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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March 25th, 2007 at 7:50 am
I have a problem with missing 8MB ram. The device manager displays 376MB and there are two modules all together with 386MB installed. The modules are ok. How and where do I free the stolen ram?
The memtest shows 376MB too and the test is without error, but when I set bios to all (in config C) the memtest shows all 384MB and the result is with error. Please help me out. Thanks.
March 24th, 2007 at 8:35 pm
I have a strange problem with my RAM. It seems like the system steals 8MB RAM. I have two modules and 384MB RAM total but the device manager displays only 376MB. The modules are ok. No matter which single module I use there are still missing 8MB. What can I do to fix it?
March 10th, 2007 at 9:21 am
Jackson,
Maybe the laptop overheats? Check the heatsink and if it’s clogged with dust, blow it off with compressed air.
What kind of error message you get?
March 5th, 2007 at 7:40 am
I have Acer travelmate 4150NLCi laptop. Initially there was suscepted virus programs. Later I tried to reinstal windows but midway system turned off. So I repeated installation but error message came. So using a live CD I formatted the C drive (In live system works atleast for 15 min) Then I tried to reinstall, system went off midway. So I pressed F2 to enter setup it showed the 1st screen of setup. When I moved to next(boot, security, advanced) system went off. Using live CD I can use system for any amount of time. Can you please make some suggestions
February 25th, 2007 at 1:20 am
Pedrito,
If you had an extra memory stick installed you removed it before running the test, right? There is not much you can do about it. Satellite A60 has a memory integrated into the system board. If onboard memory fails, you’ll have to replace the whole motherboard.
February 21st, 2007 at 2:30 pm
Ok, so i got 10′000.000 errors and my laptop (All-Crappy Toshiba A60) doesn’t boot anymore, what does that mean and what can i do about it?
January 25th, 2007 at 5:38 am
If a new system board is out of the question, and all you do basically is surf the web and E-Mail, then try a copy of Xandros Linux operating system($29 in the U.S.A.) Use the command “mem=(Whatever you have-at least 512M in spare memory slot)m. Got my A65 running including an RJ-45 connection to my Airport Extreme transmitter, True Wireless I’ve failed. I understand that a similar command in ALREADY INSTALLED Windows in the init file can sometimes work. Otherwise you’re stuck with finding a board on E-Bay. Do check for an extended warrenty on your machine.
January 24th, 2007 at 10:23 pm
Gehadhanna,
If your laptop has onboard memory and it failed, you are out of luck. You’ll have to replace the motherboard. There is no software that can help you to recover these errors, at least I don’t know any.
If the memory module that failed is not integrated into the motherboard, you’ll have to replace just the module itself. Lucky!
January 20th, 2007 at 4:16 pm
Hi,yes it is fantastic,when i test my RAM i founded many errors,but could anyone please tell how can I make recovery to these errors,I mean is there any software can help to recover these errors or correct them.and if there is a software,just send the name or the webside to get it in order to download it,I need your help.
Regards
January 19th, 2007 at 1:52 am
Add me to the list
After 2 years of seemless operation i got corrupted onboard memory on my Toshiba A60 and had to write it off.
Its totally crazy that they designed it that way especially when there is an extra slot available on the back.
Lesson learned; never buy a machine which has its memory integrated on its motherboard.