XP Problems (Drivers)

[Hoser]

I recently reinstalled XP because I wanted a 'virgin' install to run Norton Ghost on for system restores. Everything was working fine, then I went to install the sound (Soundblaster Live MP3) and video (ATI Radeon 7500) drivers. After that I loaded all the software that I normally use.

I started getting errors like: DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL, PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA, and a few others. I checked what could cause these errors and everything points to a driver problem. I've installed all the newest driver updates from Microsoft, so I should be running the correct drivers. Right now I'm using the VGA Compatable driver for video to see if my problems stop.

What drivers should I use? Do I use the drivers from the manufacturers, or from Microsoft?

I definitely need a working video driver. Scrolling up and down sucks, you get a 'wave' effect. I may try the original CD and see what happens.

[LPMiller]

it's really a bitch of a problem to solve. Because pulling out a component won't always solve the problem, you have to pull the drivers to see if that is the issue.

Do you have Easy CD creator installed at all?

Are your motherboard drivers up to date?

Are you overclocking the ram?

Is the Bios assigning the IRQ's, or is WinXP?

[Hoser]

I don't have Easy CD Creator installed.

I've got the newest BIOS installed.

No overclocking.

The BIOS is assigning the IRQs.

I think I'm going to have to restore my initial XP install with Norton Ghost. This install was before loading any drivers, so it might take care of my problem. I wish the error messages in XP were a little more descriptive, listing the driver that's causing the errors.

[Hoser]

I finally got it fixed. I reseated all the cards (video, sound, network) and that didn't do anything. Then I swapped out both 256MB memory sticks. When I was taking them out, I noticed a lot of dust in the memory sockets. I used compressed air to blow it out and put the new memory in. I used my Ghost CD to restore XP and about 7 minutes later I was up and running. I'll have to take the two old memory sticks in to have them tested. I don't know if it was the dust blocking one of the contacts on a memory stick, but it's a possibility.