PC crashing and driving me mad

[Acheron]

I'm getting the same errors as a lot of other people ... IRQL_NOT_LESS ... blah blah. I get numerous other BSOD error messages also. They all seem to occur at one of a few times:

- immediately at boot
- during memory-intensive tasks (large copy/pastes, DVD burning, etc.)

After doing a lot of reading, it seems these issues are usually tied to 1 of 3 things:

- memory: bad or incompatible
- video card: bad
- HDD: corrupt/bad

The video card definitely isn't the issue considering the crashes don't occur during any vid-intensive operations. The HDDs have been checked and come back 100% clean. The memory has been checked also in Memtest and a few other apps and no errors there either. I am only left to think there is a compatibility issue.

System Specs:
- Windows 2000 SP4
- AOpen AX45-4D Max motherboard
- Pentium 4 2.8GHz w/ Northwood core running @ Intel's exact specs
- Kingston HyperX PC2700/DDR 333 512MB RAM running @ Kingston's exact specs (I did try slowing it down but the PC isn't any more or less stable - just a lot slower)
- ATI AIW Radeon 32MB, also at stock speeds
- Maxtor 120GB, 7200RPM w/ 8MB cache
- Maxtor 200GB, 7200RPM w/ 8MB cache
- Enermax 430W PSU
- Pioneer DVR105
- Samsung DVD-ROM

I have kept a close eye on all voltages also and they are running steady. I haven't been able to watch them immediately prior to a crash, but I doubt that is the problem. Temps aren't outstanding but well within spec. My case and CPU never break 43C and typically run between 32-41C.

I do have another stick of slow RAM here that runs rock steady in another PC so I will try that also. If anyone can offer any additonal advice, apps that might help, etc I would greatly appreciate it.

[Mr Snatcher]

Whats the rest of the iqrl not less....

[Acheron]

Whats the rest of the iqrl not less....

My technical description 'blah blah' didn't cut it eh? ;)

IRQL_NOT_LESS OR EQUAL

[Mr Snatcher]

:laugh: almost

What I meant was there is a code...for example (0x0000000C,0x0000000)

[djgarfpsx1]

u didnt mention what modem u have as i have seen usb modems with outdated drivers cause this error on more than 1 occasion

[Acheron]

Mr Snatcher-

Yes, it is followed by a code ... will grab it next time it happens (which is typically 2-3 times per day). There are other message as well, typically mentioning system files. Originally that made me think there might be a software problem but 2 reformats later it was the same.


djgarfpsx1-

I honestly can't recall what type of modem it is. It is an internal PCI 56k but also not an issue here as that PC isn't connected to the net. If i remember correctly, it is using Windows drivers.