How to Check for “Bad Memory” – Memory Test and Diagnostic
Troubleshooting and Diagnosing Bad Memory in a PC
Symptoms of Bad Memory:
- No POST (System will not Power On)
- Blue Screen Errors
- Blue Screen Errors During Software or OS Installations
- Random Reboots
- Random Lock-ups
- Corrupted Data
Checking for Faulty Memory – Diagnosing Bad RAM
Testing with Multiple Sticks of Memory
If there are multiple sticks of memory in the system remove each one and boot the system with them one at a time to see if you can recreate the symptoms you were experiencing. This can sometimes take hours to test each stick depending on how faulty the memory is. If you are experiencing a “No POST” situation this should go relatively quick because the system should Power On once the bad stick of memory has been removed.
Testing with One Stick of Memory
If you only have one stick of memory in the affected system but you have another working computer in the house that uses the same type of memory, try taking the working memory from other system and running it in the affected system. If the system is still having issues once you put in the known good stick of memory you are probably looking at a problem other than bad memory.
Perform a Memory Diagnostic using Free Online Software
If neither of the above methods resolve the computer problems, try running a memory diagnostic with free software available online. The first two methods listed are pretty much the non techie way to test for bad memory. If you are more technically inclind or need a more detailed memory analysis then a memory diagnostic is the way to go. I always recommend doing a memory diagnostic over the first two methods above because it is more reliable and can yeild results much quicker.
Below are two great programs for testing your system memory. They are both free to use, and just need to be burned to CD. When booting the system with a diagnostic CD always make sure that your boot order is set with the CD-Rom first in the BIOS, or else the system will just boot into Windows.
MS Memory Diagnostic (Download Page)
- How to use MS Memory Diagnostic Guide -
- How to use Memtest86 Guide -
The Problem Does Not Seem to be the Result of Bad Memory?
If none of the above methods have helped you diagnose the bad memory you may be running into something other than bad memory. Check some of the guides listed below for ideas on other issues that may be affecting the system.
Older systems that suddenly stop working are usually the result of a bad part. Although if it is a brand new system that you built yourself it may be a configuration issue that is keeping it from working. Check the following guides for more ideas on issues that may be affecting your system.
01. How to POST Test a Motherboard.
02. Troubleshooting a NO POST Motherboard Combo.
03. Diagnose Grounding (Shorting) Issues in a Computer System.
04. Diagnosing and Troubleshooting a Bad Power Supply Unit (PSU)
05. Blue Screen Error as a Result of Software Problems (Coming Soon)
CP Said,
June 17, 2011 @ 10:58 pm
Thank you so much for your troubleshooting suggestions. My computer showed the blue screen of death regularly for the last week and kept shutting down. I dusted the insides and checked leads and plugs. Then it failed to boot at all. No beeps, monitor showing amber no signal light. At first I thought it was the power supply, but following suggestions to check that noted that the fan was still running inside PSU and then noted that these symptoms could be from faulty memory. I used your system of taking out a memory stick and trying to reboot. Only 2 sticks and on taking out the second one found that the computer rebooted and is working normally. Yay!!! Thank you so much.
CP