Parameter 1 - The address of memory that was incorrectly accessed
Parameter 2 - The interrupt request level (IRQL) that was required
Parameter 3 - The type of operation, read-0, write-1
Parameter 4 - The address of the instruction itself

Applicable to the following Vista configurations: Home Basic, Home Premium, Ultimate, Business, Enterprise, Starter, Home Basic N, Business N, Business 64-bit Edition, Home Basic 64-bit Edition and Business N 64-bit Edition.

This STOP error can occur during startup or at any other time. The 8 digit hexadecimal number 0x0000000A translates to the bug check code "IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL" which may be caused by the following:

1. A kernel-level application or device driver running in kernel mode tried to read or write to a memory location that had restricted permissions. The code IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL indicates that the interrupt request level (IRQL) was higher than the number that was expected. A process running in kernel mode cannot access a process that has an IRQL which is greater than its own.

2. Components of the hardware may have failed such as the memory chip, the processor or motherboard. It may also indicate problems in video or disk adapters or device driver incompatibility issues.

3. Computer Hardware may not be Vista compatible. This STOP error usually results from the faulty installation of System Services, BIOS firmware or device drivers. It can also be caused by incompatible virus scanners or backup tools.

4. Sometimes viruses or the anti-virus software that is running on the computer may cause problems.

5. Third party software applications such as device drivers may also have software bugs which access unprotected or restricted memory. Sometimes the name of the application or driver that caused this problem will be displayed on the screen immediately after the STOP error information.

6. You are trying to install Vista on a computer with more than 3GB of RAM

7. You are trying to install Vista on a computer which is running a Storport miniport driver

8. You are trying to install Vista on a computer that has a controller that utilizes 32-bit DMA (direct memory access).

9. Repeatedly putting a laptop with Vista operating system on a sleep cycle mode can also cause this problem.

10. Computer runs QuickTime 7 on Vista which is trying to open a movie file with .mov extension.

Solutions:

1. First clear all external device drives of CDs, DVDs, Floppy disks, etc. Verify that your hardware is compatible with the operating system.
2. Remove all external peripherals such as printers, faxes, cameras, network adapters, sound cards, and serial cards, other USB devices, etc.
3. Try to restart the computer. If you cannot restart it using the mouse or keyboard options, shut down the computer by pressing down the manual Power button for a few seconds. When the computer has completely shut down, press the button again to restart the computer.
4. As the computer restarts, press and hold the F8 key before the Windows Logo appears.
5. Use the arrow keys to select "Repair the computer" in the "Advanced Boot Options" menu.
6. Choose a keyboard layout and login using username and password.
7. Choose Startup Repair from the menu for "System Recovery Options".
8. The Startup Repair process will try to repair the computer.
9. Add each device or peripheral ONE at a time and restart the system after every addition.
10. Verify that all the software updates are installed for the current Operating system as well as on all device drivers and external third party software on the system.
11. If the computer recovers and is running, then check the "Problem Reports and Solutions" page or VISTA. Click on Start->Control Panel->System and Maintenance->Problem Reports and Solutions. This facility searches online for device driver updates and solutions to problems caused by external hardware or software.
12. If Windows Vista was installed on an older computer, determine from the computer manufacturer's website whether the BIOS setup for the old computer is compatible with Vista OS. Install updates if required.
13. If the error appears during restart (and the restart is successful in spite of the error) , set the Windows Memory Diagnostic to get more details about the problems during restart:
    
    a. Click on Start->All Programs->Accessories. Right-click on Command-Prompt and choose "Run as administrator"
    b. Enter mdshed.exe at the command prompt. Schedule the tool to run at the next restart.
    
    
14. You can also monitor and diagnose the Vista system using the Reliability and Performance Monitors to check for CPU faults and real-time monitoring of the system with the Windows performance Diagnostic Console. You will need administrator privileges to run this monitor.