RAM Diagnostic Software for Your Computer – Memtest86 Guide
Memtest86 is a really good program to use to check for bad memory. It is easy to setup and use, and best of all it is free.

01. The first thing you need to do is get a copy of Memtest86 so you can Test your Memory. This can be done by going to the Memtest86 homepage located here.

http://www.memtest86.com/

On the site, click on the “Free Download” tab on the left hand side of the page. This will take you to a new page with several links. You will want to click on [...] Continue Reading…

Troubleshooting a Motherboard that Won’t Turn On – Faulty Motherboard

There are three main questions that you need to ask yourself that will determine the route you take when troubleshooting a NO POST motherboard combo.

Is this a “NEW” Motherboard Combo I just assembled? (With new parts)
Is this an older Motherboard Combo I just assembled with “USED” parts?
Is this a Motherboard Combo in a system that just suddenly stopped working?

If you answered “Yes” to questions #2 or #3, you are possibly looking at a piece of bad (or incompatible) hardware that is preventing your motherboard combo from POSTing. If that is [...] Continue Reading…

How to Use MS Memory Diagnostic – MS Memory Diagnostic Tutorial
Ok, so you have downloaded MS Memory Diagnostic but now don’t know what to do with program. Follow along and I will have you setup in under 5 minutes.

You should have already downloaded MS Memory Diagnostic (mtinst.exe). If you have not downloaded it, click on the link below to download the program.

MS Memory Diagnostic

01. Save the file to your desktop. One you have downloaded the file double click on it.

02. It will give you an open file prompt. Click “Run” to start the program.

03. This will open the Windows [...] Continue Reading…

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 [...] Continue Reading…

Motherboard POST Information – Troubleshooting and Diagnostic
To perform a POST TEST (Power On Self Test) on a motherboard you need four pieces of hardware.

The Motherboard
A CPU (Processor)
Memory (RAM)
A Power Supply

Depending on whether your motherboard has onboard video or not you may also need a Video Card for the POST Test.
01. A Good Motherboard Testing Area

Place your Motherboard on a non-conductive surface. A foam pad works great. Otherwise use the antistatic bag, or box the motherboard came in for a testing surface. (Make sure no metal is touching the motherboard or it may short out.)
02. Install the System Memory (RAM)

Install [...] Continue Reading…