Error code: DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL (iaStorA.sys)

[Joz]

My notebook details are given below:

• Product Name: HP ENVY 15-j050tx Notebook PC
• Model No: F2C67PA

• Purchased: November 2013

• Factory default OS preinstalled: Windows 8 (64 bit)

• Current Operating System: Windows 8.1 (64-bit)

I'm tried to restore my notebook to its original factory settings but could not because of a Blue Screen Error, Error code: DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL (iaStorA.sys).

My Hard Disk volumes:

• C Drive: Windows 8.1 64-bit installation and other software installations
• D Drive: HP Recovery Drive
• E Drive: Personal files and data

When my notebook starts, I cannot even boot into the Windows Recovery Environment to perform factory reset. It shows the same Blue Screen Error.

I tried using HP Diagnostics Test when the notebook starts and all the tests were PASSED.

I tried to google for solutions and tried few fixes but could not solve my problem.

I tried disabling HP Rapid Storage Technology in the BIOS settings as some websites had recommended, but still it didn't solve the problem. 

I need to somehow reset my notebook to its original factory settings. Please help.

[KrazyToad]

@Joz

Welcome to HP Support Forums. A really great platform for posting all your questions and finding solutions.

I have gone through your Post and I appreciate all your efforts and expertise in troubleshooting this issue

I have sent you a private message with the next course of action

Please check your private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Forums profile.

Next to your profile Name, you should see a little blue envelope

Thank you 😊

[Joz]

Hi @KrazyToad ,

Thank you for your message.

Yes, my HP Diagnostic Test both Quick and Extensive Test all PASSED except the Hard Drive optimised check returned with NOT AVAILABLE. So I assume there's no problem.

Is there any other way to reset my notebook to default factory settings other than to order the Recovery Media?

My warranty is expired and I'm not presently staying in the country where I bought the notebook.

Thank you for your help.

[KrazyToad]

@Joz

The only other way to perform the System Recovery is through the Recovery Partition which apparently is not working

You can give it a try once again

- Turn off the computer.Disconnect all connected devices and cables such as Personal Media Drives, USB drives, printers, and faxes.
- Turn on the computer and repeatedly press the F11 key about once every second until the Choose an option screen is displayed, and then continue.
- On the Choose an Option screen, click Troubleshoot.
- On the Troubleshoot screen, click Recovery Manager.
- Under Help, click System Recovery.
- When Recovery Manager prompts you to back up your files, select a backup option:
- The Welcome to HP Recovery Manager screen is displayed. Read the on-screen information, and then disconnect any connected devices and cables, such as Personal Media Drives, USB drives, printers, and faxes.
- Remove media from internal drives, and remove any recently added internal hardware.
- Click Next to continue.
- When recovery preparation is complete, click Continue to proceed to the installation phase of the recovery process. The computer restarts several times during the recovery. This is normal. Do not close, shut down, or disconnect the computer while HP Recovery runs.
- Recovery Manager reformats the Windows partition and reinstalls the original software.
- After the system recovery is complete, click Finish to restart the computer. Complete the setup screens and wait until the computer finishes the setup.
- Once the setup is complete, turn off the computer, reconnect all devices and cables, and then turn on the computer.
- Before using the computer, update and protect your computer by reinstalling any virus and security software that was installed before the system recovery.
- Reinstall any software programs that were added after purchasing the computer, as well as any files that were backed up.
 

If you are unable to access the Recovery Partition, you need to order the Recovery Media or use a retail copy of the Windows 8 or 10

Thank you

[erico · Accepted solution]

Hi,

I just read your PM. 

Based on the information you have given and what you have tried, starting in safe mode and then installing the most recent IRST drivers should resolve the issue.

A tutorial on how to start Windows 8.1 in safe mode is at the folowing URL.

https://www.lifewire.com/start-windows-8-or-8-1-in-safe-mode-2626256

You can use a USB Windows 8 or 8.1 installer to get to the advanced options screen and acces system restore,  reset or refresh your notebook.

Download a Windows 8.1 ISO image from Microsoft from the following URL.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows8

It is unfortunate that your notebook is from the 2013 model year. HP does not stock recovery media for noteboooks or PCs beyond the three year mark.  Computersurgeons.com does not have the media either.

[y2ken]

Have you tried creating your own Windows 8.1 Installation Media?

[Joz]

@erico

Thank you for your post. I appreciate your immediate response.

Based on your opinion, I downloaded the latest IRST driver but could not install it due to an error.

Next step, I'm going to try to access the Advanced Options Screen to restore the notebook by booting it in Windows 8.1 ISO usb. Let me check whether it works.

Thanks for your research about the recovery kit for my notebook. My notebook model is HP EVNY 15-j050tx Notebook PC which came with Windows 8 (64-bit) pre-installed and later I upgraded to Windows 8.1. It would be useful if I could download an ISO image of the recovery kit for my model from anywhere on the net or elsewhere as ordering the recovery media from HP is expensive.

[y2ken]

You mentioned that it would be a tedious chore to find and download the needed drivers after a clean install using the Media Creation Tool. But keep in mind that using 'HP Support Assistant' would make that task much easier. 

If you found my answer helpful please say thanks by clicking on the Thumb's Up icon.

If my answer solved your problem please mark it as the Accepted Solution. Thanks!

[erico]

@y2ken

HPSA is behaving a bit iffy at the moment.

[y2ken]

Disappointed to hear that, but thanks for keeping me current.