How do i use memtest86x to test my memory?

Hi,

Right after still getting issues ive decided to try and find out which components are causing me problems.

I downloaded the latest iso for memtest x86. This boots up and offers me 3 options 1 core, multi core or previous version.

If i run the single CPU (v3.5) it seems to hang - it gets to pass 0% test 82% Test #1 and nothing further happens. There is a cursor flashing on the screen, next to where it says Max Contiguous Errors.

If i run the multi core (3.5 experimental) it seems to hang at the very start, non of the tests even appear to start.

If i run the previous version (3.4) it gets to pass 0% test 94% Test #1 and nothing further happens. There is nothing active on screen at this point.

Now am i doing something wrong, is the memory that broken that it wont even run this? Or does it just take a long time to run the tester?

I have one stick in atm , im going to test the other stick now to see if i get a similar result whilst waiting for someone to respond to this.

Thanks as allways in advance
Brian.

 

The current version of memtest is 4.20. I see you are running 3.5.

Get the current ISO from here, and try rerunning your test:
http://www.memtest.org/download/4.20/memtest86+-4.20.iso.zip

 

Thanks for that, downloaded, burned and now running.

Doing stick one, it dosnt look well, it seems to be failing everything.

How long should it be left to run for?

The other question is this, if the memory is so faulty how can it prop up windows, which it was doing however faultily. If it was the case of not even passing post i could understand it, but this just seems like black magic

Is there a user freindly guide to memtest?

Thanks.

 

You only need to let it run long enough to see if the stick fails. Once it does, I move on to the next stick. Is your memory under warranty?

 

I would have thought so i got it in november.

Im still trying to find a simple guide, to let me know when its failed.

Stats so far are

77% through the pass at test 8 and there are 1675 errors, do you think that ones failed?

Thanks again

 

The stick has failed even if you get 1 error. As soon as you see an item in red for the stick, it has failed. There is no guide to memtest86+ because it's so simple and obvious to use. There is a forum for it though at:
http://forum.canardpc.com/forumdisplay.php?f=73

 

Well, ive just swapped the sticks round, this 2nd stick seems to be fine, and im testing it in the same slot, just to make sure it wasnt a faultly slot.

And no errors so far.

Could the faulty memory have caused all the errors i was having yesterday?
see this post http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?p=1601414#post1601414

As i was still having glitches after my final post on there which is why i decided to run these checks.

 

Well, it's possible memory errors were preventing Windows Update from completing it's tasks.

What memory (brand and model) is it if I may ask?

 

Corsair XMS3 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C9 1600MHz Dual Channel Kit (CMX4GX3M2A1600C9) [CMX4GX3M2A1600C9]


The other stick has fully passed.

I really appreciate you time and the help you have given me

Many thanks.

 

No problem. My pleasure to help.

Corsair memory comes with a lifetime warranty. You should initiate an return with them (see their website) and get the memory replaced for free.

 

Ive spoken with the supplyer they do the switcharoo but it could take up to 28days and ive to send both sticks back.

So im thinking reinstall windows with the working stick of 2gb, get it working properly.

Order some new memory (of the same type and speed) its only about £30/40 atm. When that comes through return the broken memory in the cases they have, as i dont have the ones the original came in, then when the replacement memory comes through have 8gb of ram

What do you think, will win7 be ok on 2gig ram?

 

You'll get by on 2GB of RAM. System might slow down a little, but then again, it's only temporary.

 

Final question, i hope

My install of windows is probably faulty isnt it, would be safer to do a total new clean install than risk any long term errors?

And again i must say you are a very helpful person, and i appreciate this

 

I can't say with 100% certainty that your windows installation isn't at fault, but if the only errors you were getting were with Windows Update, that doesn't sound like a completely buggered installation. If you have the time and backing up your data isn't an issue, then a clean install of Windows is always the surest way to know that all is well with Windows. It's really your call.

 

I decided to reinstall win7, this resulted in a blue screen a bit into the instilation process. Im running it again just to make sure it wasnt some glitch, is there a way of freezing the bluescreen so i can get the details if it does come up?

 

Sorry to hear about the new bluescreen. There is no way to freeze it when it happens during installation, although there is a way to freeze it if it happens after windows is installed. I don't have the steps in front of me, but just ask in a new thread, and I'll look it up for you.

Good luck, I hope the next install attempt goes well.

 

seems to be going through this time.

Ill keep you posted.

 

BTW, here's a short article that explains the steps to prevent windows from restarting after a bluescreen. It's written for Windows Vista, but applies equally to Windows 7.
http://www.watchingthenet.com/disable-automatic-restarts-with-blue-screen-of-death.html

 

Windows is now installed and im running the windows update.

I think the BS that popped up first was something to do with cache/shadowing. But it hasnt happened again so i wont worry about it at the moment.

Now to decide what AV to put on, i was happy with AVG for a long time and i wrongly thought that it was that which had caused my error. So i switched to avast. It seems ok. Do i stay with what i know or go to the new shiny that talks to me "avast is now updated" with the weirdly feminine voice. That could equaly well start "you have 10 minutes to reach minimum safe distance."

Anyway, tara for now. Ill post again when its all working, or not.

 

The new version of Avast definitely works well, I use it myself on Windows 7, so I would go for the update.

 

Ok just an update.

Everything seems ok, the windows update ran smoothly.

Got all my drivers on, and steam and some of my games in.

Its all working ok

On 2gb, but thats getting resolved.

Thanks again for all your help and time

Take care
Brian.

 

Good to hear.