How to test a laptop or a desktop computer memory modules
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.
Entry Filed under: Hardware Test Utilities
81 Responses to “How to test a laptop or a desktop computer memory modules”
Pages: « 9 8 7 [6] 5 4 3 2 1 » Show All
Pages: « 9 8 7 [6] 5 4 3 2 1 » Show All
October 14th, 2007 at 8:49 am
Thank you for replying to my post. It is truly appreciated.
Kirk
October 13th, 2007 at 8:58 pm
Kirk,
I started this thread dedicated to Satellite A60 and A65 problems.
1. It could be memory related problem. If you have an extra memory module installed into the expansion slot, remove it and run Memtest86+. It will test the onboard memory. See if it fails.
2. Test the hard drive. Run Hitachi’s drive fitness test, I linked to this utility in Resources on the right side.
3. Read through comments in the above mentioned thread dedicated to Satellite A65.
October 13th, 2007 at 8:51 pm
Thomas D Nemeth,
I think these lines on the screen are related to a faulty video on the motherboard. Toshiba even had a recall on Qosmio G15 and F15 units and they replaced motherboard because of some kind of problem with video. I’m not sure if this recall is over but you can call Toshiba and ask them.
October 9th, 2007 at 3:30 pm
my daughter brought over her Toshiba Satellite A65 The laptop won’t load windows anylonger And it won’t start in safe mode either. Or even last known woking config.A blue screen will flash for only a few seconds much to quickly to be read. Then when windows trys to load it keeps going back to how do you wish to start in safe ect. ect. and no matter which you choose it just returns to the same thing. Not in safe, last known or in any other choices. What could the problem be?
October 6th, 2007 at 8:45 am
How do I shut the test down
August 27th, 2007 at 4:14 am
I have a Toshiba Qosmio F15 AV201. I have line problems in the screen, I can’t get the restore discs to finish installation. It goes to 98% and stops, every time. Called Toshiba for a new set of restore discs in case they were bad and at the price of $39.95 they sent me another set, which didn’t go any further than the original set. After installation cuts off at 98%, the sgreen goes blank and the fan goes on high speed . After a few minutes, it tries to restart with the same results.Any ideas? Thank you very much.
August 26th, 2007 at 3:36 pm
G. Evans,
Did you purchase correct memory type? For example, if your laptop requires PC2700 memory modules and you purchased PC2100, you might have a problem.
Unfortunately, if you cannot start the laptop, you cannot test the memory. You can install your 1GB memory stick into another laptop and test it in there.
August 26th, 2007 at 3:28 pm
Tim Walker,
Check the screen resolution settings on your laptop. Right click on the desktop - Properties - Settings. First, change it to 800×600 and see if you can get full screen. Then increase the resolution and test the laptop again.
August 26th, 2007 at 2:47 pm
Morning to You, Just an enquiry before I try the advise above.
I have an LG laptop LS50a with two sticks of memory at the moment one 512mb and the other 256mb. I have purchased two new 1 gb sticks of generic brand and they don’t even register when i put them in. I have tried putting them in one at a time and nothing, the computer starts up ok but can’t even get into the bios.
On the internet it says only certain brands are compatible with LG like Kingston Samsung etc. I am just wondering if I can test the memory to see if its doa some how that way I will know if the sticks are the problem or if it is just incompatible. thanks for any help you can give, Regards Mrs Evans
August 19th, 2007 at 11:21 am
Hi, I was hoping you may be able help me with a problem with a toshiba satelite laptop…. Tonight I showing my daughter how to use msn when we lost about half an inch of the right side of the screen, we now have a black strip, so you cannot see the time in the toolbar but when you move the mouse over to this side the screen scrolls across and then you see the time but the desktop image moves with it to the left,
Hope you understand my message and would appreciate your advice
Thanx in advance Tim