A lot of laptop and desktop computer problems are caused by a failed memory or a failing memory module. As a laptop repair technician I test memory modules every time I get a laptop for repair. I have tried many different memory testing utilities but finally I stopped on Memtest 86+. So far it is one of the best free memory test utilities and I use it everyday. You can find this utility on the Memtest 86+ homepage.
To test your memory modules you have to do next:
- download Memtest 86+.
Choose Download – Pre-Compiled Bootable ISO (.zip) if you want to burn it on CD.
Choose Download – Pre-Compiled package for Floppy (DOS – Win) if you want to place the utility on a floppy disk. I usually use CD because most computers have a CD drive and it’s much faster to start the test from a CD disc.
- Change the boot order on your computer to boot from a floppy drive or from a CD/DVD drive.
- Insert the floppy disk or the CD disc with Memtest 86+ into the computer.
- Start the computer.
If you did everything right, you computer will start from the floppy or the CD and the memory testing utility will start automatically.
If your memory passed the test, you will not see any red error messages.
I usually allow a memory module pass the test 4-5 times. I’ve seen many times that a failing memory doesn’t fail the test on the firs pass and then fails on the second or third pass.
If your memory failed the test you will see red error messages.
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November 12th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
tried it and found out my laptop’s memory is bad. thanks a lot!
September 9th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
i havetoshiba m9, some times fan spin sometimes not, no display,
not boot, what could be problem?
August 26th, 2009 at 10:07 pm
george,
Sounds like a problem with the LCD screen. You cannot fix it. You’ll have to replace the screen or use it as is. Take a look at http://www.Irisvista.com for Toshiba laptop guides.
August 24th, 2009 at 11:08 am
george,
Sounds like LCD screen failure.
Probably bad solder joints somewhere on the LCD screen controller board.
You’ll have to replace the screen or use the laptop as is.
August 24th, 2009 at 10:59 am
On my Toshiba Qosmio laptop, I now have two lines running from top to bottom. The first one is about an inch from left side and about a month later, the second line appeared about five inches from the right side. What causes this and how do I repair it? Thanks.
August 8th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
Sandy,
Yes it is a great tool but apparently you are doing something wrong.
1. You download the ISO file.
2. You burn the ISO file on a CD.
3. You boot your computer from that CD and the test starts automatically.
Take a look at this Memtest CD creating guide.
August 7th, 2009 at 5:02 am
Hi, I have been trying to downloadf ‘Download – Pre-Compiled Bootable ISO (.zip)’ as have 4 of my friends. None of us can get this unzipped and working. It looks like a great tool for me. Any idea why we can’t get this working? Is there naywhere else we can download it from?
Cheers,
July 24th, 2009 at 3:38 am
alas -checked the hard drive connection, now on reboot just get a
‘windows didn’t start successfully because of recent software or h/ware changes.
Choosing last known good configuration (and also safe mode) after a couple of seconds of the Windows screen causes a blue screen with ‘ a problem has been detected and windows has been shut down.’
message.
Any ideas gratfully accepted.
Tim