How to Diagnose a Faulty RAM
Posted by: suicidalsam in Computer, Desktop, General, How To, LaptopIt goes with out saying that RAM is an extremely important part of your computer. The consequences of a faulty RAM ranges from BSODs, computer lockups, file system corruption and data loss. The above mentioned problems that may crop up if RAM is faulty. That is reason enough for you to diagnose your RAM. It can be hard to tell with great conviction that a problem is occurring because of faulty RAM or because of another component of the computer. You have to test your RAM to see whether it is still functioning properly.
When you begin your testing of your, RAM make sure that you test the RAM modules one by one. Interchange the RAM modules positions to ones that they did not occupy before you started testing. The reason why you should do so is to check whether the RAM slot does not have a fault as well. Be advised that they are many ways to test for faulty ram but the easier ones are explained below.
The first method is using the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool. The windows program from Microsoft has a tool that helps you to check you RAM. To get the tool you have to log on to the Microsoft website and download the tool on Microsoft online crash analysis website. When you have installed the software onto your computer you then choose between saving a cd image to the disk or you create a start up disk. The first is a Bootable CD and the latter is a bootable floppy disk but their capabilities do not differ.
You then reboot your computer using the reboot disk that you choose and youR RAM will be scanned for any faults and errors. The best way for you to know with great certainty that you RAM does not contain any errors is for you to, check the modules of RAM on the port that is indicating a faulty error.
The second method is MemTest 86+ utility. This method is very similar to the above mentioned method but its reliability is unquestionable. This method has set the standard for testing for any faults in RAM. The execution of the procedure is the same. First you have to load the bootable media and then you can choose what you want. The testing modes in this method can be time consuming. Use the c key to switch between testing modes.
The third method that we are looking into is ; using the Simmtester software. This is the first choice for many and it has been around the block for a long time now. The biggest disadvantage that this program has is its failure to move with the times. you can only install the software through a floppy drive and floppy disks are fast becoming part of history of the computer. The procedure is the same as of the two above mentioned methods of testing for faulty RAM. The three above methods are the most common for testing for faulty RAM. You should use them if your computer hangs or you get frequent BSODs.
Memory on your computer, be it a desktop or a laptop will influence how fast your computer performs. To do usual tasks on a Windows XP, 1 GB is Ram is more than sufficient. After the release of the new operating system by Microsoft called Windows Vista, people found out that its interactive features use a lot of memory and the minimum Ram requirement for a Windows Vista operating system is 1GB. A DDR2 Ram costs a lot of money, I got a 512MB DDR2 Ram for my desktop and it cost me $50. This is just six months ago. I wish there was the same kind of deal that I am about to tell your. I could have had a 4GB Ram on my computer for an additional $10.
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