A program for testing RAM overclocking. Checking Windows XP RAM with MemTest86

If you start to have frequent blue screens death on the computer, write down the error number and look on the Internet for the reasons for its occurrence. It may be that the problems are caused by malfunctions of any of the components (often this is hard drive or RAM). In today's article we will look at how to check the performance of RAM.

There are several signs by which you can determine that the cause of various problems is a malfunction RAM:

• Blue screens of death often appear with error numbers 0x0000000A and 0x0000008e. There may also be other errors that indicate a malfunction.
• Crashes under high load on RAM - during games, video rendering, working with graphics, and more.
• The computer does not start. There may be beeps that indicate a malfunction.
• Distorted image on the monitor. This symptom speaks more about problems with the video card, but sometimes memory can also be the cause.

By the way, if you observe any of the above symptoms, this does not mean that the problem is with the computer’s RAM. But it's still worth checking.

Methods for checking RAM

There are several ways available to each user to check RAM, both using additional software, and resorting exclusively to Windows tools. In this article we will look at several methods that may be useful to you.

Method 1: Windows Memory Diagnostic Utility

One of the most popular utilities for RAM checks— . This product was created by Microsoft for advanced testing of computer memory for problems. To use the software, you need to create bootable media (flash drive or disk). How to do this can be found in the following article:

Then all you have to do is connect the drive to the computer and set the boot priority from the flash drive in the BIOS (below we will leave a link to a lesson on how to do this). Windows Memory Diagnostic will launch and RAM testing will begin. If errors are identified during the check, it is probably worth contacting a service center.

Method 2: MemTest86+

One of best programs for testing RAM - . As with previous software, you first need to create a bootable USB flash drive with MemTest86+. Almost no action is required from you - just insert the media into the computer connector and select boot from the flash drive through the BIOS. The RAM testing will begin, the results of which will be immediately displayed.

Method 3: Standard system tools

You can also check RAM without the help of any additional software, because Windows has a special tool for this.

We looked at three methods that allow the user to determine whether errors during computer operation are actually caused by faults in RAM. If errors were identified during RAM testing using one of the above methods, we recommend contacting a specialist and subsequently replacing the module.

Computer RAM is one of the important components system unit. It is as important as the processor, motherboard and video card. If there are malfunctions in the RAM, then you will begin to have various kinds of problems with your computer. It will start to freeze frequently, spontaneous reboots will appear, or the computer will refuse to turn on altogether.

Therefore, if your computer begins to work unstable, then you need to figure out how to check the computer’s RAM. There are both built-in Windows memory checkers and various programs. Therefore, let's consider both options.

The function of checking RAM for errors using the system became available to users with the advent of the Windows 7 operating system. In earlier versions, this function was not provided. In order to perform a memory check, take the following steps:

• Running the test after . In this case, the system will run a RAM test during system boot. The screen will display the time it takes to complete the scan. Upon completion of testing, the program will give us information about the state of the memory, namely .
• Check the next time you turn it on. If you select this method, then the RAM check will begin after the system is completely rebooted. At the same time, do not launch any applications during the test, otherwise the computer may freeze.

It is also possible to manually run a RAM test before starting Windows. To do this, you must press the F8 key before starting Windows. The download manager should appear on the screen. Next, you need to press the “Tab” key and select “Test RAM”.

If you want to get more accurate information about the state of your RAM, I advise you to run a test that will take place immediately before the system boots. But, as a rule, if there are errors, the system will show them to you in any case. Thus, we were able to understand how to check the computer’s RAM using Windows. If this method does not suit you, then try using special program.

Checking RAM using Memtest86

Memtest86 is a special utility for 100% determination of memory performance. Even advanced users use this program. Using Memtest86 you can not only check your RAM, but also get fairly comprehensive information about the processor and . In its operation, the program uses exclusive access to memory. This ensures that the test will be performed efficiently.

Advice! Before you create a bootable USB flash drive, save the files on it, as everything will be deleted.

As you can see, for a deeper memory test, just use the MemTest86 utility. Now we have figured out how to check the computer’s RAM using it.

Typical computer failures due to RAM failure.

There are many indirect signs that indicate a problem in the functioning of RAM. Now I will tell you about them.

• . In order to guess whether the RAM is to blame for computer glitches, it will be enough to remove all the memory sticks from the system unit. Next, insert them one by one and test the system for stability. Or replace it with other, known-good modules; if the problem disappears, then the culprit has been found. If not, look for another reason.
• . Enough common reason Windows death screens appearing due to bad RAM. At the same time, failures occur completely unexpectedly. By the blue screen error code, you can determine whether the RAM is involved or not.
• Errors in launching programs. If, when launching an application, you receive a window with an error like “The instruction at address 0x0054g14c accessed memory at address 0x0561f The memory cannot be read,” then most likely the RAM is to blame. I also advise you to install another known-good memory stick and test the operation of the PC;
• Problems starting the computer, the computer beeps. Very often, when the memory is faulty, the computer refuses to boot at all, and you will hear characteristic repeated squeaks from the speaker, this means that some component of the system unit is not working correctly and POST tells you which component has failed. On different versions BIOS beeps mean various malfunctions. Typically, three long beeps or a repeating long beep indicates that there was a failure while reading/writing data in RAM.

Conclusion.

That's all for me, now you know how to check your computer's RAM and can independently determine its malfunction. Also, do not forget to keep the system unit clean, as dust and dirt lead to faster failure of components.

The cause of many critical errors (BSOD) and subsequent reboots, freezes, and malfunctions is faulty RAM.

The most in a simple way To identify a faulty module, use the standard utility included in Windows 7 - "" (Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool). This checker appeared in Windows Vista, but many never used it, and in earlier operating systems it was not included in Windows at all, although it could be downloaded separately. When using the "checker Windows memory"You won't have to create additional boot disks to record the utility, and you only need to restart the computer or boot from an existing installation Windows disk 7.

A lot of time has passed since Windows Memory Diagnostic lived a life separate from Windows, and the utility has undergone some changes, the range of tests used has expanded, constant monitoring has appeared, and the interface has been simplified as much as possible for use by the end user.

Typically, the system can automatically detect obvious problems with the computer's memory and prompt you to run a diagnostic tool, but this is only if the OS is installed and booting.

It is necessary to promptly identify and replace faulty memory before blue screens and other symptoms become constant companions of your work.

If changes were made to the BIOS (overclocking, voltage changes, etc., etc.), you need to return everything to its original state and check operation in this mode.

Running from a running OS

Follow: Start ---> Control Panel ---> Administration ---> Windows Memory Checker.

Or: Start---> in the search bar type " mdsched"without quotes and click" Enter".

Or: Start---> in the search bar type " remember" without quotes and select this item:

The following window will appear:

Launch when computer boots

When booting, press the key F8 on the keyboard, the “Additional boot options” selection menu will appear:

Click " Esc" to go to the Windows Boot Manager menu, then " Tab", then " Enter".

Running from a Windows 7 installation disc or system repair disc

You must press any key while this prompt is on the screen.

If you are using installation disk, in the first window click " Next":

Select " System Restore":

The next 3 steps are identical.

Select the first option and click again " Next":

Click " Windows Memory Diagnostics":

We choose the first option:

Working with the utility

After launch, the test will begin immediately (with standard parameters):

To change parameters, click " F1":

You can select different "Test Suites":

The "Basic Set" includes only 3 tests, use it for a quick check:

The "Regular Suite" is used to perform standard tests:

For selection next parameter press the key " Tab".

Enabling/disabling the cache for various tests serves to determine various types errors.

When the cache is disabled, the utility accesses the RAM directly, this ensures the most accurate testing of the modules themselves.

We set the number of passes; the more passes, the greater the likelihood of detecting defects.

We start testing with the specified parameters using the " F10".

When the test is completed, the computer will automatically restart.

Information about testing and problems found/not found is always on the screen; in addition, if errors are detected, information about them will be shown after Windows boots (if the test was run from the OS).

Scheduled launch

It is very convenient to schedule the utility to run on a schedule, for example, once a week. To do this, set the parameters similar to the screenshots below:

Launch the task scheduler ( Start ---> All programs ---> Standard ---> Service ---> Job Scheduler), press " Create a task":

Go to the "Triggers" tab, click " Create":

Go to the "Actions" tab, click " Create", in the "Program or script" field write:

In the "Add arguments" field we type:

/bootsequence (memdiag) /addlast

Go to the "Parameters" tab:

Now once a week, the utility will be automatically added to the Windows bootloader and launched at the next reboot after adding. A reboot, however, can also be scheduled.

Troubleshooting possible problems related to the operation of the utility

If you encounter that the utility starts every time Windows startup 7 (or the check "loops" and in the usual way does not stop), it is very simple to correct the situation. You must manually remove the utility startup entry from the Windows boot loader.

Conclusion

In this article, I told you how to check RAM using a standard utility included in Windows 7 - " Windows Memory Checker".

If a faulty memory module is detected, you must replace it with a new one; do not forget to check the new module immediately, because Low-quality memory sticks often end up on sale.

Random access memory or RAM is one of the most important components personal computer. Malfunction of modules can lead to critical errors in system operation and cause BSODs (blue screens of death).

In this article, we will look at several programs that can analyze RAM and identify faulty modules.

GoldMemory is a program supplied in the form boot image with the distribution. Works without the participation of the operating system when booting from a disk or other media.

The software includes several memory test modes, can test performance, and saves test data in special file on your hard drive.

MemTest86

Another utility that is distributed already written into an image and works without loading the OS. Allows you to select test options and displays information about the size of the processor cache and memory. The main difference from GoldMemory is that there is no way to save test history for later analysis.

MemTest86+

MemTest86+ is a revised edition of the previous program, created by enthusiasts. It features higher testing speed and support for the latest hardware.

Windows Memory Diagnostic Utility

Another representative of console utilities that work without the participation of the operating system. Developed by Microsoft, Windows Memory Diagnostic Utility is one of the most effective solutions for identifying RAM errors and is guaranteed to be compatible with Windows 7, as well as newer and older systems from MS.

RightMark Memory Analyzer

This software already has its own graphical interface and runs on Windows. Basic distinctive feature RightMark Memory Analyzer is a priority setting that makes it possible to check RAM without loading the system.

MEMTEST

A very small program. IN free version can only check the specified amount of memory. In paid editions, it has advanced functions for displaying information, as well as the ability to create bootable media.

MemTach

MemTach – memory testing software professional level. Conducts many tests of RAM performance in various operations. Due to some features, it is not suitable for the average user, since the purpose of some tests is known only to specialists or advanced users.

SuperRam

This program is multifunctional. It includes a RAM performance testing module and a resource monitor. The main function of SuperRam is RAM optimization. The software scans memory in real time and frees up space that is not used in at the moment processor. In the settings you can set the limits at which this option will be enabled.

Errors in RAM can and should cause problems with the operating system and the computer as a whole. If you suspect that the cause of the failure is the RAM, then you need to test using one of the programs given above. If errors are detected, sadly, you will have to replace the faulty modules.

I am glad to welcome you to the website! In this article I will tell you everything about diagnosing the RAM of a computer/laptop.

Let's talk about symptoms that indicate that there may be some errors in the RAM, as well as how to check its functionality and integrity.

So let's begin!

Random access memory, or RAM (random access memory), is the “temporary” memory of a computer. This is the so-called “buffer” between the hard drive, on which your programs and data are permanently stored, and the processor, which processes this data. This memory is volatile, i.e. Every time you restart or turn off the computer's power, it is reset to zero.

RAM is a small strip that is inserted into the connector motherboard. Like any computer component, this bar can fail.

In general, all these symptoms do not necessarily indicate a malfunction of the RAM sticks. Freezes and errors when Windows installation more often occur due to hard drive, BSODs - due to OS errors, viruses. You can tell for sure whether there are broken blocks or errors in the RAM only by conducting memory tests using the methods that I will describe to you below.

If you perceive information better in video format, you can watch the video on my YouTube channel:

How to check RAM [Video]

How to check your computer's RAM

The simplest way to test RAM is the elimination method. Most often, the computer has 2-4 RAM modules installed. Therefore, you can take them out one by one and check if the problem has gone away. If without one of the memory modules the freezes stop and the errors disappear, it means it is faulty.

But it is quite possible that you have only one memory module.

To find and remove RAM from your system unit, look carefully at the picture below. I think everything will become clear to you right away. You need to bend the latches on the sides of the memory - and it will “pop out” on its own.

And here’s what it looks like and how RAM is removed from laptops:

Checking RAM for errors using Windows

If your system boots normally, but displays various failures and errors during operation, then you can use standard Windows tool to check RAM.

That's what it's called - " Diagnosing computer RAM problems.»

This tool is built into operating system Windows 7 and Vista, and all we have to do is find it and use it:

1. Press the button Start, and in the field " Find programs and files» enter part of the name of the program that we need to find. I entered "operator". Among the list of programs we find “ Diagnosis of computer RAM problems":
   
2. In the window that appears, you can select when the scan will be performed - right now or the next time you turn on the computer:
   
   
   Closing everything open source software, save the documents, and run the first point to restart the PC and start checking the RAM right now.
3. After reboot will automatically launch and begin checking the memory. We wait while the check is performed; there is no need to touch anything.
   
   
   On my configuration (i5-4460, 16 Gb DDR3), testing in normal mode took about 15-20 minutes.
   By pressing the F1 key, you can select other test options (Basic and Wide), as well as the number of passes. If you wish, you can check with Wide a set of tests, but it will take several times longer, so first do Ordinary test.
   
   
4. After the test is completed, Windows will continue to boot.
5. To see the result of the Windows RAM test you need to go to Event Viewer -> Windows Logs -> System -> MemoryDiagnostics-Results:
   
   
   

Program for testing RAM - memtest86+

It is best to use a special program to test your memory - memtest86+.

Its advantage is that it can be used even if the Windows OS does not boot, or the PC does not have a hard drive at all.

Download the program to check RAM you can from the official website memtest.org, or right here on my blog (files have been checked for viruses): the memory test will begin. It looks like this:

The test runs automatically, you don’t need to change anything, just watch. It will go on forever. If after 1-2 passes (Pass) no red bars with errors appear in the field below, and the “Errors” counter will be equal to zero, then your memory is almost certainly clean!

Many people are probably wondering what the test for “broken” RAM looks like? To see this, watch the video below.

RAM test memtest86+ - 1.5 million errors [Video]:

By the way, subscribe to my youtube channel . There I show the entire process of diagnosing and repairing computers and laptops in real time in video format.