Windows RAM testing. Checking the RAM of a computer or laptop for errors. Detecting RAM errors using programs

There are many types of problems with RAM. The computer stopped turning on? One of the likely culprits is the RAM. Ripples on the screen? Perhaps she too. Programs won't start, files won't open? And here it was not without her. What can we say about blue screens of death (BSoD), because this is the most important symptom of a RAM malfunction. Let's talk about what causes RAM failures and how to check it for errors.

If a failure manifests itself immediately after installing a new RAM module on the computer, it may be caused by:

• Incomplete installation of memory in the slot.
• Oxidation of the surface of the memory strip contact ridge due to long-term storage. Oxidized contacts usually appear dull and darkened.
• Incompatibility of RAM modules with each other (if there are several of them) or with a processor (a chipset on old PCs), more precisely, with a memory controller built into them.
• Inoperability of a new module due to a factory defect.
• A defective RAM slot on the motherboard.

What to do to diagnose and fix the problem:

• Check if the memory is properly seated in the slots. The side mounts must be snapped into place.
• To remove the oxide layer from the metal contacts, gently clean them with a school eraser.
• Install a bar in an adjacent slot (if any).
• Reset the computer BIOS to default settings.
• To rule out incompatibility of memory modules, try starting the computer with only one of them, as well as with several in different combinations.
• Update the BIOS using a known good and correct memory stick.

The cause of a RAM failure that occurs after the computer has been operating normally for a while can be:

• Changing the timings and frequency of RAM in the BIOS, setting the wrong XMP profile, overclocking.
• The strap falls out of the slot (often found on laptops).
• Oxidation of contacts.
• Factory defect (sometimes it makes itself felt after months of using the device), degradation.
• Mechanical or electrical failure of memory subsystem components.

What can be done:

• Make sure the module is correctly installed in the slot.
• Reset BIOS settings to defaults.
• Pull the module out of the slot and clean the contact comb with a rubber band.
• Check the memory for errors using special programs. This is what will be discussed further.

Checking memory for errors using programs

• Turn on the computer at least half an hour before testing to "warm up" the unit and power circuits.
• Test under the same conditions under which the failure occurs.
• If your computer has multiple memory modules, test the entire set the first time you run the test program. If errors are found, retest each plank separately.

The average duration of a complete test cycle is 6-8 hours, the number of passes (repetitions of test sets) is 8-15. As practice shows, the bulk of errors are detected already in the first or second pass, but some - only after multiple ones. If errors are found, further verification can be skipped.

How to interpret the results

Even one detected error indicates a potential malfunction of the RAM. However, this is not a reason to immediately throw it in the trash can. Sometimes errors are caused by something that interacts with the memory, such as a bad slot, a power failure, or a defect in the data lines. Often memory "glitches" due to poorly selected timings and frequencies. To make the errors disappear, it is enough to return it to the default settings.

Windows Memory Checker

Sometimes you hear that the RAM checker built into Windows cannot be trusted. It, they say, never reveals anything. This is an incorrect statement: if a program is configured correctly, its results are no less reliable than those of specialized utilities, which will be discussed below.

So, to run the built-in Windows memory checker, save open documents and enter the name of the utility in the system search bar - mdsched... Select it from the list of found.

After clicking on the first item in this window, the computer will restart and the checker will start working. Unfortunately, it is not configured optimally by default. To stop the current testing and go to the utility settings, press the F1 key.

The screenshot below shows the parameters to be set:

• The set of tests is wide.
• Cache (processor memory) - disabled.
• The number of passes is 8-15.

Press the Tab key to move to each subsequent item.

Press F10 to save the setting and start the testing process.

The list of errors found is displayed right on the screen - in the "Status" field, but you don't need to monitor the program's operation and constantly look at the monitor. After the scan is complete, the computer will restart and a message will appear on the desktop with the results.

GoldMemory

The GoldMemory PC RAM health check utility is considered one of the best in its class. It is built on non-standard algorithms that can catch bugs that competing applications miss. It has full support for 64-bit architecture and compatibility with all types of legacy and modern RAM, including the DDR4 generation. The maximum memory tested is 64GB / 1TB.

GoldMemory operates in three main test modes - fast, normal and deep, as well as in custom, where test duration and sets of test groups are set manually. In addition, the program saves history, maintains reports and supports management using batch files.

Unfortunately, GoldMemory is a paid product for commercial use. The 30-day demo version, available for free download, works with significant restrictions and does not allow evaluating the entire functionality of the program.

RAM check using GoldMemory is carried out outside the operating system, more precisely, in DOS mode. That is, before using the program, you must write it to a USB flash drive, floppy disk or CD / DVD disc from which you will boot your computer. Ready-made images for recording on removable media are posted on the official website. There is also a brief instruction on using the utility.

After booting the PC from the drive on which the GoldMemory is recorded, testing starts automatically. Found errors are recorded in reports and displayed in the program interface with red symbols.

Memtest86

The Memtest86 memory tester has a 20-year history of development. This is, perhaps, the most famous product in its class, which has become a kind of benchmark for the developers of competing applications. Unlike GoldMemory, Memtest86 has a free, fully functional version for home users. The paid editions (yes, they also exist) additionally include several advanced tests, there is also support for creating reports and a management function using configuration files.

Memtest86 is even easier to use than both tools described above. The free edition is optimally configured by default, so the user just needs to run the scan and glance at the screen from time to time. Found errors are also displayed in red.

Memtest86, like GoldMemory, runs from bootable media. Ready-made images for transferring the utility to an optical disk or USB flash drive are available for download on the official website. By the way, the archive with the program contains instructions for using it in English.

At the end of the article, I cannot fail to mention another tool that was once very popular. This is Memtest86 +. The utility is very similar in structure to Memtest86 and is based on the same technologies, but is currently hopelessly outdated, since it has ceased its development since 2013.

Good day.

Quite often, with unstable behavior of a computer / laptop (for example, errors began to appear, freezes, a blue screen crashes, image distortions, etc.), you need to check the random access memory (RAM).

During this testing, you can find out if everything is in order with the memory, if there are any errors, if you need to replace the plate (by the way, it may not be superfluous to test the RAM when buying a new strip).

In general, memory diagnostics can be done in different ways:

1. use Windows diagnostic tools (if you have Windows 7, 8.1, 10);
2. or use third-party software (in my opinion, one of the best utilities for such a test is Memtest 86+).

In this article I will consider both of these options (in general, of course, the second option is more preferable!).

In general, in my personal opinion, the built-in software in Windows, as a rule, is inferior to the software of a third-party developer. Therefore, nevertheless, if you have a free flash drive (CD / DVD disc), I recommend using the test in the Memtest 86+ program (see in the second part of the article).

Nevertheless, how to run a check of the RAM bars in Windows (relevant for Windows 7, 8, 10):

1. press a combination of buttons Win + R;
2. in the window that appears "Run" enter command mdsched and press Enter (as in the screenshot below).

1. reboot and check now (i.e. start checking immediately);
2. check the next time you turn on the PC (this is what I recommend choosing in order to save all documents without haste, close programs and calmly send the PC to reboot).

If the diagnostics are OK, you will see a message that the memory test was successfully scheduled.

After restarting your computer / laptop, you will see a window as in the photo below. 2 passes will be performed, the status of the operation is shown at the bottom of the window. If everything is fine with your memory, then the state will be in the status "No problems found yet".

If problems are found

Testing RAM in Memtest 86+

Memtest 86+

Memtest 86+ is one of the best utilities for testing RAM. The utility can be launched using its own bootloader, so an operating system is, in principle, not needed for it.

The program supports modern multi-core processors, most motherboard chipsets. Memtest 86+ is available for download on the official website (link above), in several versions. A few words about them below ...

About the version of the program Memtest 86+ (V5.01):

1. Download - Pre-Compiled Bootable ISO (.gz) - the program is distributed in an ISO image. Such an image is possible, even on a regular CD / DVD disc (although you may need additional utilities - for example, UltraISO) ... In general, a universal option;
2. Download - Pre-Compiled Bootable ISO (.zip) - the same, only the archive format is different;
3. Download - Pre-Compiled Bootable Binary (.gz) - file in bin format (this is also a disk image, similar to ISO);
4. Download - Pre-Compiled Bootable Binary (.zip) - same;
5. Download - Auto-installer for USB Key (Win 9x / 2k / xp / 7) * NEW! * - the most demanded option (in my opinion). Allows you to automatically create a bootable USB stick with Memtest 86+ in a few steps. The program works in all Windows versions: XP, 7, 8, 10;
6. Download - Pre-Compiled package for Floppy (DOS - Win) - creating a bootable floppy disk (in my opinion, today it is practically irrelevant).

I chose the 5th option (Download - Auto-installer for USB Key (Win 9x / 2k / xp / 7) * NEW! *), It is with it that I will show you how to create a USB flash drive.

Creating a bootable flash drive with Memtest86 +

Download the archive, unzip it and run the program file (version selection - given above)... Next, you need to insert the USB flash drive into the USB port and:

1. in the first window, the program will ask you to specify the drive letter of the flash drive (important! All data on it, before recording Memtest 86+, will be deleted) ;
2. then you need to check the box opposite "We will format G: \\ as Fat32" and press the button "Create";
3. wait for the message "Installation Done, Your Drive should be ready to boot" (means that the medium is recorded);
4. by the way, if you go to "This computer" - you will see that the name of your flash drive has become "MULTIBOOT".

Create a bootable USB stick in Memtest 86+

Booting from a USB stick and running the test in Memtest 86+

To boot with the previously created USB flash drive, you need to configure the BIOS accordingly (or use the button to call the Boot Menu)... This topic is quite extensive, so below I will give links to my articles.

How to configure BIOS to boot from USB stick or CD / DVD drive -

Hotkeys for calling the Boot Menu -

I used the Boot Menu call, indicated where to boot from (USB sticks) and pressed Enter (screen below).

Further, if your flash drive is correctly recorded, the Memtest 86+ utility will automatically start and start testing the RAM. You don't need to push anything. The red arrow in the photo below shows the testing progress (what percentage is verified).

Testing in Memtest 86+ // starts automatically

Note! Just in case, I will give the control keys (although in most cases they are not needed).

Esc - close the program and restart the PC;
C - setting parameters in manual mode (for advanced users);
F1 - Enhanced Fail Safe Mode (extended Fail Safe Mode).
F2 - Experimental SMT support up to 32 cores (experimental SMT support up to 32 cores).
At startup, the analysis of computer components is performed, then testing of the RAM begins.
If the test does not start in auto-mode, start it by pressing the F1 or F2 buttons.

In general, I recommend leaving testing the PC like this for several hours so that the utility will run the memory several times. If everything is in order with memory, you should see a message at the bottom of the window "Pass complete, no errors, press Esc to exit" (as in the photo below).

Note!

Memtest 86+ writes information to each block of memory, and then reads it and checks for errors. The program tests the RAM cyclically, i.e. by default she has 11 tests (including zero), which she runs in a circle an unlimited number of times (until you stop it by pressing Esc).

Everything is good with memory // passed the test

If errors are found during testing, you will see red lines (this is not good anyway (at least)).

What to do if errors were found

Quite a popular question, along with questions about memory testing ...

First you need to open the system unit and clean it from dust. Remove the memory sticks from the slots and blow out the slots themselves (it is convenient to do this using a vacuum cleaner with a reverse mode, or a can of compressed air - these are sold in computer stores).

Also pay attention to contacts ... The fact is that after a while they can oxidize, and when inserted into the slot, they do not completely (not always) give contact. As a result, as soon as the contact is "lost", your computer freezes. I recommend cleaning them in any case, a regular rubber band / eraser (school) is suitable for this. The remaining pellets can either be blown away or brushed off with a soft brush.

Cleaning memory contacts with an eraser and a brush

Note. The procedure must be carried out very carefully, on a clean, dry, flat surface. An elastic band is better than one with two sides: one blue, the other pink. It is recommended to rub with blue. In some cases, the yellow contacts change color to a lighter color.

After cleaning the memory, insert it back into the slot and turn on the PC (by the way, try inserting memory into other slots, or swapping the brackets if all slots are occupied).

Then test again. In some cases, such a simple procedure allows you to get rid of errors related to memory, the computer stops freezing, rebooting and giving a blue screen (thereby, saving you money).

If errors are found again, you can try to return the memory for repair (but personally I do not recommend it). If there is no warranty service, it is better to replace it with a new one (the fact is that the price of RAM repair - in many cases, costs almost the same as a new bar).

That's all for now. Add-ons are welcome ...

RAM ( RAM, RAM) Is one of the most important parts in a computer. Without it, he simply cannot turn on. Due to problems with it, various problems with the performance of the system often arise. Below I will provide a list of the most common problems related to RAM.

1. Freezing of the computer with active use and loss of information.
2. Blue screen or screen of death ( maybe one of the reasons for this).
3. The computer does not turn on ( usually emits a sound that indicates a problem).
4. Frequent, unexpected computer restarts that happen on their own.

Please note that the methods below do not fix problems, but only inform you that they exist.

If you find errors in memory, you can try to apply for a guarantee from the seller ( if there is), but most likely you just need to replace it with a new one. RAM strips are not very expensive and the replacement process is quite simple.

There are two ways to check for problems with it. If you have Windows 7, 8 and later, you can use the check in the operating system itself. There is a special utility for this. It is unnecessary to download it.

For earlier versions ( eg XP) you can use a solution like Memtest86. However, I recommend using this program in any case as it is regularly updated, unlike the built-in Windows diagnostics.

Windows memory check

Find a utility that will test.

Go to Start Menu \u003e\u003e All Programs \u003e\u003e Administrative Tools ( or standard) \u003e\u003e Memory Checker.

In the window that appears, select "Restart and check" and restart your computer.

You will see a window of the RAM check process. If errors are found, a corresponding warning will appear. Wait for the end. It took me about ~ 15 minutes. You may have longer. It depends on the parameters of the test and the computer.

By pressing the "F1" key you can open the parameters. They have additional settings. There are 3 types of tests in total:

1. Base.
2. Usual.
3. Wide.

The longest and most revealing is the wide one. It uses all the functionality. Normal works by default. For a quick check it is recommended to use basic. Here you can also set the number of checks. Switching between items is carried out by arrows on the keyboard.

Checking with Memtest86

Download the free Memtest program to your computer ( in English). It is constantly updated and can more efficiently check the RAM than the utility in Windows.

And transfer the installation file to a USB flash drive. Then run. In the window that appears, select the letter of your device and click Create. If an error appears, try ticking the formatting box. If you don't have a flash drive, you can download and burn the image to disk.

Attention! All data will be deleted and ( if you tick). You will receive after the end of the process.

Errors will be highlighted in red ( if they exist). They were not found with me. If you want to stop checking, then press the Esc key.

I suggest watching a video on working with this program.

Have you found errors in your RAM?

Operative memory (RAM) is a critical component that affects more than just the speed of a computer. Serious memory corruption will most likely result in the system not being able to boot, and the user will receive a blue screen of death with the corresponding error code. Minor defects in the memory module can cause failures and long freezes when working with resource-intensive software, periodic BSODs, and spontaneous computer reboots.

Memory problems can also be indicated by a progressive decrease in computer performance that cannot be corrected by standard cleaning and optimization methods. To exclude possible errors in RAM, you need to test it. This can be done using special utilities or by means of the operating system itself. The second method is more suitable for novice users, since most professional RAM testing tools are too difficult to master.

You can run the standard memory diagnostic utility in Windows 8 and 8.1 as follows. Open the standard search and enter the command Windows Memory Diagnostic (in Russian Diagnostics of RAM problems), and then run the component.

The same can be done with one single command executed in the CMD console or the Run window.

In this case, a small window will appear in which you will be prompted to restart the system.

There is one more way to launch the memory testing module, but it is unlikely that you will find it convenient. In a command line running as administrator, you need to run the bcdedit / displayorder (memdiag) / addlast command, and then restart your computer.

A menu will open in which you can specify the required action.

The disadvantage of this method is that testing will be launched at every new reboot, and to disable verification, you will need to execute one more command - bcdedit / displayorder (memdiag) / remove. On the other hand, it will allow you to quickly run the diagnostic module when booting from a bootable or rescue disk.

So, after rebooting, you will see a blue screen with a standard set of RAM tests.

The Standard set is used by default. By pressing the F1 key, you can select another set - Basic (Basic) or Extended (Extended). When the diagnostics are completed, the computer will restart, and a message with preliminary results of the scan will be displayed in the notification area.

For more details, open the Windows event log (command),

RAM is one of the key components for the speed of your computer. If, with a weak or faulty video card, only problems with productive games and applications arise on the computer, then if there are problems with RAM, the whole system will work slowly.

Most often, a computer has several RAM modules, each of which has a certain amount. At the same time, even if there is a lot of memory, there may be problems with system performance, because:

• The RAM is not selected correctly;
• One or more memory sticks are not installed correctly.

Also, we must not forget that for one reason or another, RAM can fail, both in whole and in part. If there is a suspicion of a malfunction, it is necessary to check the RAM for errors, and this can be done in two ways.

How to check RAM using Windows

When developing the Windows operating system, Microsoft has provided for the presence of diagnostic utilities in it that will allow computer administrators to check the status of components. The RAM Diagnostic Tool is available on Windows 7 and older versions of the system, including Windows 10. From time to time, the operating system automatically starts the memory diagnostic utility when the computer restarts, but does not notify the user about the results unless there are critical problems. You can also run the diagnostic tool in manual mode.

To check RAM using Windows, you must:

1. Start the Windows Memory Checker application. This can be done in different ways:

Important: If an error is found, it is first necessary to determine which of the memory sticks is faulty (if there are several of them). To do this, you need to run the diagnostic tool again and select the option to launch the utility when you restart your computer. Next, the PC needs to be completely turned off and leave one plate in the RAM slots. After that, the computer turns on, and the diagnostics run again at boot. Similarly, by rearranging the memory sticks, you can determine which one is faulty.

How to check RAM with Memtest86

There are several dozen applications that are designed for "deep" testing of RAM. Among them, the most popular is the free utility Memtest86, the diagnostics of which takes place in 10 steps in order to identify the slightest deviation in memory operation. The application tests RAM according to the following algorithm:

• Step 1. Problems with surface mode addressing are identified;
• Step 2. A deep memory analysis is carried out to find addressing errors;
• Step 3. Find hardware problems;
• Step 4. Repeating the search for hardware problems, but using a different algorithm: running an 8-bit test of zeros and ones. Diagnostics is performed according to 20 different schemes;
• Step 5. Passes 60 tests to find problems with data sensitive;
• Step 6. Faults in memory circuits are caught;
• Step 7. Long-term test of data sensitive errors;
• Step 8. Diagnostics of stability of information recording in memory;
• Step 9. Execution of tests based on cache and buffering information to find hidden errors;
• Step 10. An optional test that is run manually. It is aimed at checking the safety of information in RAM. The point is that the program writes various addresses to the RAM, after which the device under test is put into sleep mode for an hour and a half. After waking up, the safety of information is checked.

As you can see, Memtest86 is a powerful diagnostic tool, and it takes about 8-10 hours to go through all the steps to check the memory.

Preparing for RAM diagnostics with Memtest86

The RAM is checked before the operating system is loaded, so you must first download and write the installation file of the program to an external drive, as well as configure the BIOS for a specific task of running the diagnostic utility. You can burn Memtest86 to CD / DVD disc or USB stick. Both options on how to do this are discussed below.

To burn Memtest86 to CD / DVD you will need:

After completing the steps described above, you get a diagnostic disk, which can then be used repeatedly to check the RAM.

To write Memtest86 to a USB stick:

Important: In the process of recording the program from the USB flash drive, all contents will be deleted.

Having created an external media with the Memtest86 program, you can proceed to the final preparatory procedure - setting up the BIOS to run a file from a CD / DVD disk or a USB flash drive. It should be noted that different BIOS versions can be installed on different motherboard models. In general, the process of configuring the startup sequence of drives and reading information from them is approximately the same.

Consider setting up Memtest86 to run from a CD / DVD using one of the BIOS examples:

Please note: The process of starting the Memtest86 program from a USB drive is no different, except for the need to select in step 4 of the instructions the name of the flash drive on which the utility is written.

If you cannot figure out where in the BIOS the sequence for reading information from drives is configured, you can try starting the Boot menu. To do this, after restarting the computer, instead of Del, you must press F8, which will launch the menu for setting the sequence of reading from drives.

Important: Not all motherboards are able to launch the Boot menu in this way.

Checking RAM with Memtest86

When the necessary preparatory work for starting Memtest86 is completed, it remains to insert the drive into the computer: insert the USB flash drive into the USB port or the disk into the floppy drive. After that, you need to perform a scheduled boot of the system and the Memtest86 test will start in automatic mode.

The progress of the test can be monitored in the upper right corner, where the percentage shows the progress of the general diagnosis and each step separately.

When the tests are done, a message appears at the bottom of the screen prompting you to press ESC to restart your computer.

If during testing the program Memtest86 finds errors, they will be displayed on the screen in red. Also, information about their number will be duplicated at the end of the test.

As noted above, it is recommended to test each plate separately to determine exactly which one is faulty. If the Memtest86 utility detects errors in the operation of the RAM, it will need to be replaced with a new one. In rare situations, cleaning the RAM contacts or installing it in another slot on the motherboard helps to get rid of the error.