When RAM memory (from English Random Access Memory) no longer functions correctly, a wide range of problems can occur within the system, including data corruption, computer freezes or unexpected behavior. Faulty or damaged RAM memory represents one of the most frustrating problems to identify, since the signals that characterize it are often random and difficult to grasp. MemTest86 + is a useful tool that can be installed on CD / DVD or on a USB stick whose purpose is to run a series of RAM memory tests to identify any problems. This is a program that is also often used by professionals who assemble and repair computers and by the manufacturers themselves.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Using MemTest86 + from CD / DVD
Step 1. Download Memtest86 +. Memtest86 + is a free open source program whose possession is perfectly legal. The official website of the program is accessible at this URL: https://memtest.org here. However, this is not the original version of the MemTest program, which is now obsolete.
Step 2. Double-click the ZIP file
Inside the compressed archive you will find a file called mt420.iso. Drag it directly to the desktop.
Step 3. Click on the file in question with the right mouse button and choose the "Open" option
Remember to insert a CD into your computer drive before performing this step.
Step 4. Choose the option "Select program from a list of installed programs"
At this point choose the Windows Disk Image Burner program. The program interface will be displayed. At this point click on the "Burn" button.
Step 5. Restart your computer
MemTest86 + will automatically start from CD as soon as the computer is started. However, for this to happen, the CD player must be configured as the first boot device within the BIOS. If necessary, you can make this change in most cases by entering the BIOS by pressing the "F8" key early in the computer startup procedure.
Step 6. Let the program work
At this point the program will autonomously perform 7-8 scans of the RAM to reach a correct level of accuracy. At the end of this phase, the bank of RAM installed in slot number 1 will have been tested. Now select the bank of RAM installed in slot number 2 and repeat the test. Repeat this step until all RAM banks in your computer have been tested.
Step 7. Identify the errors
All detected errors are highlighted in red. If no problems were found, the computer's RAM is working properly. If the test found errors in the RAM, it means that you may need to go to a repair service.
Method 2 of 2: Use MemTest86 + from USB stick
Step 1. Download the "MemTest86 + Auto-installer for USB" program
Make sure that the USB stick you have chosen is already empty or that the data inside it is not important, as it will be erased during the installation process.
Step 2. Launch the program and click on the "Create" button
It will take a few seconds for this step to complete and a "Command Prompt" window will appear on the screen for a few moments. This is a step in the process that you can skip, so wait until you are prompted to click the "Next" button.
Step 3. Click on the "Next" and "Finish" buttons successively
After the USB drive setup process is complete, restart your computer. Make sure you don't disconnect the USB stick from your computer. MemTest86 + will start automatically as soon as the computer is started. However, for this to happen, USB drives must be configured as the first boot device within the BIOS. If necessary, in most cases, you can make this change by entering the BIOS by pressing the "F8" key early in the computer startup procedure.
Step 4. Let the program work
At this point the program will autonomously perform 7-8 scans of the RAM to reach a correct level of accuracy. At the end of this phase, the bank of RAM installed in slot number 1 will have been tested. Now select the bank of RAM installed in slot number 2 and repeat the test. Repeat this step until all RAM banks in your computer have been tested.
Step 5. Identify the errors
All detected errors are highlighted in red. If no problems were found, the computer's RAM is working properly. If the test found errors in the RAM, it means that you may need to go to a repair service.
Advice
If your computer does not boot, try using another one that is compatible with the RAM modules you want to test. However, if your computer does not start due to a power supply problem, ask for help from a shop that specializes in selling and repairing computers. In this case, trying to install RAM on a second computer could cause serious damage to the system
Warnings
- Never remove banks of RAM while the test is in progress. You could severely damage your memory or worse you could get hit by an electric shock.
- If you have sufficient knowledge of the architecture of a computer and want to replace the RAM on your own, do it very carefully as it is an extremely fragile and delicate component.
