Downloading torrents using uTorrent is the most important form of internet procedure today. In fact, one will have to a complete Internet rookie to remain aloof of this highly popular approach of sharing music, movies, books, software, and pretty much everything else residing on the World Wide Web.
Prior to proceeding this piece for the solution, let be advised to first Scan and Fix your system’s concealed disorders which most probably is eliciting the inconsistencies:
- Step 1 : Download Systimizer – PC Cleaner & Internet Booster (Works on Windows 10, 8, 7 & XP)
- Step 2 : Click “Scan” to find system issues
- Step 3 : Click “Fix” to repair all anomalies
Unfortunately, things do not always go as smoothly as planned, at least with some PC users. One error commonly reported in uTorrent, and various Microsoft support forums is a sudden computer crash when attempting to use the utility. Apparently, the error is something of this sort:
DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL (netio.sys)
If this message is interrupting your torrent experience on a regular basis, it is time you accept its gravity and apply remedial methods to obliterate the issue. Read the effective solutions described in this article and ensure effective escape from this atrocious scenario.
But first, let’s see what’re we up against.
What is DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL?
This bug indicates that a kernel-mode driver attempted to access pageable memory at a process IRQL that was too high. Typically, this is caused by bad device drivers using improper addresses to run the hardware, resulting in sudden Windows failure and unexpected reboot to avoid major consequences. Furthermore, it can also be traced back to certain security software conflicting with OS operations and collapsing the whole system.
Resolutions
Now that we have the meaning and causes defined, it is time we proceed with the troubleshooting steps to remove this menace. Follow the methods illustrated below for best results.
Method 1: Update uTorrent
Before you go around snooping with PC settings, ensure you are using the latest uTorrent release compatible on Windows 8.1. For more details, visit Microsoft’s compatibility center by clicking this link.
To upgrade uTorrent, visit the developer’s website and follow the on-screen instructions. However, if it doesn’t work, proceed with the next solution.
Method 2: Remove McAfee
While categorized as a leading anti-virus and malware-removal software, McAfee is unfortunately a common accomplice to this crime. Its unique security settings conflict with OS operations, and lead to inacceptable fallouts. Therefore, it is advised you remove this utility from your system, and check the results. If the error disappears, either reinstall a later McAfee version if available, or revert to another security program to fix your issue.
Here is how to uninstall this tool:
- Open Control Panel from Start Screen (Windows key)
- Click Uninstall a program link displayed under Programs
- Locate McAfee from the list of installed programs
- Right-click it and choose Uninstall
- Confirm your decision by clicking Yes
- Reboot your system and verify results
Sometimes, uninstalling software using this approach does not remove all remnants from the system. In this case, use McAfee Consumer Products Removal (MCPR) tool demonstrated in this link.
You can download the utility by visiting this page.
Method 3: Disable Teredo
Teredo is a transition technology that provides full IPv6 connectivity for IPv6-capable hosts using IPv4 Internet, having no direct native connection to the latest version. However, this software is known to cause network problems, and should be left disabled unless needed.
Follow these steps to execute this task:
- Open WinX menu by pressing Windows + X keys
- Select Command Prompt (Admin)
- In the elevated window, type the following command and hit Enter
- netsh interface teredo set state disabled
- Ensure successful completion by noticing OK message
- Reboot your system to apply changes
Redo your problematic activity and see if this resolution helped. If the error persists, enable Teredo Interface and continue with the troubleshooting.
To enable Teredo, do these steps:
- In the elevated Command Prompt window, type netsh interface teredo set state default
- Use ipconfig to verify the change
- Restart system
Method 4: Update Network Drivers
Outdated or unsupported network drivers are common reasons for erratic internet behaviors. To fix this problem, use Device Manager to update your software:
- Check with hardware manufacturer website to download any available update
- Open Control Panel from Run box (Windows + R keys)
- Click Hardware and Sound
- Under Devices and Printers, select Device Manager
- Locate Network adapters and click the arrow next to it
- Right-click your network adapter and choose Update Driver Software
- Choose Browse my computer for driver software
- Follow the wizard to update your software
Once done, open uTorrent and notice for any malfunctions. If you are still facing the horrendous crash, try using the program in Safe Mode. If the error does not reproduce, enter clean boot environment and enable each computer service one-by-one to pinpoint the problematic identity. This method is demonstrated below.
How to Access Safe Mode
- Launch System Configuration by entering msconfig in the Run box (Windows + R keys)
- Switch over to Boot tab
- Check Safe boot
- Enable Minimal
- Click OK
- Restart your system to enter Safe Mode automatically
How to perform Clean Boot diagnostic
- Enter System Configuration as formerly described
- Go to Services tab
- Check Hide all Microsoft services
- Disable all identities
- View Startup tab
- Click Open Task Manager link
- Disable each item and close the box
- OK the system configuration changes and reboot
- Launch uTorrent and see if the error disappears. If it does, continue with the following steps. Otherwise, proceed to the next and final method
- Open System Configuration under Services again and Enable the top service
- Do the same with Startup items
- Restart the PC, start the uTorrent again and verify the result
- Perform the steps again till you identify the specific menace
Once pinpointed, either disable the service/startup item or reinstall it to fix the cause.
Method 5: PC Refresh
PC Refresh will reinstall Windows, keeping your personal settings/files intact. This will remove all potentially harmful infections leading to the IRQL fault, and is guaranteed to relieve your worries.
To perform this task, follow these steps:
- Pressing Windows + I keys
- Choose Change PC settings
- Enter General
- Under Refresh your PC without affecting your files, click Get started
Once you have created a relatively cleaner OS, ensure you download the latest copy of the error-inflicted tool. Rest assured, your torrent experience should now go uninterrupted.
