Bad memory can cause an assortment of different issues on your computer.
Below are just a few of the possible issues you may encounter. It is important
to remember that the below issues can also be caused by more than just bad
memory.
Computer does not boot, and you are getting a beep code. See the POST and beep
code pagefor additional information about them.
Random computer crashes causing BSOD,General
Protection Fault error messages, Illegal
Operations, Fatal Exceptions,
etc.
Random computer reboots.
Windows or other program installation failure.
Note: Before testing your memory, if you have recently added any
new memory into the computer, we suggest you temporarily remove it to make sure
it is not the cause of your issue.
Software
There are several software programs available that are designed to test
your computer's hardware, including the computer's memory:
Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 10 have a Windows
Memory Diagnostics Tool that can be accessed by clicking on the Start Orb and
typing "memory" in the run line. Running this command opens the
Memory Diagnostics Tool with two options: "Restart now and check for
problems" or "Check for problems the next time I start my
computer." Choosing either of these options runs the computer through a
memory test the next time it starts up.
Memtest86 - Our
recommendation for testing computer memory, Memtest86 is anx86 compatible,
free memory tester.
DocMemory - Another great software solution to test the
status of your computer's memory.
Below is a listing of some other great products for you to check out.
Memory testers -
Companies offer different hardware solution for testing computer memory. These
are the highest quality methods for testing memory, but likely only to be used
at a computer service center because of their cost.
PC-doctor -
Another fantastic, but not cheap solution often used by service centers and
technicians to diagnose computer hardware issues including memory issues.
PC Diagnostics -
Another company that offers both hardware and software solutions for testing
the majority of computer hardware in your computer, including memory.
Ultra-X -
Another great collection of products that can help test computer hardware,
including memory.
Swap and remove memory
If you have access to compatible memory from another computer, you can
swap that memory into your computer to see if it's the issue. Using memory
known to be functional in a computer that may have a memory problem is a good
method of checking.
If your memory works in another computer without issues, you're likely
encountering amotherboard, PSU,
or other hardware issue.
Replace memory
If you have found the memory to be bad, we suggest replacing the memory
with new memory. Additional information and buying tips on computer memory can
be found on our memory buying tips page.
Additional information
How can I test for hardware failures in my computer?
Errors with memtest or fails with all memory.
See the RAM definition for further information and related links.
EmoticonEmoticon