*Edit* Minidumps included in second post

My computer has been crashing lately, and I have been told this was the best place to go for help with something like this...

-The blue screen that pops up says this

A problem has been detected and windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer

DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL

If this is the first time you’ve seen this stop error screen, restart your computer. If this screen appears again, follow these steps:

Check to make sure any new hardware or software is properly installed. If this is a new installation, ask your hardware or software manufacturer for any windows updates you might need.

If problems continue, disable or remove any newly installed hardware or software. Disable BIOS memory options such as caching or shadowing. If you need to use Sage Mode to remove or disable components, restart your computer, press F8 to select Advanced Startup Options, and then select Safe Mode.

Technical information:

*** STOP: 0x000000D1 (0x00000014, 0x00000002, 0x00000000, 0xEE53D26C)

*** ar5211.sys – Address EE52D26C base at EE52F000, Date Stamp 3fe29525

Beginning dump of physical memory
Physical memory dump complete.
Contact your system administrator or technical support group for further assistance.


-->so basically I was wondering what this meant, and if there was anything I could do. I figured that it was probably a faulty driver, but I cannot figure out what it is for the life of me...thanks in advance (because I have no clue what is going on myself)

In order to help you zero in on what the culprit is it is important that you attach your minidumps to your next post.

How to find your minidumps:

My Computer > C Drive > Windows Folder > Minidump Folder > Minidump Files. It is these files that we need you to attach to your next posting, NOT the whole folder.

Below your reply screen is the Additional Options screen. Notice the Manage Attachment button.

* One thing that does stand out in what you provided is ar5211.sys which from what I briefly researched is a wireless card driver. That could be your culprit but let's see what the minidumps show first.

ahh...sorry, I wasn't aware of said folder...
I have included my minidump file for today
hopefully this helps....

Yep, after reading your minidump it is your ar5211.sys driver which an Atheros Wireless Network Adapter driver for your Atheros Communications wireless LAN card/NIC card.

1) Update your drivers.

2) If all else fails get a new card.

thanks a lot!!