BSOD Error in Windows XP via Bootcamp

Question

BSOD Error in Windows XP via Bootcamp

Ok, so lately I have been getting Blue Screen of Death errors (BSOD) saying that "IRQL not less or equal". This usually happens while running resource intensive tasks like running iTunes, and playing a game. The computer's resources aren't being anywhere near fully tasked, and I keep it cool with a laptop fan cooler. It's a 15''MacBook Pro CD2 2.5 with 4 GB of RAM, only 3 of which are recognized and utilized by XP. The BSOD usually occurs after my sound output gets static and choppy. My more tech savy friends are saying that it's a RAM issue. The next time it happens, I am going to write down the whole error code, but of course it never happens when I need it to! The computer is under the Apple Care warranty extension that I had bought, but I don't want to have to send it in. I am currently in college, and it would be a very big problem if I had to send it in. Any thoughts and ideas before I go to Apple Support?

I haven't ever noticed any problem while in Leopard, but I rarely/never use Leopard in any resources intensive manner. I use XP via BootCamp for playing games, and for programs that require heavy multi-tasking. I don't know if that helps.

Mac Book Pro, Windows XP, Also running Windows XP SP3 via Bootcamp

Posted on Mar 4, 2009 7:37 PM

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Answer 1

Kappy

Level 10

361,753 points

Mar 4, 2009 8:59 PM in response to Garrett Kronland

This is a Windows error. You need to visit an appropriate Windows forum to seek help. This is the Apple Discussions. Your problem is not an OS X problem.

If your computer boots without a problem in OS X and you don't have any startup issues, then it's not likely a RAM problem. You can run hardware diagnostics by booting from the original OS X Installer Disc One that came with the computer. After the chime press and hold down the "D" key until the diagnostic screen appears. Run extended diagnostics repeatedly over a few hours to allow full error detection. If you get any errors note don't the error message and report it to the technician.

Apple support will not help you with a Windows problem. BTW, if you do "heavy multi-tasking" XP is not your best choice of operating system. OS X or Vista would be better.

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Answer 2

Mar 4, 2009 9:36 PM in response to Garrett Kronland

I use XP for heavy multi-tasking, because Mac OS still has a limited library of games available. The games that I am dedicated to, and the multiple programs that I incorporate into it, don't run on Mac, so I am forced to use windows. As for Vista, I would rather wait for another OS that's less resources hogging. XP is much better in that respect, and also is a lot more stable. I am slowly finding appropriate programs that are compatible with Mac, so I can fully make the transition.

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Answer 3

Mar 8, 2009 7:33 PM in response to Garrett Kronland

Hi all,
I have a post up but nobody has responded. I'm getting a BSoD (IRQL Not_Less_OrEqual - Stop: 0x0000000xA) while installing XP via Boot Camp. I've been doing a lot of research and I've been on the phone with Apple Techs and I even spoke to a "Level 3" Tech at the store (Quite frankley, they are just a less informed as I am). So my conclusion is, it's the Nvidia Graphics card. Has anyone ever had this problem?

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Answer 4

Mar 15, 2009 6:52 PM in response to Mad_Reilly

I just got that problem too. I found the solution, just uninstall your current video card driver and install the latest one.

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Answer 5

Apr 13, 2009 10:31 AM in response to Mad_Reilly

Are you using a Windows XP SP3 boot CD to do the install? If so, try installing with an SP2 CD, then upgrading to SP3. The drivers available to BootCamp don't play well with an SP3 install.

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Answer 6

Apr 19, 2009 5:21 AM in response to SeanCooper

Funny you say that. I actually posted my solution to the problem in another post. I found out there are actually 2 different releases of SP2, one being an earlier one and on a later version. I had an earlier version. I then found a version of SP3, installed it, and I'm off to the races. No problems so far. Needless to say, besides my MACs good looks, I miss my PC. I'm really trying my hardest to convert, but.........

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