How to Check RAM for Errors in Windows 10
The operation of the system (be it a computer or a laptop) depends on many components. So, in addition to the hard disk, the memory is also a storage device. RAM (RAM) is the virtual memory of the system that stores information. Technically, RAM is modules on chips. Their volume varies in a variety of values, and the quality depends on the manufacturers themselves.
Unlike a hard drive, RAM is temporary storage. It is a kind of buffer between the hard drive and the processor, where data from the operation of the OS and the code of programs running on it are transferred. Today you will learn how to check RAM for errors in Windows 10.
How do errors appear in RAM?
It is extremely unlikely that problems in the operation of the RAM appeared over time. RAM modules last approximately 4 years. This long period is due to their simplicity and the fact that no viruses or high temperatures can damage. There are two most common causes of RAM defects:
- manufacturing defect. If you installed the module correctly, then the problem is most likely in the original marriage of the device. In such cases, you have the right to apply for a refund;
- mechanical marriage. If you use force while trying to install the module, you could damage its connector or destroy the chips.
Sometimes you also need to be sure that your PSU is working. Its excessive voltage can damage the integrity of the system.
What do RAM errors look like?
Not all PC malfunctions are related to memory. To distinguish between them, you need to familiarize yourself with the list of memory errors:
It happens that Windows cannot boot in principle. If you hear a squeak at the same time, this will be a signal that the system does not find the RAM module. In addition, a blue screen of error (BSOD) may appear. It could also be caused by a driver problem. To determine the cause, you should pay attention to messages such as:
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[kod]PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA[/kod]
[kod]UNEXPECTED_KERNEL_MODE_TRAP[/kod]
[code]DATA_BUS_ERROR[/code]
[code]PFN_LIST_CORRUPT[/code]
[kod]KERNEL_STACK_INPAGE_ERROR[/kod]
[kod]UNEXPECTED_KERNEL_MODE_TRAP[/kod]
Sometimes, when working with graphics, the system displays it incorrectly, resulting in a distorted image at the output. It is also worth checking the video card here.
Checking for functionality using the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool
Windows Memory Diagnostic is a built-in Windows utility designed to test RAM. Its diagnostics are less thorough than those of the third-party memtest86+ program, but it will easily detect most memory corruptions.
- To get started, click on the stylized search button (magnifying glass icon) on the taskbar, to the right of the Start button in the lower left corner. In the text field, enter "means" or "memory" . The link " Windows Memory Checker" will open . Run it as administrator (RMB-context menu-run as administrator).
- Using the key combination [knopka]Win[/knopka] + [knopka]R[/knopka], you will open the Run window . Next, you need to enter mdsched (or mdsched . exe ) and click the " OK " button .
In the window that appears, you are given a choice of 2 options. In the method shown, your computer will immediately reboot and perform a memory test.
You will see the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool window. It will show the progress and indicators of testing at the moment.
You can press the F1 button. This will take you to several diagnostic options. You can switch between them using Tab:
- test suite. Using "Wide" , the diagnostics of the utility will be deeper;
- cache. To use only RAM for testing, select "Off";
- number of passes. More passes for more chances of finding bugs. It is worth putting 15 for reliability, however, the verification time will be increased.
To exit the options menu, press the F10 button.
After the diagnostics is completed, your computer will restart. The test results will appear on the taskbar as a notification.
It may be that for some reason this notification was not displayed or you did not have time to see it. Then use another built-in Windows utility - "Event Viewer" . Open search and enter the name of the utility. If you can't find it like this, use the appropriate instruction for the topic of the magazine.
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In "Event Viewer" click on " Windows Logs " - "Details" . Look for the Memory-Diagnostic-Results event.
Checking with memtest86+
Memtest86+ is a third-party free memory diagnostic tool. It works great on both 32-bit and 64-bit architectures of Windows 10. Do not confuse it with the original, long outdated memtest. The tool is based on the principle of stress testing: checking the strength of the impact exceeds the level of normal functioning of the system for in-depth search. Below you will find how to use the features of the program.
Downloadmemtest86+ After unpacking the image, you will need an empty disk or flash drive. Any of them will serve as a boot device for the program. To write an image to the device, just right-click on the unpacked file and select "Burn Image" from the context menu. In the window that appears, specify the path to the device and do as shown in the screenshot.
If you don’t have a recording option in the context menu, manually find “ Windows Disc Image Burner ” by clicking on “Open with” . Then feel free to confirm. You can also use third-party programs to burn the image, but everything is done with the built-in one.
After some time, the recording phase should be completed. By selecting your USB flash drive or disk in the BIOS downloads, when you restart the computer, it will go into the RAM diagnostics of the Memtest program. If you have more than 1 RAM module, it would be most reasonable to test them one by one, after checking, changing the strips inserted into the connectors and restarting the program.
During the verification process, the output text will be marked with different colors. Our target will be the red text. If red messages are displayed, the program has detected a malfunction of the inserted module, and you should refuse it.
If there are no errors, but you still observe the usual malfunctions, then the program did not detect that your RAM connector is still damaged.
See also: How to turn down the brightness on a Windows 10 computer
Summing up
Any error in RAM is unrecoverable. Even if it occurs in working with a single program, over time, the number of malfunctions will only increase. If it is possible to quickly detect a defect and issue a return, you should return the product to the manufacturer and get your money back.
Video
For more clarity, we recommend watching the thematic video.