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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July 24th, 2009 at 12:11 am
Thks, will check hard drive connection tonight
and listen for any unusual sounds
Tim
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:26 pm
timw,
Yes, it does sound like a problem with the hard drive. Try reconnecting the hard drive first, maybe it’s not making good contact with the connector.
Listen for the sounds coming from the hard drive. Can you hear repetitive clicking noise? If yes, you’ll have to replace the hard drive.
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:28 pm
Hi,
My 7 yr old son “accidently” elbowed the keyboard on my Toshiba
Tecra A3 while I was using it. (Quite hard)
Since then the laptop is extremly slow and I get error message
“windows is unable to save all data for the file …. The data has been lost. May be caused by hardware failure” also “delayed write failed” Does this sound like a hard disk problem?
How can I check/
Thankyou for any help. Tim
June 25th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Everardo,
Sounds like a problem with the LCD screen. Unfortunately, there is not much you can do besides replacing the LCD screen. You can try torquing the screen a little bit. Grab top right and left corners with your fingers and move them very carefully into opposite directions back and force. Be very careful, do not torque the screen to much or you can break it. Sometimes it helps to get rid of a thin vertical line temporarily.
June 25th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
I was working on my Gateway laptop and I grabbed to change its place and suddenly i noticed a perfectly tiny green line running from top to bottom on my screen. This line remains in all apps I go.
Please help me to get rid of this line
Thanks
June 14th, 2009 at 12:10 am
it is a harddisk promblem or bad sector promblem in hard disk. Pls
format yr hardisk by using an third party bootable softwares, it will take around 8hours completing the format.
now u can instal ur windows xp.
thanx
reply by using this function
June 2nd, 2009 at 4:02 am
Is it possible to destroy your laptop by running this test?
I checked my EEE with it.
While still running the screen suddenly went black after 1 hour or so and
I couldn’t start the EEE again even using another memory stick.
No lamps, nothing. It seems to be broken now.
January 16th, 2009 at 4:00 pm
Hello.
I have a Toshiba M40 and at first it started with not logigng into windows XP by giving an error message lsass.sys ..so I tried to reinstall windows xp on it..went through the disk formatting and began installing windows..during setup, the systmes reboots when it reaches 34minutes remaining to install windows. I also get error message that system bios not cpmaptible with acpi.
I tried to F7 when windows setup starts (when it says press f6 to install third party) to load up using HAL instead of ACPI…the system just hangs when windows setup finishes loading right before it starts setup process..I took out the wireless card and tried, same problem wont complete setup, I shorted pin 734 1and2 behind the wireless card to reset bios during system startup and that didnt help..I updated bios from manufacturer to version 2.0 using bootup disk bios..and that didnt help..i took out the heatsink and processor and didnt see any problems there..
I did a memory test using windows memory diagnostic boot disk..no problem with ram..
I am suspecting that the processor is dead or the motherboard is dead…but if the mobo is dead I dont think i could get as far as 34 minutes in the windows install process right?? seems like system is not able to communicate with hardware..
What do you think please help!! I am running out of patience..
January 6th, 2009 at 1:47 am
cj2600 I have a toshiba satellite p105-s9772 laptop
and the screen turns white then it restarts. It does it when im downloading something, moving files around or playing a video game it some times does it right when im loggin using the internet or just doing nothing. I took it apart and cleaned the heat sinks i thought it might be an over heating prob
but that was not the prob. I also used the recovery disk and restored to factory settings thinking it might be a software prob but that wasnt it either so i think it might be the processor, the video card, the motherboard or the ram do u have any idea of what it might be. I would greatly appreciate ur help.
SLopez
October 2nd, 2008 at 1:12 am
can you guys help me on how to fix computer with OS malfunction for P3 processor and a 80GB of hard disk replacement…? Because my costumers computer is always having an error on its Operating System i try to reformat it but it always disable my keyboard… Video card is not built in… the modem card is also not built in…!