This memory works very quickly, allowing the processor to read the necessary information almost without pause. What the RAM contains, of course, is available only when the computer is already turned on, and before you press, for example, the reset button. When the PC is turned off, all data not saved in advance is automatically erased. Don't forget about this and always save what you work on!
For this purpose there are so-called memory hard disks, as well as other storage devices that store data permanently. And when you turn on the PC power again, you can again launch the saved information in RAM.
The amount of RAM (this is the second name for “RAM”, that is, random access memory) also regulates the number of tasks that a computer can carry out simultaneously.
The definition of RAM refers not only to the microcircuits themselves, which represent the basis for the device of this memory in computer system, but also to logical display and placement. This refers, respectively, to the way in which memory addresses are represented on the chips, and the arrangement of data and commands at known memory addresses of the entire system.
Sometimes the definition “volatile memory” is also used. It's not hard to understand where it comes from: unsaved data is lost when the computer is disconnected from the network. Therefore, sometimes some applications are created “in reserve” backups used data.
Saving the data you are working with is very simple: any program has a “Save” function, which can be easily found in the options panel. This function is also duplicated by pressing keyboard buttons"Ctrl" and "S". After this command, your file goes to HDD and is saved.
The chips that represent RAM are usually connected directly to the motherboard. They may differ in characteristics, therefore, for normal operation, these microcircuits must be normally compatible with the system on which they are installed.
The presence of annoying RAM errors can be suspected if the computer is seriously malfunctioning: frequent “freezes” interfere with work and are annoying, the scary blue “screen of death” regularly appears, and programs crash. There is already a reason to say that there is something wrong with the RAM and check it for errors.
The reasons for such errors are simple:
- New memory modules have been added;
- The memory simply failed;
- The fact of memory overclocking;
- A number of other reasons.
To reliably check memory for errors, special utilities have been developed. "Memtest86+" is one of them. However, if you have new Windows_7 systems or a version of Vista installed on your PC, the memory can also be checked using the built-in diagnostic tool built into the Windows environment.
Using the built-in diagnostic tool
Step one - turn on your PC, find “Start” in the lower left corner of the screen, click the cursor in the search bar and enter “mdsched.exe” in it.
You will be presented with the program "mdsched", to run it, simply press "Enter".
If you are interested in the first, immediate option, close (saving the necessary information!) all programs you have open, and then click “Reboot and scan /recommended/”. Your PC will immediately reboot and the memory diagnostic will begin running.
You will learn about detected memory errors from the inscriptions on the screen.
To launch additional parameters for checking the “RAM”, you can press the “F1” button on the keyboard, but, as a rule, if there are errors, they will be successfully identified during operation standard settings.
Diagnostics can also be launched when the operating system starts. When you see the Windows boot manager, press the Tab key on your keyboard (it's in the third row from the top on the left) and select Memory Diagnostics. It will start immediately.
As for the Memtest86+ utility, it will help you out if you are working on any other operating system. When downloading it from the website http://www.memtest.org/, select one of the utility options.
To use it, first extract the ISO image from the downloaded archive, then burn it to disk. When you start your computer, you will need to boot from this disk. For this to happen as it should, you need to check in the BIOS that the first boot device has been set to “CD-ROM”.
When your computer starts, the utility should boot successfully and start working.
In operation, it will show you all the information about computer memory, the processor, and the chipset. The active memory test process will be visible in the display in the upper right area of the screen.
To somehow change the settings, select additional parameters for testing memory, you need to press “C”, and to exit – “ESC”.
Which pop up every now and then with varying frequency.
To eliminate RAM from the list of suspects, you need to carefully check it. We will check the RAM for errors using a small programMemtest.
2 How to check RAM for errors
Unpack it and start the installationMemtest . Select your flash drive and check the box next to the selected flash drive. Let's launch. Everything is yours bootable flash drive ready.
Now we reboot the computer and install the bootloader. To do this, go toBIOSpressingDelbefore booting the system. And as the initial boot we select our disk or flash drive, depending on whereMemtest recorded.
If everything is done correctly, then instead of loading the operating systemWindowswill loadMemtest and the RAM will begin checking for errors.
The program itself tests each block of RAM for errors.Memtest can last 6-8 hours for only one stick of RAM.
But thanks to 9 different levels of testing, it is very good at finding errors in RAM, if any.
My advice to you ifMemtest finds errors, it is better to replace such RAM with a new one, because sooner or later problems with memory will still begin.
By the way, it is very useful to conduct a similar test after purchasing a new memory stick. If errors are found, you can immediately go to the store and exchange the RAM stick for a new one.
Memtest perfect for ownersWindows XP.For those who are too lazy to bother with the bootloaderMemtest , VWindows Vistaand 7 has a built-in utility.
To start it, select start and in the run line type the command -mdsched.exe . You will be asked to reboot, to which we answer yes.
After the reboot, the RAM error checking utility will automatically launch.
By pressing F1 we select scan settings. This is certainly notMemtest
with 9 verification cycles, but still suitable as an alternative.
I usually choose a wide set of tests with 4 repetitions.
Now you know how to check RAM for errors, soon I will review an excellent testing program hard drive and we will also learn to deal with dead pixels on the monitors. Interesting?
Then subscribe to be among those who read the latest articles first. That's all for me and I am sincerely happy for those whose RAM passed the test without errors. Congratulations, your RAM will serve you for a long time :)
RAM is one of the most important components of a computer. This device is responsible for many operations, the speed and quality of their execution. And when a problem arises with the RAM, it immediately affects the operation of the entire computer. Even if corrupted memory does not slow down the system, errors with a blue screen of death will occur with decent frequency. Failure to launch programs and freezing of the machine are also becoming a constant occurrence. In this regard, many users are wondering whether it is possible to somehow foresee the moment when the random access memory device fails. In such cases, knowing how to check your computer's RAM will be helpful. There are not many verification options. Let's look at them in more detail.
Checking memory using built-in Windows tools
To avoid confusion, let's start with the fact that this function exists only in seven. In XP and other systems you will have to resort to other options for checking RAM. But more on that later.
So, we need to test the RAM. To do this, open the “Run” command (“WIN+R”). Then type "mdsched" and press Enter. Next, choose how you want to run the test. The OS provides 3 methods.
- Test after reboot. The operating system will reboot and then begin testing the RAM. The estimated test time will be displayed on the screen, but this procedure is short. Upon completion of the test, the system will display the results, which will indicate whether the RAM is working properly or whether there are faulty cells.
- Check followed by reboot. IN in this case everything needs to be closed active programs and restart the system. After this, the utility will begin its work.
- This option differs from the previous two in that you don’t have to open or enter anything. When loading the OS, it is enough to call up the menu with boot options (press the “F8” key after turning on the power until the menu opens). In the download manager, press the tabulator once and select "test RAM". After this, the verification will begin.
It is recommended to check RAM using the first or third option. They are the most effective. But if the RAM actually has faulty cells, this will be detected in any of three ways.
RAM test using Memtest86 program
This program is a specialized tool that is used system administrators. It is capable of not only diagnosing RAM, but also provides comprehensive information about the processor and chipset. It should be noted that the accuracy of the results obtained during diagnosis usingMemtest is 100% accurate. The utility uses exclusive access to RAM, which completely eliminates the possibility of errors.
To check your computer's RAM, you must:
- Download the archive with the program. There are several versions and varieties of the utility. Based on the description provided on the sites where it is located, choose the one you think is necessary.
- Unpack the downloaded archive. You'll get ISO image, which needs to be written to a disk or flash drive. It is recommended to use the Ultra ISO program, since it performs these actions with the highest quality.
- Next, depending on the media on which the utility image was recorded, set the corresponding device to first place in the BIOS settings and boot from it.
- After downloading, a working program window will open in front of us. Here you can find information about the processor, chipset and RAM. If you look at the upper right corner of the screen, you will find a report on the progress of the RAM diagnostics. If you need a more detailed check, press "s". This hotkey to enter the utility settings. Enter the required values and repeat testing.
How to check your computer's RAM in other ways
Now you know how to test your computer's RAM system means and using the Memtest program. But in some cases it is possible to determine a RAM malfunction even without special utilities. This is often noticeable to the naked eye. What events indicate a RAM failure?
- Constant system freeze. To make sure that the operating system hangs due to a faulty operating system, it is enough to replace the strips one by one with others, if there are several of them. But in the case when, after replacing the strips, the system continues to hang shamelessly, the problem should be looked for elsewhere. But this is a topic for another article.
- Errors when starting programs. If a window appears with good frequency with the message “error No. XXXXXXXXX. The memory cannot be read,” which means it’s time to think about replacing one of the RAM sticks. To establish which one, we again resort to the brute force method. We replace the strips with others until the error stops bothering us.
- Blue screen of death. Why was he called that? Because it crashed during the death of the system, or rather, it was a statement of this fact. But we are of little interest to this. Nowadays such beautiful screensavers crash for completely different reasons. And one of them is faulty RAM. The message displayed on the blue screen indicates the exact problem of stopping all the system processes. That is, the operating system itself tells us why it stopped working. Moreover, what the OS reports is not nonsense, but the absolute truth. It is enough to write down the error code that was shown and check the information on it on the Internet.
It is advisable to have the Errorka program at hand. When you enter an error code into it, it shows what the entered, seemingly meaningless, set of characters means.
- The BIOS also informs us about faulty RAM and other things. Let's consider this point in more detail.
Many users hear the signal that the computer emits immediately after startup several times a day. And not everyone knows that this is not just an audible greeting from the system unit, but a BIOS message that all devices are operational and ready for use. Only the BIOS does not emit such a signal at startup.AMI. This is an exception to the rule. Such loading for him is a sign that everything is in order. 
But it happens that the signals sound completely different, unusual for our ears. Some users ignore it and continue booting the system. Thus they make a serious mistake. Such beeps indicate a malfunction of one of the computer devices. And even more than that: a certain combination of signals indicates which equipment has failed. Thus, the BIOS communicates with us in a kind of Morse code.
But all this ABC doesn't interest us. We will focus on reports of problems with the RAM. The BIOS also reports about them in a certain sequence of long and short signals. Various manufacturers use their combination. Below is a table showing modern BIOSes and their signal code, indicating a malfunction of one or more RAM sticks.
| BIOS manufacturer | Faulty RAM | Incorrect installation of planks |
| Award | 1 long and 1 short signal | Long repeating |
| AMI | 2 short | |
| Phoenix (this BIOS has a unique signal alphabet, so instead of long and short signals, just numbers are indicated) | 1-3-1 | 1-3-3 |
| IBM | ||
| AST | 1 long, 5 short | |
| Compaq | 1 short, 2 long | 1 continuous |
| IBM Desktop | ||
| IBM Thinkpad | ||
| Mylex | ||
| Mylex 386 | 1 long, 6-8 short, 1 long | 1 long, 7 short, 1 long |
| Quadtel | 1 long, 3 short | |
From this table we see that not all BIOS report problems as we would like. This is actually not that critical. But if you want to hear what state the computer is in when booting, then when choosing one, pay attention to the BIOS manufacturer.
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We know how to test RAM. Now, if something happens, it is much easier to determine the cause of the system freezing and the blue screen popping up. But there are several more aspects, knowledge of which will not be superfluous.
RAM Specifications
Sometimes it happens that you have to buy a new RAM stick. God grant that you buy it out of a desire to add performance to your computer, and not in connection with the death of one of the established lines. One way or another, you won’t be able to go and just buy RAM. First of all, we are interested in volume. This is a good indicator. But frequency is much more important. After all, it determines how many RAM operations will be performed per second. Therefore, remember that the amount of RAM is only responsible for the size of the data that will fit in it. But the frequency is also important for the reason that if it is different for two or more strips, a conflict may arise between them. Let's find out how to check the frequency of RAM.
This can be done using special programs, for example, Aida 64. To find out the RAM characteristics, you need to:
- Open the program;
- Wait for all functions to initialize and go to the “computer” item, expand it and select “DMI”.
- There is a lot before us various devices, the purpose of which seems completely incomprehensible. There is no need to be afraid. These are all the components of our PC, only they are named here differently than we are used to calling them in Everyday life. Here we need the “memory devices” item. We open it and read the contents of each slot, called “DIM,” in turn. The number of slots listed is equal to the connectors for installing RAM on the motherboard. We find the inscription “speed”, remember the value. That's it, now when buying new RAM you will know exactly the characteristics you need to focus on.
Troubleshooting RAM problems at home
When any problems arise with RAM, almost all users immediately run to the service and pay money for something that they can do themselves in 5 minutes, rather than wait 2 weeks. What problems arise most often:
- Clogged contacts. If you have not disassembled the system unit for more than a year, this is quite likely. Dust is so fine that it can penetrate anywhere. And if the machine was operated in a room with high air humidity, the contacts of the RAM and other devices could oxidize. The solution to the problem is simple: remove the side of the computer and carefully remove the RAM. Next, carefully wipe the contacts with a cloth soaked in alcohol, or remove the blockage with an eraser. I repeat once again, all actions must be performed with the utmost care, otherwise you risk becoming the owner of a new RAM bar. :)
- Incorrect installation of RAM modules. If you bought new memory, or for some reason the old one was removed, that is, there is a possibility that it will not be possible to insert it correctly the first time. There is no need to run to the service center! Experiment by swapping the planks. After some time you will achieve the desired result!
- Failure of one of the RAM strips. Also, there is no need to disturb service workers. It is easy to find out about a malfunction (this was described above). If the sad assumption is justified, we buy new line in accordance with the required characteristics and continue to enjoy the working computer.
Hi all! Today I want to tell you how to check RAM for built-in errors Windows utility , which is sewn into operating system starting with Windows 7. Why do you need this? This may come in handy if you begin to notice periodic failures in the operation of your computer or laptop. In case of any failures you should pay attention to the RAM:
- From time to time you see on your monitor " blue screen of death" I think there is no need to tell anyone what a “blue screen of death” is, but just in case, look at the screenshot below.
- Your the computer freezes for a few seconds(sometimes up to 10-15 seconds), and then immediately starts working as it should. This can easily be noticed in games, even the most undemanding ones, as well as when watching videos.
- The computer does not turn on the first time. When you turn it on, you may just see a black screen or BIOS splash screen. And then when you reboot it turns on and works.
Blue Screen of Death in different versions Windows
These computer errors can be caused not only by incorrect operation of the RAM, but also by failures in other computer components (hard drive, motherboard, processor, video card). However, first of all, it is better to check the RAM for errors, and I will now tell you step by step how to do this.
How to check RAM for errors? Step-by-step instruction
As we have already said, any Windows operating system (starting with Windows 7) has a built-in utility for checking RAM for errors. Therefore, unless you use more Windows XP, then no additional programs You don't need to download for this.
And if you still have it installedWindowsXP on the computer, then look towards the program Memtest86+. Or maybe you are still usingWindows 95?(͡° ʖ̯ ͡°)
A utility that will help you check your RAM is called “ Memory CheckerWindows" You can find and run it different ways. One of them is to click on “Start” and there will be a search with the words “ Find programs and files", or something like that.
There we write the name of the utility “Checker Windows memory" or the name of the file that runs this utility " mdsched" After which Windows will find the program you need.
Windows Memory Checker in the Start Menu
Run it as administrator. This means not just double-clicking on the icon, but clicking right click mouse and select " Run as Administrator».
Click on " Reboot and check" At turning on Windows will immediately begin checking the RAM for errors. If errors are found, you will see this in a message below the check line. If you did not follow the scan, then you will be able to view the scan report directly in Windows when it loads after the scan is completed.
What else is useful to know about checking RAM for errors?
There are three verification modes: base, ordinary And wide. By Windows default starts checking as usual. But, if the check is completed, no errors were found, and you still have a suspicion that the RAM is working somehow wrong, then it makes sense to check in extended mode. Such a check may take several hours (or maybe less), but it will look so deep into the RAM that not a single error will hide from you.
By the way, a regular check takes approximately 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the amount of RAM and its frequency.
To enable advanced scanning, press F1 during normal scanning and select the appropriate option.
Also, I advise you to disable the cache to get the most valid test results.
Where can I see the report after checking the RAM for errors?
If you missed everything that Windows wrote to you directly during the RAM check, you can find the scan report in the Windows event log. Here's how to get there:
- Press start.
- Enter “Journal” or “ eventvwr».
- Select " Viewing Event Logs" Do not confuse this with “Windows Log”, this is not at all what we need.
- On the left in Explorer, go to “Windows Logs”, and then to “ System».
- Among the latest entries (and there are a lot of them) you will find our report. In the source column it will be written “ MemoryDiagnostics-Results" Or you can use the magazine search. The search button is on the right side of the menu.
- If the report says that no errors were found, congratulations, everything is just beginning and you will have to look for errors in other places on your computer.
Finally:
Now you know how to check your RAM for errors standard means Windows. This procedure does not take much time and is not at all difficult to understand. I hope you were able to find the errors.
If there were still errors and you have several RAM modules installed, then it will be useful to check them one by one to identify which one is working and which one is not.
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RAM plays an important role in providing operational work computer. Therefore, the “symptoms” of faulty strips are very diverse. Your computer may run slowly, freeze for no reason, reboot spontaneously, and even pretend to die.
But, since you have already seen the root of computer evil in RAM, then do not rush to clutter the system with various downloadable utilities and do not get into standard tools ahead of time Windows diagnostics. You can do a primary test of memory performance yourself. Let's look at everything in order.
Stage 1. Inspection of the system unit
The manipulation described below can, in principle, be carried out by anyone, even a shaman of the Mumba-Yumba tribe, but we still do not recommend that people who have been crossed by a black cat with empty buckets cross their path into the system unit. To begin with, at least look on the Internet for pictures of the insides of computers.
So, turn off the computer, open system unit and look for a RAM strip. Usually it is on the right top corner motherboard.
If you have several memory sticks, you can first simply remove one of them and let the computer work with one, and then with the other - in this way you can separately check the performance of each of the memory sticks.
If your iron friend begins to behave badly, only on one bar - congratulations - you have found the cause of all the troubles. It is possible that one of your RAM modules is faulty.
Step 2: Check contacts and dust
If no changes are noticed, proceed to the second phase: check the contacts of the memory modules for dust or deposits. It sounds frivolous, but believe me, this very little thing can really upset you. One day, a friend of mine’s computer died, and it died very seriously - it was not just a matter of the operating system crashing - the BIOS did not load, there were not even beeper signals when loading. Everything looked as if the motherboard had died. With a heavy heart, taking his iron friend to the service center, he simply went crazy when the technician revived it in ten seconds by simply removing and cleaning the RAM modules from dust. The sneaky digital sluggard then started working like new!
It may seem to you that this is a story with a happy ending, but that is only until you see the invoice for the service provided. So, my friends, before you panic, always wipe off any dust from your slats!
Despite the fact that we live in the 21st century, it is better to mention that memory modules can only be removed when the computer is turned off, and wipe them with a soft DRY brush.
Stage 3. Diagnostics using Windows
To the operating room Windows system a built-in extremely simple diagnostic tool that can quickly identify possible mistakes random access memory. That is, this procedure does not require any special program- everything is already built into the operating system itself.
To run it, simply open the "Run\RUN" menu in the Start menu or use the hotkeys CTRL + R:
In the window that opens, type "mdsched".
This command will launch the standard diagnostic tool. The entire verification procedure consists of two runs and takes about 10 minutes. Upon completion of the scan, the utility will give you a detailed report on the problems found.
If your computer is in order, then you can move on to solving other problems. For example, think about it.