My ASUS TUF Gaming A15 FA506IU began crashing during startup with an LCU error 0x3F1, so I decided to reinstall Windows. However, the installer now shows an IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL blue screen when I select "I don't have a product key," or shortly afterward. MemTest86 and CrystalDiskInfo both reported no problems. Could an incomplete previous installation be causing this, and should I delete the existing partitions before reinstalling?
1 Answer
During Windows Setup, remove the existing Windows partitions and install to the resulting unallocated space rather than attempting a repair or upgrade over the old installation. Back up anything important first, since deleting the partitions erases their contents. If the blue screen still happens with a completely clean install, the cause is more likely a driver, memory, motherboard, or other hardware issue—even if the initial memory and drive tests passed.
So I should delete the files or partitions from every partition on the installation drive before selecting the unallocated space?