Checking RAM for errors (Windows)

Unreliable RAM causes a lot of problems: corrupted data, crashes, and unexplained computer behavior. Such symptoms are often random and difficult to identify. Special programs can help you check the memory for errors or eliminate it as a cause of system instability.

If the machine crashes regularly or freezes, it may have a defective physical RAM. Fortunately, modern versions of Windows have a built-in tool that will help the user verify its functionality.

Purpose of random access memory

RAM, or operating memory, allows you to temporarily store data and instructions on the PC that are lost when the equipment is turned off. The amount of RAM affects the processes and tasks that the user runs in the operating system, and is one of the main components of any computer equipment that provides optimal performance.

Thanks to this, the necessary programs and applications are opened, and all services and processes of the OS are working stably. Currently there are various types of cards, such as:

1. DDR RAM is the successor to SDRAM, operating at speeds from 200 to 600 MHz.
2. DDR2 - its speed is from 400 to 800 MHz.
3. DDR3 is today one of the most popular standards, because it doubles the capacity of DDR2 and reaches speeds up to 1,600 MHz.
4. DDR4 is a new class that offers speeds up to 3,200 MHz, guaranteeing wide access and support. One module of this class of RAM can have up to 8 GB.

A standard check of RAM for errors includes all data on the modification of cards.

Symptoms of Inoperative RAM

Problems with cards are less common than other problems with a computer, because they have no moving parts and, therefore, fewer points of failure. The life of these devices usually lasts longer than other components, so manufacturers offer long-term warranties on them. A branded card is likely to have a lifetime warranty.

When a user turns on a machine for the first time after a purchase, it works fine, but its performance decreases over time. This process of gradual deterioration in PC performance, especially with programs that use the Memory partition intensively, is caused by a RAM problem.

Checking the RAM for errors eliminates the following failures:

1. The PC suddenly reboots or freezes from time to time. And it can reboot immediately after opening the desktop.
2. Blue screen after power on or before reboot.
3. Files seem corrupt and do not open.
4. Problems with RAM lead to the fact that the file structure of the hard drive slowly crashes until it can no longer boot the machine.
5. Reinstalling the operating system failed.

Causes of DDR Damage

Power surges can damage most computer components, including RAM. Experts advise connecting a PC and other expensive electronics to a surge protector. In this case, it is necessary to clearly distinguish the difference between the line filter and the extension cord.

Possible causes of RAM damage:

1. Electrostatic discharge can damage machine components.
2. Excessive heat will wear out cards and other parts. Individual components may overheat, or heat from one component will damage adjacent parts. If the user does not properly disperse the PC, this causes damage to the elements from excess heat.
3. The module has a factory fault, which passed quality control, but over time, performance deteriorated.
4. It is possible that when checking the RAM for errors, it was established that everything is okay with it, but one or more of its slots on the motherboard are still malfunctioning, which affects the performance of RAM. The defect can be so serious that it can lead to complete failure of the RAM.

Card Sufficiency Check

The first method of verification is the use of Microsoft system information, which allows you to collect important information about the machine.

The algorithm for obtaining information before checking RAM for Windows 7 errors:

1. Press W + R on the keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type msinfo32.exe, then use Enter to start the application.
3. Find the entry with the text "Installed RAM", the necessary information will appear.

The second method is performed using the task manager, following the instructions below:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on the keyboard, after which the task manager opens. Go to the tab "Performance".
2. Go to the menu of the left panel and click Memory.
3. After checking the RAM for Windows 7 errors, information appears on the amount of used and available RAM, which can still be used.

Windows Diagnostic Tools

The problems caused by the malfunction of the RAM modules are general and random, sometimes they are difficult to associate with the RAM. To find the error, you need to have a program to diagnose the status of the cards. Each Windows, Mac OS X, or Linux OS has similar applications and commands to invoke. For example, when checking RAM for errors in Windows, you need to do the following:

1. Click "Control Panel".
2. Select the Administration tab.
3. Find the "Diagnostics" section.
4. Run the tool by typing mdsched in the search bar.
5. Select "Restart" or perform the next time you start the computer.
6. Set test parameters and run it.
7. Press F1 to change the test or just run it with the standard settings.
8. Run a test run, the process may take several minutes. After the operation is completed, Win will continue to run, and eventually a pop-up window will open with the results.
9. You can view the results by performing the following sequence of actions: open the "Event Viewer" window, click "Windows Logs", select "System", and then the last log with Memory Diagnostics - Results.

Diagnostics Memory Windows

Testing a PC is something that the user can easily do on their own, because there are free tools for this. All he needs to do is run a program to check the RAM for errors. The procedure will take time to use a simple but complete analysis tool called Windows Memory Diagnostics. This will help the operator take the first step before downloading programs, and all that needs to be done after its operation is to restart the computer.

To run the diagnostics, you need to call the Start menu and enter mdsched.exe or the full name of the program in the application search bar. The user will see a window with two options: immediately analyze the equipment by rebooting the PC, or perform RAM analysis after the next restart.

In this case, the system will load a screen that shows the progress of the test. If subsequent improvements do not occur, it’s possible that the card is all right and another component or application is creating problems.

Testing cards on x86 computers

MemTest86 is the original free software for checking Windows 10 RAM for errors on x86 machines and can be downloaded from a USB drive. The number 86 following the part of the MemTest name refers to the original processor instruction set that modern PCs use. This applies to both 32-bit and 64-bit machines.

Starting with MemTest86 v5, the software offers a free (Pro) or paid (Site) version. Pro has a number of additional features, such as custom reports and automation through a configuration file, and supports the scalable deployment of MemTest86 on a local network via PXE download. The user needs to download, unzip the ZIP and configure the program.

The algorithm for checking RAM for errors for Memtest with USB:

1. Download the executable file to make the USB drive bootable. This option is intended for testing on any computer whose BIOS allows booting from USB. It is necessary when testing in laptops and other equipment that does not have an optical drive or it is, but does not work.
2. The auto-installer for USB (Win9x / 2k / XP / 7/8) is downloaded on the profile site, unpacked, launched, and follows the instructions of the installer.
3. Perform RAM checks using Memtest.
4. Reboot the PC and wait for the tests to complete.

During the test, the following keys can be used:

• Escape to cancel the operation and restart;
• "C" to open the window with the program settings.

Test Modes:

• test selection;
• range of addresses;
• memory size;
• error reporting;
• information on the DMI display;
• ECC mode;
• test reset;
• update screen;
• SPD data demonstration.

DocMemory for Intel and AMD

Another utility used in testing is DocMemory. To do this, the user will need to burn it to a CD or USB and run it at the start of system boot. Using it, they analyze RAM up to 64 GB or Intel and AMD processors. It supports DDR, DDR2 and DDR3 modules and has a PRO version with advanced features.

DocMemory is an advanced bootable card diagnostic software. This is user-friendly software designed to record all possible failures on a PC. A rigorous test pattern includes both basic and advanced work for defect detection.

Start the installation, which will automatically create a bootable diagnostic external media. Next, insert it into the PC and reboot to begin testing the system memory. Available test patterns include sophisticated algorithms such as MATS, March B +, March C-, Checkerboard and others. Selecting Burnt-In Mode captures 95% of PC system crashes. The process of editing templates and other parameter functions is simplified using the mouse interface.

SPECCY application for checking modules

This RAM test program is developed by Piriform and offers complete and detailed information about the system. Solvetic will analyze what factors affect the system, offer to perform a new update, after which the operator will be able to maximize the speed and productivity due to improved RAM.

The application interface consists of a clean and intuitive window with the parameters: operating system, processor, RAM, motherboard, hard drives, optical drives, audio, peripherals and the network.

Thus, you can learn about user account management, the level of firewall notifications, automatic OS updates, Windows Defender, antiviruses, environment variables, power profiles, health statistics, time zone, scheduler, process list, hot fixes and system folder.

Testing the connection of RAM modules:

1. The first step that is performed is to check how the new RAM modules on the PC board are connected. It happens that this module is well adjusted, but the contact with the chips is bad, and there is a problem with the connection between the equipment and the new device.
2. Next, check the compatibility of the board or motherboard. This is one of the most common factors due to which the OS does not recognize the new RAM. For example, the board supports DDR3, but only with a frequency of up to 1,200 MHz and a capacity of 4 GB, so you cannot connect the DDR3 1,666 MHz module with a capacity of 8 GB.
3. Use the System Snapshot function to save a system snapshot to a local computer or publish it on the Internet. When you click on a publicly available snapshot, the technical specifications of the system will be saved and they can be viewed from a unique URL that can be copied to the clipboard and shared with anyone.

Increase PC swap file

Out of memory alerts appear when there is not enough space on the machine to place the data needed for storage when applications are launched. Usually something went wrong with the swap file, which uses the hard drive for extra storage. In this case, you need to check the RAM for errors and corrections by opening the Performance tab of the Windows Task Manager, called by pressing the Ctrl-Alt-Del keys simultaneously.

If the swap file is almost full, you need to make sure that the PC has enough free disk space by clicking "Computer" in the "Start" menu, and then evaluating the value of free space displayed to the right of the local disk name. If it is less than a few hundred MB, then you need to free up disk space by deleting files and then emptying the trash. This frees up disk space for the page file.

In most cases, the user does not need manual settings for virtual memory. However, there are some cases where this may be useful. One of them can be when there is a limited amount of disk space, and the operator does not want the available free space to constantly increase or decrease, since Windows adjusts the size of the swap file.

If the PC does not have enough memory (less than 8 GB) and the user does not use the 64-bit version of Windows, then there must be at least one disk for the page file. This is usually a “C” drive. The recommended minimum size is 512 MB for compatibility reasons. The maximum size is a matter of preference and depends on how many applications are running at the same time, but it is probably best to set the memory bar to at least 4,096 MB (4 gigabytes) or higher.

Moving the swap file to an SSD can significantly speed up the system. This is effective if the PC does not have so much physical RAM or the disk indicator lights up often. As soon as disk space is free or the page file settings are changed, you can run the task manager again to see the changes. If it turns out that the file space has a reserve, and the user no longer receives pop-up error messages, then the problem is resolved.