CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202)Software TroubleshootingEasy
A user reports that a Windows 11 laptop displays a blue screen with the error DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL shortly after a new printer driver was installed. Which of the following should the technician do FIRST to resolve the issue?
- ABoot into Safe Mode and roll back the driver
- BReinstall Windows from recovery media
- CRun chkdsk /r on the boot drive
- DReplace the RAM modules
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Boot into Safe Mode and roll back the driver
Since the BSOD appeared right after a driver installation, the most likely cause is the new driver. Booting into Safe Mode allows the technician to roll back or remove the faulty driver without the crash recurring.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Reinstalling Windows is far more drastic than necessary for a single driver conflict.
- C. chkdsk checks disk integrity and would not fix a driver-related IRQL error.
- D. RAM replacement is not indicated since the timing correlates with a driver install, not hardware failure.
Driver Rollback for BSOD
When a Blue Screen of Death occurs immediately after installing new hardware or a driver, rolling back the driver in Safe Mode is the standard first troubleshooting step.
- Stop codes often point to a specific driver or hardware subsystem.
- Safe Mode loads only essential drivers, allowing changes to be made.
- Device Manager's 'Roll Back Driver' option reverts to the previous version.
Memory trick: 'New Driver, New Problem — Roll It Back'