PC dead?? -help!

Kerplunk

Kerplunk

Kerplunk

Soldato
Joined
10 Jan 2006
Posts
9,396
Location
Bournemouth tbh
Ok, I have a PC and before i launch it out of the window - I'll ask on here... :p

The PC in question randomly got an NTLDR is missing on boot up, So I did a reformat and reinstall Windows...and the Windows installation went fine, then when it completed install and went to log on it restarted itself! Fffuuuu

So I go to re-log on and it is fine now...activated windows fine..half an hour later is restarts again!!! :mad:

Right, so now next time it decides to throw a BSOD my way, with error message IRQL_not_less_or Equal :/

What sounds like the problem? Hardware or Software?

The PC is an 'E-System' about 4 years old with XP on it.

Would replaceing the motherboard be the first place to start? :confused:

any help muchos appreciated :)
 
There are 2 possible causes to the 'IRQL_not_less_or Equal' in my experience.

1: CPU overheating
2: Faulty RAM

Check the CPU fan isn't clogged with crap, make sure the fan is spinning & check the heatsink is seated correctly.

Download the bootable version of memtest and either burn it to CD or put it on a USB stick and set that device as the boot priority in the BIOS.

Memtest will boot before Windows even tries to load up. From there just follow the on-screen instructions.

Post back your findings buddy.!
 
To add another, I've had that BSOD with driver issues in the past.

Memtest is a good idea though. Also use Core temp and Prime95 to check your CPU isn't getting too toasty (although usually you'd have massive slowdown or spontaneous shutdown as the first indication of an overheating issue).

No point in replacing the motherboard in a four year old pre-built machine (unless you bought something amazing originally). If it's a serious hardware problem it's probably upgrade time.
 
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