Any problems with RAM are not as common as with other computer components. But they still happen and you need to be prepared for it. When problems with RAM make themselves felt, this can manifest itself in different ways: again - “BSOD” (Blue Screen of Death), spontaneous reboot of the computer, freezes, etc.

Note: The Blue Screen of Death looks something like this.

It can appear not only during problems with RAM, but this is one of the sure signs that clearly “speaks” that something is wrong with the computer and requires specialist intervention, i.e. - us! :)

If RAM does not work, then there can be two options:

• 1. The RAM is completely burnt out. In this case, when turned on, all fans of the system unit rotate regularly, but the system does not show any further signs of “life”.
• 2. The RAM has partially failed (failures in the operation of one or more of its chips). In this case, the situation is not so obvious. The computer can successfully load the operating system and even work stably for some time, but when trying to launch any resource-intensive application, it will reboot, freeze, or show a “BSOD”.

In the second case, it is necessary to conduct a full test of the RAM for errors in its operation. This is done with the help of special programs and today we will talk about one of them. Personally, it has never let me down. Meet us! Wonderful utility - " Memtest».

Here's what the testing process looks like:

To identify problems with RAM, the program sequentially runs eight tests, each of which loads different parts of it, writing different values ​​into them, reading them and checking them against the standard. We can see the progress of all these tests in the upper right corner in the screenshot above.

If errors in memory operation are found during testing, they are displayed in red in the middle part of the window.

The screenshot above shows that this memory module is no longer alive! :)

Problems with RAM are usually solved by replacing the unstable module (normal operation with it will still not be possible). Although we continue to successfully use some of them in our work. How? In the terminal clients that we talked about in the article "". In this case, there is no active exchange with memory, and if there are no accesses to its faulty pages, then it can function properly for quite a long time.

As you can see, the Memtest program is very easy to use (testing starts automatically after downloading), it does not require any additional settings or configuration and does its job remarkably well.

I would like to give you some tips on troubleshooting problems with RAM:

• 1. Always test memory only from the program boot disk. If you run Memtest from Windows, it may happen that by trying to access the faulty memory section, the program will cause Windows to restart. Do you need it again? :)
• 2. If you have several RAM modules installed, then by testing all of them together, it will not be possible to determine which specific module is causing the failures. Therefore, we need to test them separately (take out all the “unnecessary” ones from the slots and leave only one being tested). And this will happen to everyone! ... module :)

That's all I wanted to tell you today about problems with RAM. By tradition, I provide a link to download the program itself.

Note: After downloading the archive, unzip it. You will receive a “memtest” file with an “iso” extension (this is the image file of the program itself). Now it will need to be written to disk in image recording mode.

After this, insert the CD into the computer being tested, set the Bios to boot from it and test the RAM.

I recommend that you always test RAM only under DOS, since it itself uses no more than one megabyte of memory for its needs and we can easily test the rest of its space. If we start diagnosing RAM problems from under Windows, then a certain part of it (occupied by the system) will be inaccessible to the testing program and the procedure itself will not be so effective.

I would like to say a few more words about the “blue screen of death” (BSOD). There is no point in stretching this material into a separate article, but here this information will be appropriate. So, what useful information can we learn from this blue screen? Pay attention to the photo below:

We are only interested in the alphanumeric value after the word “STOP”. It is this designation that can tell us in which direction to move when identifying a particular malfunction. This applies not only to problems with RAM. There are a great many meanings of the “STOP” error codes themselves (depending on the specific malfunction), but using them you can approximately get your bearings and save your time when diagnosing.

How can we understand such a large number of stop error codes? Don’t keep them all in your head! This is not necessary. Everything has been done for us a long time ago :) For example, there is one wonderful program “” (you can download it from the link), which contains their database and explanations of errors (in Russian). All you have to do is specify a specific STOP code and the program will provide all the necessary information.

Let's indicate our value: 0x0000007A

In this case, the code indicates to us problems with RAM. I know this for sure, because this is an example from my recent practice :) The program can update the error database from the manufacturer’s website, so pay attention to the “Updates” item.

I would also like to talk about this point: is it possible that when installing the operating system you saw a message similar to the one shown in the screenshot below?

IN 99 out of a hundred cases (we still attribute one to the fact that the installation disk is really dirty or scratched), we are dealing with the same RAM problems. Naturally, the name of the file that the system fails to copy can be absolutely anything, since it is at this stage of installation that a large amount of data is copied into memory and some files try to write to its faulty cells.

Now here are some general recommendations to ensure that problems with RAM do not cause you trouble; remember that memory, like any other node to which voltage is applied, heats up and its overheating can negatively affect the stable operation of the system as a whole.

Personally, I decided for myself this way: a couple more small fans in the system unit - no problem! :) What am I getting at? There are various systems for cooling RAM on the market. These can be either cap-on radiators attached to both sides of the memory chips, or small prefabricated cooling systems that are equipped with fans and are mounted directly above the memory slots.

For example, I use this cooling system “Kingston HyperX Cooling Fan” in my .

When disassembled, this is an elementary children's construction set that needs to be assembled and fixed on the white latches of the slots, extending (in the direction indicated by the arrows) the aluminum fastenings of the device. The device is connected to one of the fan connectors on the motherboard.

In addition, the device has a nice LED backlight :)

The situation is as follows: very often, when assembling a computer, RAM modules are installed in the slots closest to the processor. If I see this, then, if possible, I try to immediately move them away from the processor (third or fourth slot). Why am I doing this?

According to my numerous observations, it is the first two RAM connectors that are most susceptible to dust. This is due to the active cooling system of the processor (fan), which evenly distributes dust within a radius of 5-7 centimeters from it.

More than once, the entire “repair” of a seemingly seriously inoperative machine boiled down to reinstalling the memory in another slot (with preliminary cleaning of the latter).

Dust is the enemy of any electronics! Sometimes a lot of it can accumulate inside and nothing, and sometimes just a little on the contacts and the entire system is completely inoperable. Cleaning can be done using a soft brush or brush. As the photo below shows:

Take a good look at the recesses in the connectors, because this is where the electrical contacts are located. To prevent problems with RAM from bothering you in the future, also clear the “tracks” on the module itself.

Personally, I use an ordinary elastic band for this.

Carefully wipe all the terminals with it (move the rubber band parallel to the copper contacts in the direction indicated by the arrow) and you will notice that the contacts immediately become lighter, and therefore the electrical contact is better. Install RAM away from the CPU cooling system and let your computer work for a long time and without failures :)

P.S.. I thought about it and decided to add a little more to the article. The topic does not seem to be directly related to RAM problems, but I hope it will be useful to readers. What program will you use to record the “iso” image that I posted above? If you answered “Nero”, then read the text further :)

Previously, I also used this software, but then I began to notice that its distribution was growing in size with each new version. And it came to a paradoxical situation: in order to simply burn a disc, I had to install a 300 megabyte software package on my computer!

Realizing that this could not continue, I began to look for an alternative. I found it in the form of a wonderful little thing called “img itemprop="image" Burn”. Its size is slightly less than two megabytes. She burns discs perfectly and I had a case when she (without any questions) burned me a CD image in 800 megabytes on a DVD disc, while our “folk” three-hundred-meter package required some additional plugin for this “complex” operation :)

So, without further unnecessary words, I sincerely recommend you this little helper “”.

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.

POST memory diagnostics

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.

Memory testing programs

Luckily, there are several excellent memory testing programs available for free download. Here are some we recommend:

• Microsoft Windows Memory Diagnostic- included with Windows 7 and later
• Memtest86 -
• Ultimate Boot CD -

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.

RAM errors

After the OS starts, memory errors may occur, usually identified by error messages. Here are the most common:

• Parity errors\Parity errors. The parity circuit did not detect a change in memory since the data was originally stored.
• General or global protection faults\General or global protection faults. A general error indicating that the program has become corrupted in memory, usually causing the application to terminate immediately. This can also be caused by bugs or faulty programs.
• Fatal exception errors\Fatal exception errors. Error codes returned by the program when it detects an illegal command, invalid data, or privileged-level operation access codes.
• Divide error\Divide errors. A general error indicating that a division by 0 was performed or the result of the operation did not fit into the destination register.

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 discharges, 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.

Memory Test Procedure

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:

• Power up the system and watch for POST. If POST completes without errors, basic memory functionality has been tested. If errors occur, proceed to the defect isolation procedures.
• Reboot your system and enter BIOS (or CMOS) settings. On most systems, this is done by pressing the Del, F1 or F2 key during POST, but before the boot process begins (see your system or motherboard documentation for details). Afterwards, in the BIOS settings, make sure that the amount of memory is equal to the set amount. If what is counted does not match what is stated, proceed to the defect isolation procedures.

• Find the BIOS setting options for cache and then, if your system supports this option, disable all cache options. The following image shows a typical Advanced BIOS Features menu with cache options highlighted. Save the settings and reboot the bootable media containing the memory diagnostic program.

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 check the system and extended memory, follow the instructions included with your diagnostic program. Most programs have a mode that allows them to loop the test, meaning it runs it continuously, which is great for finding intermittent problems. If the program encounters a memory error, go to the defect isolation procedures.
• If there are no errors in POST or the more comprehensive memory diagnostic, your memory has been tested at the hardware level. Make sure that when you reboot the system, you enter the BIOS settings and enable the cache again. If the cache is not enabled, the system will work very slowly.

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.

• If you're still having memory problems even though tests show it's fine, a simple pass/fail test may be able to catch the problem. It's possible your problems could be caused by software or one of many other defects. Or the problem is in the system itself. You may want to check the memory with a module tester for a more accurate analysis. Some large computer repair shops have such a tester. We recommend checking the software (especially drivers, which may need updating), power supply, and system environment for issues such as static, radio transmitters, etc.

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, 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.

There are several signs of RAM failure:

• This is a blue screen that suddenly appears and is the main confirmation of a RAM problem.
• If you run programs or games that use a lot of RAM, and then notice problems with your PC, then most likely you have problems with RAM.
• The computer may not turn on, but the BIOS notifies you of problems with sound.

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.

Laptop RAM malfunctions are the same as the problems of 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 just as 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.

I am glad to welcome you to the website! In this article I will tell you everything about diagnosing the RAM of a computer/laptop.

Let's talk about symptoms that indicate that there may be some errors in the RAM, as well as how to check its functionality and integrity.

So let's begin!

Random access memory, or RAM (random access memory), is the “temporary” memory of a computer. This is the so-called “buffer” between the hard drive, on which your programs and data are permanently stored, and the processor, which processes this data. This memory is volatile, i.e. Every time you restart or turn off the computer's power, it is reset to zero.

RAM is a small strip that is inserted into the motherboard connector. Like any computer component, this bar can fail.

In general, all these symptoms do not necessarily indicate a malfunction of the RAM sticks. Freezes and errors when installing Windows often occur due to the hard drive, BSODs - due to OS errors and viruses. You can tell for sure whether there are broken blocks or errors in the RAM only by conducting memory tests using the methods that I will describe to you below.

If you perceive information better in video format, you can watch the video on my YouTube channel:

How to check RAM [Video]

How to check your computer's RAM

The easiest way to test RAM is the elimination method. Most often, the computer has 2-4 RAM modules installed. Therefore, you can take them out one by one and check if the problem has gone away. If without one of the memory modules the freezes stop and the errors disappear, it means it is faulty.

But it is quite possible that you have only one memory module.

To find and remove RAM from your system unit, look carefully at the picture below. I think everything will become clear to you right away. You need to bend the latches on the sides of the memory - and it will “pop out” itself.

And here’s what it looks like and how RAM is removed from laptops:

Checking RAM for errors using Windows

If your system boots normally, but displays various failures and errors during operation, then you can use standard Windows tool for checking RAM.

That's what it's called - " Diagnosing computer RAM problems.»

This tool is built into the Windows 7 and Vista operating systems, and all we have to do is find it and use it:

1. Press the button Start, and in the field " Find programs and files» enter part of the name of the program that we need to find. I entered "operator". Among the list of programs we find “ Diagnosis of computer RAM problems":
   
2. In the window that appears, you can select when the scan will be performed - right now or the next time you turn on the computer:
   
   
   We close all open programs, save documents, and run the first step to restart the PC and start checking the RAM right now.
3. After reboot will automatically launch and begin checking the memory. We wait while the check is performed; there is no need to touch anything.
   
   
   On my configuration (i5-4460, 16 Gb DDR3), testing in normal mode took about 15-20 minutes.
   By pressing the F1 key, you can select other test options (Basic and Wide), as well as the number of passes. If you wish, you can check with Wide a set of tests, but it will take several times longer, so first do Ordinary test.
   
   
4. After the test is completed, Windows will continue to boot.
5. To see the result of the Windows RAM test you need to go to Event Viewer -> Windows Logs -> System -> MemoryDiagnostics-Results:
   
   
   

Program for testing RAM - memtest86+

It is best to use a special program to test your memory - memtest86+.

Its advantage is that it can be used even if the Windows OS does not boot, or the PC does not have a hard drive at all.

Download the program to check RAM you can from the official website memtest.org, or right here on my blog (files have been checked for viruses): the memory test will begin. It looks like this:

The test runs automatically, you don’t need to change anything, just watch. It will go on forever. If after 1-2 passes (Pass) no red bars with errors appear in the field below, and the “Errors” counter is zero, then your memory is almost certainly clean!

Many people are probably wondering what the test for “broken” RAM looks like? To see this, watch the video below.

RAM test memtest86+ - 1.5 million errors [Video]:

By the way, subscribe to my youtube channel . There I show the entire process of diagnosing and repairing computers and laptops in real time in video format.

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 check tool 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.

Running from a running OS

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:

Launch when computer boots

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".

Running from a Windows 7 installation disc or system repair disc

You must press any key while this prompt is on the screen.

If you are using installation disk, in the first window click " Next":

Select " System Restore":

The next 3 steps are identical.

Select the first option and click again " Next":

Click " Windows Memory Diagnostics":

We choose the first option:

Working with the utility

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).

Scheduled launch

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 ---> Job 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:

/bootsequence (memdiag) /addlas t

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.

Troubleshooting possible problems related to the operation of the utility

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.

Conclusion

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.