IRQ stands for interrupt request - and this can become a problem when two pieces of hardware are fighting for the same interrupt resource. This conflict can cause crashes, as well as software and your devices to not work properly.
In many cases the IRQ issue is caused by older devices conflicting with plug and play devices. A system with numerous devices installed can complicate the IRQ assignments and subsequently can cause problems as there are only about 24 difference available IRQ's settings available.
Older devices such as network cards that are based on what is called ISA or Industry Standard Architecture often proceed the plug n play standard and are most prone to IRQ errors.
What to Do About IRQ Problems
Generally speaking, to resolve an IRQ problem, you will need to reinstall the hardware in your device manager. What you want your system to do is recognize the device properly and sometimes the only way to do that is to start again.
To get to your device manager, go to START - CONTROL PANEL - SYSTEM - HARDWARE TAB and then DEVICE MANAGER. If there is a resource problem with the network adapter you should see a small exclamation point in a little yellow circle next to your network adapter.
Right click on the item, select properties and then read under the DEVICE STATUS to see if their is a resource conflict. If there is, close the window and then RIGHT CLICK the adapter again - select UNINSTALL and then click OK. Reboot your computer and Windows should set your card up properly on its own.
