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Computer has crashed multiply times. DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL ntoskrnl.exe

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  • Windows 7
  • Blue Screen
  • Ntoskrnl.Exe
Last response: in Windows 7
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September 15, 2014 1:59:48 PM

My computer has crashed all through out the week, about 7 times. Every time it is the same error, DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL. I looked up how to view a .dmp file and found a BlueScreenViewer. Downloaded it and found out it was being caused by ntoskrnl.exe. I've tried multiply solutions and none have worked so far. Im running Windows 7. Would really like some help. :) 

I can upload the dmp file if needed.

specs:
AMD FX-8120 8-core (Zambezi)
Asrock extreme 3 mobo
2x 8gb RAM
1.5 Tb HDD
1x 550 Ti 2gb GPU

More about : computer crashed multiply times driver irql equal ntoskrnl exe

a b $ Windows 7
September 15, 2014 7:38:06 PM

There's about nine hundred thousand different things that can throw an ntoskrnl.exe error. That stands for NT (Windows NT, which used to be a server platform but is now the basis for most windows file systems.) OS (Operating system) KRNL (Kernel, or the core of the OS. So basically, Windows NT operating system kernel executable error is what that is and just about any service or application running could cause a problem with it.

I would start with running Seatools for windows to see if it's a hard disk error. Hard disk failures often result in errors as do failing memory modules. Run the short DST test and if it passes, run the long generic. If it passes that run memtest86 for a minimum of 4 and preferably 7 passes on each module. Test the modules separately as testing multiple modules can result in false errors plus you can't really determine which module is throwing the error if tested together.

If the hard disk and the RAM are both ok after testing we can move forward. You might also run an sfc/scannow to see if the bsod is a result of a system corruption.

Seatools for windows:

http://www.seagate.com/support/downloads/item/seatools-...

Memtest86:

http://www.memtest86.com/download.htm

SFC/Scannow (Ignore that the tutorial is for windows 7, it's the same test:

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/3047-sfc-scannow-c...
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a b $ Windows 7
September 15, 2014 7:41:46 PM

Yup upload the dmp file. I'll see what else is installed
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Related resources
September 19, 2014 1:47:24 PM

darkbreeze said:
There's about nine hundred thousand different things that can throw an ntoskrnl.exe error. That stands for NT (Windows NT, which used to be a server platform but is now the basis for most windows file systems.) OS (Operating system) KRNL (Kernel, or the core of the OS. So basically, Windows NT operating system kernel executable error is what that is and just about any service or application running could cause a problem with it.

I would start with running Seatools for windows to see if it's a hard disk error. Hard disk failures often result in errors as do failing memory modules. Run the short DST test and if it passes, run the long generic. If it passes that run memtest86 for a minimum of 4 and preferably 7 passes on each module. Test the modules separately as testing multiple modules can result in false errors plus you can't really determine which module is throwing the error if tested together.

If the hard disk and the RAM are both ok after testing we can move forward. You might also run an sfc/scannow to see if the bsod is a result of a system corruption.

Seatools for windows:

http://www.seagate.com/support/downloads/item/seatools-...

Memtest86:

http://www.memtest86.com/download.htm

SFC/Scannow (Ignore that the tutorial is for windows 7, it's the same test:

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/3047-sfc-scannow-c...


Sorry for not replying sooner, just now got back on my computer. I've already ran Memtest and got 0 errors. Ive also done a dsk chk and nothing either. Ill run Seatools and sfc/scannow and report back later.
Also, Im uploading crash files now. Download available soon.
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a b $ Windows 7
September 19, 2014 2:43:26 PM

I would uninstall AVG and Asrock App charger for now. Both are known to cause this

Then use AVG's removal tool to remove the rest of it
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September 19, 2014 3:03:54 PM

Paul NZ said:
I would uninstall AVG and Asrock App charger for now. Both are known to cause this

Then use AVG's removal tool to remove the rest of it


I've had AVG for awhile now and this hasn't happened before. Ill uninstall the App charger.
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a b $ Windows 7
September 19, 2014 3:33:43 PM

Up to you but if it crashes again remove AVG
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a b $ Windows 7
September 19, 2014 6:24:33 PM

Sinister_ said:
Paul NZ said:
I would uninstall AVG and Asrock App charger for now. Both are known to cause this

Then use AVG's removal tool to remove the rest of it


I've had AVG for awhile now and this hasn't happened before. Ill uninstall the App charger.


Just because you have had an applicaton for some time with no problems doesn't mean that it won't conflict and have problems later on if something else changes that it doesn't like. New applications, drivers, windows updates or even hardware can make a piece of software or device that worked fine before begin acting stupid.
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September 19, 2014 7:37:51 PM

darkbreeze said:
Sinister_ said:
Paul NZ said:
I would uninstall AVG and Asrock App charger for now. Both are known to cause this

Then use AVG's removal tool to remove the rest of it


I've had AVG for awhile now and this hasn't happened before. Ill uninstall the App charger.


Just because you have had an applicaton for some time with no problems doesn't mean that it won't conflict and have problems later on if something else changes that it doesn't like. New applications, drivers, windows updates or even hardware can make a piece of software or device that worked fine before begin acting stupid.


If I was to uninstall AVG, what would you recommend for a anti-virus?
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a b $ Windows 7
September 19, 2014 7:43:42 PM

Well we'll see if it continues to crash after you remove it.

You can put it back on. But even the windows AV program is good enough for now.

I dont use a separate AV program here on Win8, just windows defenders. Its not the greatest but most of the others either slow the system down or cause crashes.

I dont do torrents or anything like that. And so far its fine.

Havent been infected by anything nothing has crashed, the computer hasnt died lol

Myself I dont bother with separate anti virus programs.

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a b $ Windows 7
September 19, 2014 8:34:51 PM

Use of Windows defender together with Malware Bytes is sufficient protection for anyone so long as you are not visiting or downloading high risk content, and maybe even then, and keeping the definitions current. If you don't like Windows defender, Avira free antivirus would be my second choice.

Do not however, count on an AV program to protect you from malware. It won't. Generally AV scanners don't detect malware and malware scanners don't detect viruses so you do need both. However, Paul is correct in that for now, while trying to solve your issue, it doesn't need to be on. Just don't go visiting any porn, torrent or other questionable websites and don't open any email attachments until you turn it back on. Probably not a good idea to do most of those things even then.
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September 19, 2014 8:47:29 PM

darkbreeze said:
Use of Windows defender together with Malware Bytes is sufficient protection for anyone so long as you are not visiting or downloading high risk content, and maybe even then, and keeping the definitions current. If you don't like Windows defender, Avira free antivirus would be my second choice.

Do not however, count on an AV program to protect you from malware. It won't. Generally AV scanners don't detect malware and malware scanners don't detect viruses so you do need both. However, Paul is correct in that for now, while trying to solve your issue, it doesn't need to be on. Just don't go visiting any porn, torrent or other questionable websites and don't open any email attachments until you turn it back on. Probably not a good idea to do most of those things even then.


Wow, never thought of it that way. Just in case, Im going to do a full scan before I uninstall AVG. Fyi, this SeaTools Long Generic test is taking forever.
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a b $ Windows 7
September 19, 2014 9:02:46 PM

If it passed the short DST it's probably ok. You can probably stop the long generic test, or maybe there is an issue which is why it's taking so long. Generally, you want to run the tests when you're not doing other stuff, like overnight or when you plan to be away from the rig for a while.
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September 20, 2014 10:43:50 AM

darkbreeze said:
If it passed the short DST it's probably ok. You can probably stop the long generic test, or maybe there is an issue which is why it's taking so long. Generally, you want to run the tests when you're not doing other stuff, like overnight or when you plan to be away from the rig for a while.


Forgot to mention it only crashes whenever I wake up my computer from sleep. Anyway, I woke it up this morning and it still crashed. Same error and everything. Side note, when ever I start up my computer, I get this pop-up error:

RunDLL
There was a problem starting
C:\users\-------\AppData\Roaming\newnext.me\nengine.dll
The specified module could not be found.

Not sure if that could be related or not, just thought I'd mention it.
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a b $ Windows 7
September 20, 2014 12:33:43 PM

That maybe adware/malware. Scan it with malwarebytes

I dont think it'll crash a system, but you may get popups when you use a browser

Run msconfig or ccleaner, delete / untick its entry in startup

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September 21, 2014 5:35:59 PM

Problem still occurred today but surprisingly, it took longer for it crash. Ive ran MalwareBytes and it found a lot of detections (yesterday). Still crashed though. However, checking BSV, it also mentions a file called CLASSPNP.SYS. Could still use some help here. :) 
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a b $ Windows 7
September 21, 2014 5:50:27 PM

As explained in this linked thread, the classpnp.sys generally relates to scsi devices. You might want to follow the repair instructions listed in the thread for repairing file corruption or scsi driver issues.

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/537712/windows...
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September 23, 2014 2:23:20 PM

darkbreeze said:
As explained in this linked thread, the classpnp.sys generally relates to scsi devices. You might want to follow the repair instructions listed in the thread for repairing file corruption or scsi driver issues.

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/537712/windows...


Well, I followed the steps on that thread and windows didnt find anything. I also installed windows updates to see if that would make a difference. Still crashed today. However, instead its kdcom.dll and ntoskrnl.exe. Also forgot to mention my CPU is OCed to 3.5ghz. Not sure if that makes a difference or not.
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a b $ Windows 7
September 23, 2014 2:34:21 PM

And did you remove whatever malwarebytes found?
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September 23, 2014 2:37:27 PM

Paul NZ said:
And did you remove whatever malwarebytes found?


Well seeing I haven't go that pop up sense, I'm guessing it did.
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a b $ Windows 7
September 23, 2014 4:48:18 PM

K then well could have something else then .
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a b $ Windows 7
September 23, 2014 7:06:23 PM

Are you using an aftermarket cooler or the stock cooler? What is the brand and model of your PSU?
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September 23, 2014 7:30:48 PM

darkbreeze said:
Are you using an aftermarket cooler or the stock cooler? What is the brand and model of your PSU?


Im gonna take a guess and say the cooler is the CPU cooler. Im using an H100 from corsair. (lowest temp ive had is 5) Im using a CM Silent Pro M - 1000W PSU.

Heres links incase you want:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

(except that the H100 I bought isn't refurbished.)
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a b $ Windows 7
September 23, 2014 8:54:48 PM

Well, the Silent Pro isn't great, it's a third tier PSU, but it probably isn't the issue, at least in regard to initial quality as many PSUs are. There are a lot of well known brand name and off brand PSUs that exhibit behaviors that for all the world look like failures in other components, but are in reality directly related to a poor quality PSU. I'm leaning towards that not being the case in your case, although I wouldn't rule it out entirely with it being a third tier PSU. Overclocking using third tier PSUs is highly not recommended as per the tier list here though so it's something you might want to keep an eye on and probably not overclock with until you get a better quality unit. Not every watt is of equal quality. There are dirty watts and clean watts, as well as a variety of other stability issues that can occur with borderline or poor quality PSUs:

http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-1804779/power-su...


Your cooler should be fine, I just wanted to make sure you were not overclocking with the stock cooler.


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a b $ Windows 7
September 23, 2014 8:59:10 PM

This might actually be related to the RAM, but not related to bad RAM per se. It could be a speed, timing or module size issue. Can you download and run CPU-Z and post screenshots of the main, memory and motherboard tabs. Maybe also run HWinfo (Free download) and post screenshots of the sensors window. It might take multiple screenshots for the sensors.
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September 23, 2014 9:04:39 PM

Will be able to tomorrow but not atm. Will update tomorrow when possible.
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a b $ Windows 7
September 23, 2014 9:37:59 PM

Ok, sounds good.
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September 24, 2014 4:47:44 PM

Update: I haven't done the things you said yet because I was installing some things on the computer itself. It still did crash when I woke it up except with "ntoskrnl.exe" and "nvlddmkm.sys" I then installed my fans I ordered and started it up again. This time, it crashed after about 2 or 3 minutes after I had gotten onto the desktop. This hasn't happened before. Came up with "ntoskrnl.exe" and "kdcome.dll". I find it strange that the errors keep changing except for the "ntoskrnl.exe". will run those programs in a bit and update again.

UPDATE: Just crashed again after I got into desktop. Only came up with "ntoskrnl.exe" this tme. Im in save mode with networking atm so I can hopefully try and fix it.
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a b $ Windows 7
September 24, 2014 5:10:10 PM

That kdcome.dll file maybe corrupt
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September 24, 2014 5:23:37 PM

Tiny update: The computer keeps crashing a little after I get into desktop now. Trying to get the screenshots before it crashes again.
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September 24, 2014 5:48:26 PM

Another tiny update: it's pretty much impossible to upload the pictures because the computer keeps crashing.
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September 24, 2014 6:39:36 PM

Yet another tiny update: tried doing a system restore from 21/9/14. It restored but did not stop the constant crashing. Could really use some help. I'm ok with doing a complete reinstall in absolutely necessary but am trying to avoid.
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a b $ Windows 7
September 24, 2014 7:20:00 PM

You may have to if you have installation media. If you have access to another computer or can stay on the internet long enough to do so, I'd try updating the chipset and motherboard drivers. You might also try booting into safe mode (F8 repeatedly on boot until advanced boot menu comes up) with networking to see if you can keep windows alive and possibly access the internet. This would address two issues. One, if the computer does not crash while in safe mode, it's more likely that the problem is related to software and drivers than hardware. Two, you would be able to download the necessary files without crashing. Can you look on your motherboard and see what version of Asrock extreme 3 your motherboard is. Each different version may have different hardware and drivers so the version should be printed on the board itself, probably near one of the corners or by the model number.

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September 24, 2014 7:36:37 PM

I was on safe mode with networking earlier without crashes so thats a plus. I'm currently on safe mode with command prompt and am doing sfc /verifyonly. I'll try downloading drivers after the scan finishes. Will probably be tomorrow however.
This is the motherboard I have: http://m.newegg.com/Product/index?itemnumber=13-157-280
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September 24, 2014 8:02:28 PM

Im not sure if its just me but I cant seem to find any drivers for my CPU.
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September 24, 2014 8:05:17 PM

Well bad news I guess, after being on safe mode with networking for about 30-45 minutes, it crashed. Same error as in title of thread. I'll boot it up tomorrow and check the actual error with BSV.
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a b $ Windows 7
September 24, 2014 8:46:12 PM

I've got some suspicions that the hard drive may be the problem after all since it wouldn't complete the long generic. What is the brand and model number of your hard drive. Also, what windows 7 version, 32 or 64 bit, are you running?
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a b $ Windows 7
September 25, 2014 7:08:31 AM

Something is wrong with your link. That just takes you to a general page.
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a b $ Windows 7
September 25, 2014 7:35:13 AM

Actually, that just took me to the same general page tool. But I copied the item number from your link url and was able to find the drive.

So, that's a Seagate drive and the Seatools for windows is actually the OEM utility so that should not be an issue, not that it should have been even if the drive was from another vendor. I think I'd run the long generic again, and just let it go until it's done. If it can't complete testing I'd begin to suspect issues. The long test does take, well, long, as the name suggests. It test the drive sector by sector so it will take a good deal of time. Do it when you plan to be away from or don't need to be using the rig at the time.
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September 25, 2014 9:35:52 AM

darkbreeze said:
Actually, that just took me to the same general page tool. But I copied the item number from your link url and was able to find the drive.

So, that's a Seagate drive and the Seatools for windows is actually the OEM utility so that should not be an issue, not that it should have been even if the drive was from another vendor. I think I'd run the long generic again, and just let it go until it's done. If it can't complete testing I'd begin to suspect issues. The long test does take, well, long, as the name suggests. It test the drive sector by sector so it will take a good deal of time. Do it when you plan to be away from or don't need to be using the rig at the time.


But the problem is keeping it alive long enough.
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September 25, 2014 3:02:58 PM

Well I find this very odd: So I took my computer to Stables, Ive got a good friend who works there, and apparently, it never crashed while they had it. They ran some scans and even a benchmark to stress test it. They also said to not use sleep mode and something else I forgot. One guy asked how long ive had my windows install (over 2 years) and he said that I might want to do a reinstall or this other kind of install where I forgot the name of but its where you dont lose files but you may have to reinstall some programs. Anyway, thanks for all the help guys. :) 
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September 25, 2014 3:17:31 PM

Edit: it seems it did crash after a while. Gonna try something else.
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September 25, 2014 3:21:03 PM

I have a feeling it has to do with a program im starting up.
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a b $ Windows 7
September 25, 2014 5:12:57 PM

Do you have Catalyst control center 14.4 or 14.7, either one, installed? That has the chipset drivers included for your AMD based board. Here is the link to the page for your board. You might just want to go down the list of the drivers, not the utilities which are further down, and install all the ones that apply to your system which is probably all of them except the RAID drivers. If you don't have either of those versions of Catalyst control center installed you want to install those for sure. I don't think a program is your issue if it was doing it while in safe mode, unless you were running some other application WHILE you were in safe mode. If it wasn't doing it at Staples, maybe it's related to something like your power strip or outlet. Do you use a power strip or UPS? If so, try plugging straight into the wall socket. Maybe there is an issue with your monitor. Try to figure out what you use or do that they didn't use or do and that's the likely issue.

http://www.asrock.com/mb/AMD/970%20Extreme3/?cat=Downlo...
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September 25, 2014 5:20:58 PM

What do you mean by "some other application"?
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September 25, 2014 5:23:52 PM

Also, when I go to install catalyst control center it just takes me to the installation page of amd graphics card drivers.
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