install, a 250gb SATA drive (no OS on it yet), a PS2
keyboard and mouse.

I changed the BIOS to boot to the DVD as the first drive, the HDD as the
second drive and the floppy drive as the third (currently disconnected).

When I boot, the progress bar says "Windows Loading Files" and it
completes.
The computer either then goes to a black screen and the CPU fan speeds way
up
for a few minutes, and then the machine just sits there. I left it for
several minutes, thinking maybe something was preparing to install but
nothing happened: no lights, no spinning, just the fan whirring at normal
speed.

Upon rebooting, I'm getting a blue screen saying that an error occurred
and
it says IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL. I have restored the BIOS to optimal
defaults
(F9). I can't get past this screen. I've tried using both the 32-bit and
64-bit discs (full install DVDs, not upgrade).

I am now installing WindowsXP Pro just to get an OS on the hard drive in
hopes of getting it all up and running, and upgrading to Ultimate from
there.

In the meantime, does any one have any ideas of what I can do? I am not a
technical person but I can fumble my way through a lot of this type of
stuff.

Like I said, this is a completely virgin machine with all components
bought
this week, and I explained to the guy what I wanted to do and he spec'd
the
equipment I would need.

Thanks.

If you are re-installing there's nothing to do in the mean time really. See
how the install goes.

**I noticed that for the Abit IP-95 that if you add or remove a memory
module(s) you will have to clear the CMOS. This is different form merely
resetting the BIOS settings. It usually means following the manufacturer's
instructions on clearing the CMOS [you might be asked to change a mobo
jumper or remove the mobo battery for a few minutes - the instructions
should be in the mobo manual.]**

Anyway, these computer problems are solved by a process of elimination:

Since the computer is new, you might check that all the PCI cards are well
seated, the RAM is well seated, all cords and plugs are firmly inserted and
connected.

*Make sure the BIOS is reset to the defaults*. Also, have a look at the BIOS
settings and see if they make sense for your set up. If you don't understand
something look in the manual for an explanation and/or Google it.

Check with the mobo manufacturer's website and see if there are an issues
related to Vista.

If you have a number of PCI cards and peripherals, try installing on minimal
hardware and add one piece at a time.

And don't sweat bricks. It can be quite nerve wracking .. but it will all
work out well.

Saucy