Can't enter SAFE mode due to error message

While cleaning my system through the Malware and Virus Removal forum, see my post here, I was asked to enter SAFE mode. When I tried, I received the following error message:

Problem detected:
IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL
Tech info: Stop: 0X0000000A (0XF7C04354, 0X000000FF, 0X00000001, 0X804E2E41)
Check hardware/software installed properly
Press start button to shut off and restart

If I restart and try to enter SAFE mode again, I get the same message. Besides program updates, I can not think of any new software that I installed lately. About 6 months ago, I installed a new 2nd hard drive and additional memory. I don't know if that was the problem or not. I removed the new memory and hard drive with no difference. My question is, is there any way to pinpoint what the cause of the problem is?

I don't know if it's related, but my system has seemed to slow down a bit lately. It seems that I can not start 2 programs at once without long delays in opening them. I know it will be a little slower, but this is worse then usual. I am also having video capture problems, my post here, which may be caused by this. I could start removing software/hardware and reinstalling it, but I was hoping there was an easier route to go. As always, any suggestions are appreciated. We'll go one problem at a time and see if I can get this system running like it use to.

Mike

 

Try here:

You receive a "Stop 0x0000000A" error message in Windows XP

mickzer.

 

mickzer,

Thanks for the link. I'll take a look at the suggestions this weekend. It's strange that I can get into Normal mode with no problems, but I can't get into SAFE mode. Usually, it's the other way around.

Mike

 

mickzer,

Just an update. I tried the suggestions in the link you posted. I ended up doing a repair install and that has seemed to help some. Although I still can't get into SAFE mode, I no longer get the error message that I was. Now it just cycles me back to the start up option page. I'll have to do some looking around for a solution on that problem now.

Mike