Memory Test Software: Its Time For A Memory Software Test
There are many issues associated with a computer when the memory is defective. Have you ever seen the blue screen of death as they call it on Windows operated computers? Well, seven times out of ten, it is a memory issue. Some times the windows based computer crashes for no apparent reason chances are you memory may be bad. Faulty Ram or memory is caused many times from improper handling of your computer. When the computer is not handled properly it causes electrostatic shock. Everything from power surge to dust contact with a humid environment can cause corruption of the memory. Another cause can be defective memory slots in the motherboard. So now that I briefly explained what a bad memory is, lets continue with signs that tell you its time for a memory test. The obvious is when your computer starts to smoke, bad joke but true. Blue screens when installing the operating system, random crashes when running the operating system are all indications of memory problems. Crashes when using various programs like photo shop or playing games, distorted graphics (could also mean a faulty video card), failure to boot and the classic BIOS beep are indicative of memory issues. If you just recently installed any new memory remove it before testing your computer. That may actually cause the problem because of memory incompatibility with the rest of the hardware or sofware. The first thing most of the online sites tell you is that you can’t determine defective memories from software but, Windows has a memory diagnostic tool that can be downloaded from the Microsoft windows site under crash analysis. What it does is test the RAM or Random Access Memory from your computer for errors. This diagnostic tool includes various comprehensive memory tests. As you pass one test you can then go onto another this way the problem is pinpointed. There is one site online that offers free memory testing called http://www.micro2000.co.uk/products/microscope/MemScope._Free_Memory_Tester.htm. The memory test software is called M2K Memscope Memory Testing. Basically you go to the sight and download the test. You can either create a floppy disk or CD once the download is complete. There is also another software by Passmark software called Performance Test, Easy PC benchmarking. Included in the tests are memory tests allocating speed and efficiency. Memtest86.com offers memory test software for $9.95. It is a stand-alone memory test for x86 architecture computers. BIOS based memory test are a quick cursory check that picks up errors that other memory diagnostic software may miss. The easiest of all the sites to understand memory issues and how to tesst for them was www.computer.com/issuesch000 708.htm. The two memory test software they recommend is what I recommend in the paragraph before this:Memtest86, which was their #1 recommendation. This site says Memtest 86 computer compatible memory tester,meaning good for any windows based computer. Once you decide you memory is no-good it is suggested that you purchase a new one and have it installed. If you can’t install it yourself, your dealer may do it or you can hire a computer technician for that purpose. I don’t recommend you to try to install the memory if you don’t know what you are doing. You may cause more damage than it is worth. |
