RAM - Test with Memtest86+

How to Test and Diagnose RAM Issues with Memtest86+​

Contents

• Preparing the Media
• Testing
• If you have errors

Part 1: Preparing the Media

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Method 1: With a USB Memory Stick​

1. Download the latest version of the "Auto-installer for USB Key (Win 9x/2k/xp/7)" from this link: Memtest86+ - Advanced Memory Diagnostic Tool​

2. Plug in an empty USB key drive. Size is no concern, as the actual files take up 180 KB of space.​

3. Go into the .zip folder you downloaded, and double-click on the .exe file inside.​

4. Follow the setup utility. To reduce the risk of problems, it is advised to format the drive.​

​

Method 2: With a CD​

1. Download the latest version of the "Precompiled Boot ISO (.zip) from this link: Memtest86+ - Advanced Memory Diagnostic Tool​

You want the "Precompiled Boot ISO (.zip)".​

2. Open the .zip file you downloaded, and then drag the .ISO file inside onto the Desktop.​

3. Right-click on the ISO, and select Open with>Windows Disc Image Burner.
4. Insert a blank CD into the CD drive, and make sure the correct Disc burner is selected.
5. Click on "Burn".

Now the CD is ready to use.



Part 2: Testing

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1. With the CD in the drive, or the USB key inserted, reboot your computer. If Memtest does not automatically boot, go into the BIOS and change the CD drive or USB drive to be the first to boot.​

2. Memtest will immediately start testing as soon as it boots. No attendance is needed.​

3. Let it run until at least 8 passes are completed, or errors are found (whichever comes first). The longer you run it, the better.
Seven passes will take several hours, depending on your amount of RAM. It is advised to leave it running overnight.





Part 3: If You Have Errors:

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The goal is to test all the RAM sticks and all the motherboard slots.​

Check your motherboard manual to ensure the RAM sticks are in the recommended motherboard slots. Some motherboards have very specific slots required for the number of RAM sticks installed.​

If you get errors, stop the test and continue with the next step.​

​

1. Remove all but one stick of RAM from your computer (this will be RAM stick #1), and run Memtest86 again, for 7 passes.​

Be sure to note the RAM stick, use a piece of tape with a number, and note the motherboard slot.
If this stick passes the test then go to step #3.

2. If RAM stick #1 has errors, repeat the test with RAM stick #2 in the same motherboard slot.​

If RAM stick #2 passes, this indicates that RAM stick #1 may be bad. If you want to be absolutely sure, re-test RAM stick #1 in another known good slot.
If RAM stick #2 has errors, this indicates another possible bad RAM stick, a possible motherboard slot failure or inadequate settings.
3. Test the next stick of RAM (stick #2) in the next motherboard slot.If this RAM stick has errors repeat step #2 using a known good stick if possible, or another stick.
If this RAM stick has no errors and both sticks failed in slot#1, test RAM stick #1 in this slot.
4. If you find a stick that passes the test, test it in all the other motherboard slots.

If Part 2 testing shows errors, and all tests in Part 3 show errors, you will need to test the RAM sticks in another computer and/or test other RAM in your computer to identify the problem.​

In this way, you can identify whether it is a bad stick of RAM, a bad motherboard, or incompatibility between the sticks.​

Thanks to Dave76 for his assistance in this part.​

   Note

While the same concept is completely valid for other operating systems, a different image burner will be needed. A good free program is ImgBurn.

Related Tutorials

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• http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/100352-hardware-stress-test-prime95.html
• http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/100356-video-card-stress-test-furmark.html
• http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/715-memory-diagnostics-tool.html
• Test your CPU Stability with IntelBurnTest
• Download Debug Diagnostic Tool v2 Update 1

 

[richc46]

An excellent tutorial for all those that want to test their RAM. In addition, the BSOD Squad can give this tutorial to an OP with a BSOD that may be related to memory. Bravo.

 

[Jonathan_King]

Thanks.

Now we don't all have to use my Memtest canned speech.

 

[Wishmaster]

Excellent!

 

[CarlTR6]

Superb, Jon; very well done. Thank you much. Tried to rep; but I gotta spread some around first.

 

[jcgriff2]

Great job, Jonathan !!

 

[derekimo]

Nice work JK.

 

[richc46]

Nice work JK.

You have no idea, how good. For the BSOD Squad its a gift.

 

[derekimo]

Nice work JK.

You have no idea, how good. For the BSOD Squad its a gift.

I've seen quite a few posts there, so I can see this being a gift!

 

[sygnus21]

About time

We needed a tut like this one here. The one I used to link to was rather long and technical. Good job

+1

 

[thefabe]

Nice Job Jonathon, bookmarked for easy access. Fabe

 

[Jonathan_King]

Thank you all!

 

[Dave76]

Great work Jon, was hoping someone would do this.

You might want to add a reference or link to putting memtest86+ on a bootable USB memory stick.

It's quick and easy to do, you can add many helpful apps to the bootable memory stick.

The Seven forums tuts are good.

MS-DOS Bootable Flash Drive - Create

Install Windows 7 from USB Pen Drive Using Grub4Dos

Using the same source and Grub method mentioned above, the Corsair site has a nice version: How to Create the Ultimate Bootable USB Flash Drive.

Select the utility you wish to use and it will be loaded. The versatility of this tool is apparent once you begin to use it. The two default utilities, Memtest86+ and FreeDOS, are invaluable during system builds and trouble shooting.

Your flash drive can become a virtual toolbox of utilities that you can carry in your pocket as opposed to carrying archaic floppy disks or bulky CDs and DVDs. You also have the option of far greater storage capacity when using a USB flash drive. Your USB flash drive will still be fully functional as a removable storage drive. This is a great tool for testing memory or running programs from a DOS prompt such as firmware or BIOS updaters. The only real limits are the drive size and your creativity.

After the bootable USB memory stick is prepared just add the program ISO file and do a quick edit of the menu, you'll have a menu list to choose from when you boot from it.
I added LiberKey (listed in FREE Great Programs for Windows 7) to mine, it has a lot of good support apps (305 applications) and a nice interface, not bootable but very nice selection of support programs.

You can add ISO files, edit the menu so they are listed.
Add any files/folders and still use you USB memory stick as you would normally.

 

[Jonathan_King]

Great work Jon, was hoping someone would do this.

You might want to add a reference or link to putting memtest86+ on a bootable USB memory stick.

It's quick and easy to do, you can add many helpful apps to the bootable memory stick.

The Seven forums tuts are good.

MS-DOS Bootable Flash Drive - Create

Install Windows 7 from USB Pen Drive Using Grub4Dos

Using the same source and Grub method mentioned above, the Corsair site has a nice version: How to Create the Ultimate Bootable USB Flash Drive.

Select the utility you wish to use and it will be loaded. The versatility of this tool is apparent once you begin to use it. The two default utilities, Memtest86+ and FreeDOS, are invaluable during system builds and trouble shooting.

Your flash drive can become a virtual toolbox of utilities that you can carry in your pocket as opposed to carrying archaic floppy disks or bulky CDs and DVDs. You also have the option of far greater storage capacity when using a USB flash drive. Your USB flash drive will still be fully functional as a removable storage drive. This is a great tool for testing memory or running programs from a DOS prompt such as firmware or BIOS updaters. The only real limits are the drive size and your creativity.

After the bootable USB memory stick is prepared just add the program ISO file and do a quick edit of the menu, you'll have a menu list to choose from when you boot from it.
I added LiberKey (listed in FREE Great Programs for Windows 7) to mine, it has a lot of good support apps (305 applications) and a nice interface, not bootable but very nice selection of support programs.

You can add ISO files, edit the menu so they are listed.
Add any files/folders and still use you USB memory stick as you would normally.

Dave- there is a version of Memtest for USB drives here: http://memtest.org/download/4.10/memtest86+-4.10.usb.installer.zip

I'll test it out myself, and when I'm familiar with the process, I'll add it as a Method 2 of the tutorial.

Thanks for the idea!

 

[Jonathan_King]

Okay, I added the USB installer to the tutorial. It's easier than the CD, honestly, so I put it first.

 

[CarlTR6]

A very good addition. I was not aware of the version for USB.

 

[Jonathan_King]

I was not aware of the version for USB.

It's quite new.

 

[Dave76]

Looks good Jon, I tried the USB installer method and was impressed with the ease of the process.
This can easily be put on a USB and removed when no longer needed.

This led to making a USB rescue drive, which quickly led to approximately 400 apps on 1.44GB.
Including the Windows 7 System Repair Disc and MS Sysinternals Suite.
Most of these will never get used but, it's better to have something when needed than have to look for it.

 

[smarteyeball]

One thing that could be mentioned is that if you repeatedly fail a particular test ie Test 5 / Test 8 - it's not always a sign of bad RAM/mobo, but could actually be indicative of too high a mhz, incorrect timings / voltage settings etc.



And when 'tweaking RAM' - ie dialling in Northbridge voltage (775> socket), QPI/DRAM(VTT) (1156/1366) voltages and DRAM voltages and memory timings.

You can shortcut the process by running an individual Test until it passes continually.

Then you can run the full suite of tests to double check all your timings/settings are dialled in. This can significantly cut down the time involved with tweaking.


Another thing worth mentioning is that memtest is not a 100% guarantee as it only stress the RAM, QPI(VTT)/NB and does not stress the CPU.


Also worth mentioning is that the error codes are virtually meaningless - all that counts is Error or No error.

 

[neeraj]

hey Jonathan..that's very nice tut man..

thanx for this..!!