Troubleshooting RAM problems or problems can be difficult. Firstly, computer memory, since it is a kind of “virtual” thing that is difficult to understand, is still a mystery to people. Another complication is that memory problems may not be permanent and often look like problems with other parts of the system, even software. Here are some simple troubleshooting steps you can follow if you suspect you have a memory problem.
To troubleshoot memory problems, first to diagnose it, you need to run some testing programs. Each motherboard has a POST memory diagnostic that is performed when the system is turned on. In most cases, you also have special disk memory diagnostic utilities that came with your system. In addition, there are many commercial diagnostic programs on the market, and almost all of them include memory tests.
When run, POST not only checks memory, but also counts it. This number is compared to the number calculated the last time the BIOS setup was performed. And if it is different, an error message is displayed. As it starts, it writes a data pattern into all system memory cells and reads this pattern to check the memory’s functionality. When a fault is detected, you see or hear a message. Audio messages (squeaking) are used to indicate critical or “fatal” errors occurring in areas important to the functioning of the system. If the system can access enough memory to output video, you will see error messages instead of beeps.
If your system passes POST without indicating a memory error, the problem may not be with hardware memory, or POST may not be able to detect the problem. Intermittent memory errors during POST often go undetected, and other subtle hardware defects during POST can be difficult to catch. POST is designed to be fast, so testing is not as thorough as it could be. This is why you often have to boot from offline diagnostic media (typically an optical disk or bootable flash drive) and, for more extensive memory testing, run a true hardware diagnostic. You can run these types of tests on an ongoing basis and, if you need to hunt down an elusive intermittent defect, leave them running for a few days.
Luckily, there are several excellent memory testing programs available for free download. Here are some we recommend:
Not only are they free, but they're also available in downloadable format, meaning you don't have to install the software on the system you're testing. The boot format is actually necessary because Windows and other operating systems prevent direct access to memory and other hardware required for testing. To make sure everything is read and written correctly, these programs use algorithms that write different types of patterns across all the memory in the system, checking every bit.
They also, to allow direct testing of modules rather than the cache, disable the processor cache. Some of them, for example, "Windows Memory Diagnostic", if you encounter an error, even indicate a faulty module. Please note that a version of Windows Memory Diagnostic is included in Windows 7/8.1/10. It can be found in the administrative tools section (mdsched.exe), as well as on the boot installation DVDs in recovery mode.
The Ultimate Boot CD includes Memtest86 and several other memory diagnostic programs. The Ultimate Boot CD in Windows 7 and later installation DVDs (containing Windows Memory Diagnostic) can also be installed onto a bootable USB flash drive, making it much more convenient to use.
To create a bootable flash drive from the Ultimate Boot CD, you must use the ubcd2usb command as described on the UBCD Setup page on www.ultimatebootcd.com. To create a bootable flash drive in the installation DVD of Windows 7/8.1/10 versions, you can download and use the Windows 7 USB/DVD tool provided by Microsoft (http://tinyurl.com/4qfdm4x).
Please note that although the tool is named "Windows 7", it also works on Windows 8.1/10. If you want to test the memory on a system that already has Windows 7/8.1/10 installed, simply run the mdsched.exe command or open Control Panel, Administrative Tools and select Windows Memory Diagnostic, which will restart the system and immediately run the test or configure automatically run the test the next time you restart.
One of the problems with software memory diagnostics is that they only perform pass/fail testing. That is, all they can do is write patterns into memory and read them back. They cannot determine how close the memory is to failure - whether it is working or not.
For the highest level of testing, the best that can be done is a dedicated machine memory test, usually using a module tester. These devices allow you to insert a module and thoroughly test it at various speeds, voltages and timings. Determining for sure whether this memory is good or bad. Versions of these testers are available to handle all types of memory modules. For example, you have defective modules that work on some systems (slower) and do not work on others. We mean that the same memory testing program shows a module failure on one machine, and its normal operation on another. In the module tester, it is always defined as bad, down to the individual bit, and even indicates the actual speed of the device, not just its rating.
Companies offering memory module testers include Tanisys (), CST (), and Innoventions (). They can be expensive, but for a high-end system builder or repair shop, using one of these module testers can save time and money in the long run.
After the OS starts, memory errors may occur, usually identified by error messages. Here are the most common:
If you encounter these errors, they may be caused by faulty or misconfigured memory. But it can also be caused by software bugs (especially drivers), bad power supplies, static discharge, short-range radio transmitters, timing issues, etc.
If you suspect the problems are caused by memory, there are ways to test your memory and determine whether it is a problem. Much of this testing involves running one or more memory testing programs.
Another problem with software diagnostics is running memory tests with system caches enabled. This effectively invalidates memory testing since most systems have what is called a writeback cache. This means that data written to main memory is first written to cache. Because the memory test program first writes data and then immediately reads it back, the data is read from the cache and not from main memory. The result is that the memory testing program is fast, but all you've tested is the cache.
The point is, if you test memory with the cache enabled, you are not actually writing to the modules, but only to the cache. Before running any memory testing programs, ensure that the CPU/memory caches are disabled. Many older systems have options in the BIOS Setup to disable caches. Software-based memory testing software such as Windows Memory Diagnostic and Memtest86 can disable caches on newer systems.
The following steps allow you to effectively test and troubleshoot your system RAM. The figure below shows a detailed procedure that will help you quickly go through the entire process.
First, let's look at memory testing and troubleshooting procedures:
Clue. Most systems do not allow you to disable the cache in the BIOS settings. In such cases, we recommend using Windows Memory Diagnostic and advanced options to disable cache memory before testing memory.
To obtain accurate results before testing memory, the CPU Internal (L1) and External (L2 and L3) caches must be disabled in the system BIOS setup if the system has this option.
Today, one type of RAM is actively used - DDR3. DDR3 memory is the fastest and, importantly, can be overclocked well. There are manufacturers who initially create RAM with greater overclocking potential, for which they provide it with lower hardware timing and a double-sided heatsink that allows for more efficient heat dissipation.
Unfortunately, like any other device, RAM is also susceptible to malfunctions that can cause both freezes and crashes of the computer, and its complete stop. And if in the case of other devices faults can be eliminated, RAM cannot be repaired, especially when it comes to microcircuits. Therefore, it is better to immediately think about replacing the memory stick with a new one. The only way you can “help” RAM is to ensure more efficient heat removal from memory chips, especially when it comes to overclocking a computer.
The main reasons for malfunction or complete failure of RAM may be the following:
Damaged memory cells. Any memory chip, no matter how large it is, contains a huge number of microscopic components with the help of which data storage is organized. Each of these components either itself constitutes a memory cell, or is one of the participants in such a cell. Therefore, the failure of one of the components leads to the fact that the information in the cell is distorted, and the data written to the memory chip is lost. Unlike a hard drive, which allows you to redirect bad sectors, RAM cannot do this. As a result, such a memory module cannot be used and must be replaced.
Overheat. This is a standard situation observed when overclocking a computer or in its normal state, if the temperature regime in the system unit is not maintained. Overheating leads to a common physical phenomenon - expansion, which, in turn, especially at high frequencies and small timings of switching modes, leads to incorrect writing to memory cells or reading data from them.
Poor nutrition. Like any other device, RAM requires a stable supply of a certain amount, which depends on the type of module. If the motherboard stabilizers do not cope with the task assigned to them and the power is at an unacceptable level, the computer simply freezes, and in the worst case, the memory chips may fail.
Low operating timings. In an effort to gain performance gains, many are reducing the time delays required for memory cells to transition from one mode to another and exchange information with the processor. In turn, especially on modules of an unknown manufacturer, this action leads to partial or complete destruction of the memory contents, which causes failures in working with RAM. Typically, increasing the timings or switching the RAM to automatic timing detection mode eliminates this problem.
Mechanical damage to components. At least once, a RAM module is involved in a mechanical process - when it is installed in a memory slot on the motherboard. More often this happens when replacing the motherboard or reinstalling the memory module in another slot. Be that as it may, any mechanical action, especially without appropriate care and precision, can lead to physical damage to the module, such as damage to the microcircuit, tearing off microscopic capacitors (if any), etc. As a result, the memory module fails.
The cause of many critical errors (BSOD) and subsequent reboots, freezes, and malfunctions is faulty RAM.
The easiest way to identify a faulty module is to use the standard utility included in Windows 7 - "" (Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool). This checker appeared in Windows Vista, but many never used it, and in earlier operating systems it was not included in Windows at all, although it was possible download separately. When using the "Windows Memory Checker" you will not have to create additional bootable disks to record the utility; you will only need to restart your computer or boot from an existing Windows 7 installation disk.
Quite a bit of time has passed since Windows Memory Diagnostic lived a life separate from Windows, and the utility has undergone some changes, the range of tests used has expanded, constant monitoring has appeared, and the interface has been simplified as much as possible for use by the end user.
Typically the system can automatically detect obvious problems with the computer's memory and offer to run a diagnostic tool, but this is only if the OS is installed and booting.
It is necessary to promptly identify and replace faulty memory before blue screens and other symptoms become constant companions of your work.
If changes were made to the BIOS (overclocking, voltage changes, etc., etc.), you need to return everything to its original state and check operation in this mode.
Follow: Start ---> Control Panel ---> Administration ---> Windows Memory Checker.
Or: Start---> in the search bar type " mdsched"without quotes and click" Enter".
Or: Start---> in the search bar type " remember" without quotes and select this item:
The following window will appear:
When booting, press the key F8 on the keyboard, the “Additional boot options” selection menu will appear:
Click " Esc" to go to the Windows Boot Manager menu, then " Tab", then " Enter".
You must press any key while this prompt is on the screen.
If you are using installation disk, in the first window click " Further":
Select " System Restore":
The next 3 steps are identical.
Select the first option and click again " Further":
Click " Windows Memory Diagnostics":
We choose the first option:
After launch, the test will begin immediately (with standard parameters):
To change parameters, click " F1":
You can select different "Test Suites":
The "Basic Set" includes only 3 tests, use it for a quick check:
The "Regular Suite" is used to perform standard tests:
To select the next parameter, press the " Tab".
Enabling/disabling the cache for various tests serves to identify different types of errors.
When the cache is disabled, the utility accesses the RAM directly, this ensures the most accurate testing of the modules themselves.
We set the number of passes; the more passes, the greater the likelihood of detecting defects.
We start testing with the specified parameters using the " F10".
When the test is completed, the computer will automatically restart.
Information about testing and problems found/not found is always on the screen, in addition, in If errors are detected, information about them will be displayed after Windows boots (if the test was launched from the OS).
It is very convenient to schedule the utility to run on a schedule, for example, once a week. To do this, set the parameters similar to the screenshots below:
Launch the task scheduler ( Start ---> All programs ---> Standard ---> Service ---> Task Scheduler), press " Create a task":
Go to the "Triggers" tab, click " Create":
Go to the "Actions" tab, click " Create", in the "Program or script" field write:
In the "Add arguments" field we type:
Go to the "Parameters" tab:
Now once a week, the utility will be automatically added to the Windows bootloader and launched at the next reboot after adding. A reboot, however, can also be scheduled.
If you encounter the fact that the utility starts every time you start Windows 7, it’s very easy to fix the situation. You must manually remove the utility startup entry from the Windows boot loader.
In this article I told you how to check RAM standard utility included in Windows 7 - " Windows Memory Checker".
If a faulty memory module is detected, you must replace it with a new one; do not forget to check the new module immediately, because Low-quality memory sticks often end up on sale.
6 reasons why RAM does not work. What steps should you take to restore ram yourself?from 120 rub.
RUB
Random access memory (RAM) is dynamic, volatile memory with free access. Essentially, it is a temporary data archive for the software. As a design, RAM is a combination of modules with chips connected to the motherboard.
Reasons why RAM does not work: How to diagnose RAM:
If your RAM does not work, and you have not been able to find out the cause of this problem, or do not want to waste time on repairs, you can contact the Expert service center, where experienced specialists will quickly diagnose the RAM and carry out the necessary repairs efficiently.
RAM failure is one of the most popular painful problems that the average owner of a desktop PC or laptop may encounter.
In general, RAM is one of the most important parts in a PC, and if it breaks down, then it is simply not possible to use the PC in the future. RAM is also called one of the longest-lasting components of a computer, but in our world, everything fails, and technology is no exception.
Before selling RAM, developers of RAM very carefully check and diagnose it so that there are no defects or defects. So what can compromise reliability, such an important component of a computer?
The answer is simple, electrical problems primarily disrupt the RAM component, and power problems in the PC can also damage the RAM.
If you read causes of RAM failure, then we can say that there may be a couple of them. The main reason that you may encounter is related to the banal wear and tear of RAM, because nothing in this life works all the time, and RAM has its own expiration date. Another reason, as mentioned earlier, is related to the power supply and its overheating.
The main reason for overheating is heavy dust on your PC, so you need to look after your computer like a girl and clean it every six months and put it in proper shape so that it looks like a new device from the store.
Malfunctions of laptop RAM are the same as problems with a standard PC, but you need to monitor the laptop more carefully and disassemble and clean it from dust more often than a regular desktop computer, and also carefully ensure that the laptop does not overheat, because this may be the first sign of a further problem with RAM.
If you still discover some kind of destabilization or you have already experienced computer RAM malfunction, which you discovered based on the signs indicated earlier, then you can try to install a program or utility and check the RAM with its help, but the best advice is to take your PC to a computer service, or invite a computer technician to your home.
After diagnostics, he will tell you what the problem is and if the problems are related to the RAM, then you will need to change it and buy a new one at the store.
Now, the RAM market is crowded with various brands, but the most popular are: Hyper X, Corsair. After purchasing RAM, the computer technician will install the new one you purchased and you can continue to use the computer.
