The BSOD is a fabled Windows favorite and one that has plagued every version of Microsoft’s OS, as well as producing a plethora of jokes from the tech support community. This is especially the case with Windows 8, as the screen is now a lot ‘friendlier’ than it has been in the past.
There are many reasons for this problem to occur but perhaps the most common message that accompanies the blue screen is the dreaded “DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL.” Effectively this message is informing users that Windows has crashed due to a problem with a driver.
If you read the additional text that appears with this message you may be able to determine what driver is causing the issue. However, since the PC will automatically restart when the message appears you may not manage to read it all in time, you can find the BSOD error dumps and check there.
To find them go to:
For the average user reading through this folder will not be a simple task however, it’s commonly caused by AvastSvc.exe, which is associated with Avast anti-virus software updates and with the help of the Windows community , it can be fixed.
You will need to upgrade the drivers regardless of the cause of your problem. If your computer keeps having the same problem even after all the trouble shooting there may be a problem with your hardware. You’ll need to replace the offending part if this is the case, unfortunately. However, be aware that it’s often caused by software and if you’re not computer literate, then visit your local PC repair store.