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”
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Pages: « 9 8 [7] 6 5 4 3 2 1 » Show All
February 13th, 2008 at 5:15 am
Mosakun,
The screen is completely blank or you still can see a very dim image?
Did you test your laptop with an external monitor connected to the VGA port on the laptop? Can you get video on the external monitor or it’s blank too?
February 8th, 2008 at 5:21 am
i have a fujitsu siemens amilo D7830 that has a blank screen even though the hdd lights is on,fans spinning too.
i have swapped mem. modules too.
January 31st, 2008 at 9:16 pm
Backdoctor,
Sounds like a problem with the onboard memory (integrated into the motherboard).
I have another post dedicated to Toshiba Satellite A60 and A65 problems. If you read the comments, you’ll see that a lot of people experiencing the same problem with this model. Removing the onboard memory could be a good solution when you have nothing to loose but it’s not ease. Read comments.
January 31st, 2008 at 6:50 am
Nice test, but what happens when in test 1 ALL memory fails? Could this be due to BIOS problems? I have checked my added in memory (1 Gb), and have taken it out, and it still fails ALL of it, which does not make sense. There must be something else that makes all of it fail!
This is a Toshiba PSA60C, that suddenly failed completely, but the hard drive is ok, but it will not start up on a windows XP setup disc, and will also not do anything but run things in DOS, floppy or memtest do work.
January 27th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
mihai,
1. Test memory (Memtest86+ utility)
2. Test hard drive (Hitachi drive fitness test utility).
3. Make sure the heatsink is clean. This problem could be related to overheating.
January 27th, 2008 at 5:16 am
Hy, i have an acer aspire 5634, it work fine but somethimes it’s restarting …i don’t know why…..it is xp media center on it from acer
January 11th, 2008 at 12:58 am
joe van der westhuizen,
Now you can runs some basic hardware diagnostic tests, I would test the hard drive first. You can use Hitachi’s drive fitness test, link in Resources on the right side.
Test the hard drive and if it passes, probably it’s time to reinstall Windows.
January 11th, 2008 at 12:53 am
hi there, thanks for the feedback but i have tried both and none work. any other suggestions?
January 11th, 2008 at 12:04 am
joe van der westhuizen,
Can you start the laptop in Safe Mode?
Try “Last Known Good Configuration”, it might help.
January 10th, 2008 at 4:14 am
to the pc masters out there, i need some help please!!!!!!!!!!!!
i have a fujitsu siemens amilo pro laptop. all was working fine until i wanted to use it and it does not want to boot up. it gives a dos like screen with start in safe mode, start windows normally ect. what would the problem be and is there a way it could be solved?
thanks
joe