How to test system memory (RAM)

When to test?

• Every time you add or reconfigure memory modules,
• Every time there is a loss of data for an unknown reason,
• If the computer locks up or restarts itself more often than once in a month.

Why is it needed?

The RAM memory is used all the time when the computer is on. However, the computer and the operating system do not have any feedback when there is a memory error. Unlike hard drive errors, the memory errors are silent. The data just gets corrupt and nobody notices. Occasionally a part of system memory gets corrupt and the system crashes. Most of the time, it is your data that gets damaged. The memory test is the only way to detect memory errors.

How to test system memory (RAM) using Windows Memory Diagnostic

The Windows Memory Diagnostic program is free, created by Microsoft.

1. Download Windows Memory Diagnostic (http://oca.microsoft.com/en/mtinst.exe) and run it.
2. Select "Save CD image to disk..." and pick the location to store the .iso CD image file.
3. Burn the image to the blank CD using your favorite CD burning software. If you do not have one, try ISO recorder. It is free, and adds an option to burn the ISO file to CD or DVD by right clicking the file in Windows Explorer.
4. Place the recorded CD into CD drive and reboot your computer. Make sure the computer boots from the CD first. You may need to configure boot order in BIOS to achieve that.
5. Windows Memory Diagnostic starts automatically and continues to run the test in loops until cancelled. Leave it for a couple of hours.
6. If Windows Memory Diagnostic finds any memory errors, these errors must be fixed before doing anything else.
   • Try reseating the memory modules in their sockets and run the test once again.
   • If this does not help, identify the defective memory module by removing modules one by one and re-testing each time.
   • Then, replace the defective module.
   • Run the test again to confirm that the system is now error free. There may be more than one defective module.

Reference information

Windows Memory Diagnostic Users Guide