Installing Dell System software problems

Question

My Dell Inspiron 600m has been a dependable workhorse for years now but I have a new problem I've never faced before. Yesterday, I reinstalled Windows XP from the original Dell CD; no problem. But when I try to install the System Software (device drivers, diagnostics and utilities, etc., I am having major problems. Since the manual is not clear to me as to what exact order the components are installed, I start with Audio, Chip Set, Broadband modem, Alps touchpad, Broadcom 570x ethernet driver and now here is where the problem starts: As soon as I install the Intel R Pro Wireless I get this blue screen with an error message 'A problem has been detected and Windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer. IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL.'  I assume that when I see the checkmark, that is what I need to install for XP. I tried both the Quick and extended formatting the partition using the NTFS file system. Same results with the same error message (IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL) and it always happens after I install the Intel R Pro Wireless softward . The  80 GB WD harddrive on the 600m  is less than 2 years old and never had problems before. So I would like to know if there is something I'm missing in installing the System Software or is it a problem with my computer? It was working fine before I started this process. I've checked the computer for problems with the Dell Diagnostics disk and found none. Any help would be appreciated, Thanks, Bill

speedstep · Accepted Answer

Install XP clean.

Install chipset drivers.

Download the Windows XP Service pack 2 FULL install 300 meg file.

Then try installing the Wireless driver.

Error Message:

IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL

Explanation:

This Stop message indicates that a kernel-mode process or driver attempted to access a memory address to which it did not have permission to access. The most common cause of this error is an incorrect or corrupted pointer that references an incorrect location in memory. A pointer is a variable used by a program to refer to a block of memory. If the variable has an incorrect value in it, the program tries to access memory that it should not. When this occurs in a user-mode application, it generates an access violation. When it occurs in kernel mode, it generates a STOP 0x0000000A message. If you encounter this error while upgrading to a newer version of Windows, it might be caused by a device driver, a system service, a virus scanner, or a backup tool that is incompatible with the new version.

User Action:

This error usually occurs after the installation of a buggy device driver, system service, or BIOS. To resolve it quickly, restart your computer, and press F8 at the character-mode menu that displays the operating system choices. At the resulting Windows Advanced Options menu, choose the Last Known Good Configuration option. This option is most effective when only one driver or service is added at a time. If you encounter this error while upgrading from Windows XP or earlier, it might be caused by a device driver, a system service, a virus scanner, or a backup tool that is incompatible with the new version.

Mary G · Answer

Both the chipset and notebook system software must be installed first or the rest will not install properly.

Philip_Yip · Answer

See my wiki a clean install of Windows XP for best results. This can be found below in the wiki list.

wzb3 · Answer

Yes, it worked, to Install XP clean.

Install chipset drivers.

Download the Windows XP Service pack 2 FULL install 300 meg file.

Then try installing the Wireless driver.

But I still got the blue screen, so I solved my problem by going to Dell support and downloading the wireless driver, putting it on a flash drive, then installing it on the Inspiron 600m. Now, I'm downloading the latest XP updates and it looks like I'm back in business. Thanks, SpeedStep for your ideas, they really got me on the right tract.

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