Windows 7 RAM test online. RAM test. Windows Standard Tools

From time to time, many users want to perform such an interesting operation as checking random access memory.

The fact is that very often in the Windows operating system, RAM cannot cope with the load placed on it, although, judging by its volume, it should.

In other words, the computer does not produce the speed that it should, based on the amount of RAM.

In general, this is far from the only problem that arises with memory in operating rooms. Windows systems.

Additional utility memtest86+

In addition to the standard tool described above, there is more than one special utility for checking RAM.

All of them can be easily downloaded and some of them are even in Russian. This option is just right for Windows 10 and Windows XP.

Such programs also do an excellent job of their main task, that is, checking for errors. But according to many users, the best of them is memtest86+.

This program provides the most accurate data and can work on a wide variety of operating systems, including Windows 7, 10, Vista, and so on.

You can download memtest86+ very quickly online. The entire process of using this program from start to finish is as follows:

  • Download memtest86+ from the official website. The link is as follows: www.memtest.org/#downiso. There we will have several download options available:
    • in .gz format for the Linux operating system and similar ones (in Figure No. 5 it is underlined with a red line);
    • in .zip format in order to then burn the image to a regular CD or DVD disc (underlined with a green line);
    • in .exe format for writing to a flash drive (blue line).

  • After this, you will need to write the downloaded image to a flash drive or to a regular disk so that later, when the system starts, these files can run.
    Everything here is very simple - if you downloaded .zip, then use standard means to write the file to disk, if .exe, then dump it onto a flash drive, deleting everything else from it. And if you downloaded .gz, then we just launch it.
  • After recording, you need to set the BIOS to boot from the recording media. To do this, you need to make sure that the system checks when starting up to see if there is anything in the drives and connectors.
    For this to happen, we restart the computer and when it starts, press the Delete button (on some computers F2). This will take us to the BIOS.
    There we look for an item whose name includes the word “Boot” (for example, in Award BIOS it is called “Advanced BIOS Features” - shown in Figure No. 6).

There we look for the “Boot Sequence” item (again, the name may change depending on the version).

In the window that appears, we see a list of all available media from which downloading can occur. The name of the flash drive will include “USB”, and the name of the disk will appear “CD/DVD”.

We need to click on the first item, that is, “1st Boot Device” and select the desired drive in the window that appears. In the example given, this is a flash drive, that is, a USB drive.

  • Insert the media with the program. It will start automatically. The program window looks as shown in Figure 10.

Advice: It is better to check each RAM module separately. This means that you need to physically (by hand) remove each memory module in turn and run the test. In this case, the utilitymemtest86+will find the module that is damaged.It's better to just throw away the problematic memory module and replace it with a new one.

If problems are detected, the memtest86+ window will look like shown in Figure 11.

Unfortunately, memtest86+ does not work in Russian. But it can be easily and quickly downloaded online.

And here the main thing is to find problems, and if there are any, we will see a red color, as shown in Figure No. 11.

More details about how memtest86+ works can be found in the video below.

Thematic video:

Appears on your monitor too often even on a newly installed OS, the first thing you need to do is check your RAM. The RAM should also be tested if the computer restarts by itself or freezes. Checking RAM on Windows 7 can be done using standard tools, but if you are using a different version of the OS, you will need to download a small utility from the Internet. Almost always, software crashes that seem counterintuitive at first are caused by RAM problems.

Elimination method

The first verification method does not require launching additional programs. It is relevant if the PC uses more than one stick of RAM. If there is only one bar, you will need an application or another computer to test it. Remove one stick of RAM one at a time, check the overall stability of the OS, if the problem persists, remove the next one, and so on. This method is also good because you can test the motherboard slots at once. At the same time, if one board works normally in another computer without causing failures, perhaps the motherboard is to blame. If, after removing one of the sticks, the computer starts to work normally, it means that it is faulty, and you don’t need to run the Windows 7 memory checker. In addition, physical extraction will not take much time, but testing using the application can take a long time, especially if the amount of RAM is large.

If a completely new one is installed in the computer and the image does not appear even at the BIOS boot stage, it is probably the processor or motherboard do not support the device of the manufacturer that released it. Check the official website of the company that produced the motherboard, it is quite possible that BIOS firmware latest version will solve this problem.

How to check RAM in Windows 7

So, to run the built-in Windows utility, which will conduct a RAM test, go to “Start - - Administrative Tools”, in the list that opens, select “Windows Memory Checker”.

Be careful. Before testing, you must close all applications and save the necessary documents. After clicking on the "Reboot" button, the system will forcefully terminate all programs that require additional actions from the user.

After the reboot, the RAM check will automatically start. Windows 7 performs it in two stages. Each will take about 10 minutes if the amount of RAM is two gigabytes and the memory is working. Otherwise, the tests may take longer. During this time, refrain from unnecessary clicks on the mouse and keyboard buttons. If the RAM is out of order, the bottom of the screen will start filling with error information.

When the RAM test is complete, Windows 7 will automatically restart your computer and generate a report of any RAM problems found.

Memtest86+

Detecting problems with RAM using Windows 7 is not always effective enough. For more serious and in-depth tests, it is better to use the Memtest86+ utility, which is completely free and can be used on any computer, no matter what OS is installed.

Available in three possible options:

  • Bootable ISO (designed to create boot disk by burning the image with a CD or DVD burner).
  • Auto Indtaller For USB Key - (not always suitable for older devices, creates a bootable USB flash drive, and not all computers released a few years ago can boot from USB).
  • Pre-Complied for Floppy (an absolutely archaic solution for those who have neither USB sockets nor a CD writer, but do have a floppy drive).

Creating a bootable USB flash drive

Just go to the official Memtest86+ website and download the required distribution. Then you need to unzip it, for this you can use 7-zip or the popular Winrar. After starting the program, you will need to select a drive, which will subsequently become bootable. Be careful, make a backup of your data, all information on the flash drive will be deleted during the process of recording a new one.

Bootable CD/DVD

In some cases, a RAM check cannot be performed from a flash drive. Windows 7 sometimes crashes when using a specific flash drive driver, or the drive simply isn’t at hand, or maybe the BIOS is outdated and doesn’t know how to boot the computer from USB devices.

If a flash drive cannot be used, the best solution would be to burn the distribution to disk. And the Ultra ISO program will help with this. If you install it, double-clicking on any ISO file will open it in this application. After opening the Memtest86+ file, select the tools menu. Then click on “Burn image”. Memtest86+ is a very small program, so the recording will complete in less than a minute.

Memory test

After burning the distribution to a flash drive or disk, you need to go into the BIOS. To do this, you need to press the "DEL" key while turning on the computer. When the BIOS settings utility is launched, in the "First Boor Device" column, select your flash drive or CD-ROM.

If all actions were performed correctly, after the reboot an automatic check of RAM will begin. The program makes nine different tests, but after they complete, it goes into a loop and starts all over again. If the first two or three tests were successful and without errors, most likely everything is fine with the RAM.

Prevention

Very often, RAM failures are associated with dust in the system unit. In this case, checking the RAM (whether Windows 7 is installed on the computer or any other version of the OS) is not necessary. Open the cover of the system unit and blow out the entire internal space. Pay special attention to radiators and slots. In this case, it is advisable to remove all devices except the processor from their sockets and wipe the contacts. It would also be a good idea to wipe the contacts of the slots themselves. This procedure saves not only from dust, but also from metal oxidation.

When performing these steps, be very careful with the microcircuits; the slightest damage to them will damage the device. It is best to use an eraser or alcohol to wipe contacts. This especially often helps if there are several memory sticks, and testing each one separately can take a long time. After wiping the contacts, do not rush to insert the RAM stick into its place, wait a little and let it dry.

When the computer begins to fail, and cleaning the OS and optimizing it does not produce results, you need to start diagnosing the hardware components. It is quite possible that errors occur due to the fault of the RAM. But it is impossible to verify this without specialized programs that perform a Windows 7 64-bit RAM test. The interface of the utilities preinstalled in the system is in Russian, which is very convenient. Third-party software is equipped only with English localization, but is the most effective.

The main reasons for RAM failure

The RAM design includes several integrated circuits, soldered on the board and installed in the motherboard connector. This component is considered the most reliable among all major PC devices. The chance of buying a marriage, although minimal, is possible. In addition to this, other factors often come into play. Causes of RAM failures:

  • voltage drops in the network;
  • faulty or low-quality power supply;
  • increased level of humidity in the room;
  • failure to perform regular maintenance (dust removal);
  • work at critical temperatures;
  • physical impact (hitting the PC case, dropping the laptop).

Signs of broken memory

A broken RAM module can lead to a variety of problems. It is difficult to list them all, but it is quite possible to provide a list of the main ones.

  • BSOD is the surest and most common symptom of failures in RAM chips.
  • Periodic shutdowns of the computer, failures when loading the operating system, freezes during device initialization by the BIOS system.
  • Errors while running applications that require a lot of RAM. This may include graphic editor, 3D games, office packages, compilers.
  • If artifacts appear on the display, you also need to test the Windows 7 64-bit RAM. Although most often the video card is to blame in this case.
  • The computer refuses to turn on. Nothing appears on the monitor. At this time, error signals may be output from the PC speaker. To understand what kind of malfunction the alert system reports, check the documentation on the motherboard manufacturer's website.
  • Every try Windows reinstallation terminates due to errors occurring in its process.

Built-in utility

All operating systems, starting with Vista, are equipped with a built-in tool that, upon user request, performs a Windows 7 64-bit RAM test. There is no need to install additional components on your computer. This is as convenient as possible, but sometimes it is ineffective, for example, when the utility itself refuses to start due to RAM problems.

  1. Quit all running programs.
  2. Save important files and documents to an external drive.
  3. If possible, make a backup of the entire system.
  4. Click on "Start", type mdsched in the search area and open the application found.
  5. When the program starts, the user will be offered a choice: test the Windows 7 64-bit RAM without rebooting or check it after the next time the computer is turned on. Selecting the first mode is not recommended.

Background mode

Testing without shutting down the OS does not require a long wait. During the test, you can see a window on the display in which there is no information other than a filling indicator. It is intended to report the approximate percentage of completion of the operation. If the RAM is OK, the utility will display a “no errors” alert. If the RAM sticks are malfunctioning, the application will display a list of fault codes.

As stated earlier, background scanning is not recommended, it does not give the full picture. The fact is that during the execution of program functions, the RAM constantly stores data used by the operating system for its work.

The Windows 7 64-bit RAM test, performed after rebooting the machine, will start automatically. His appearance resembles programs written for DOS. The whole process will take several tens of minutes. After finding an error, red lines will appear at the bottom of the screen describing the failure. In principle, if even one error appears, the verification procedure can be completed and the computer can be turned off; it definitely requires repair.

Third Party Utilities

There are many applications on the Internet that test RAM. Both large companies and enthusiasts take part in their development. The popularity of such programs makes it possible to disguise worms and Trojans as them. Remember that when you download any executable file to your computer, you should scan it with an antivirus. If the site offers to perform a Windows 7 64-bit RAM test online, you should know that this is a scam. The browser will not be able to gain low-level access to physical devices and drivers.

Memtest86+ is a universal tool whose algorithms are constantly being improved. The application is distributed under the GPL license, which means that anyone can not only download it for free, but also take part in its development. The utility is optimized for checking RAM of any generation up to DDR3. The program starts in DOS mode. This approach allows you to work with all memory cells. The verification tool requires an empty flash drive. Subsequently, it will become bootable.

Guide to creating a bootable USB flash drive

  1. Download memtest86+. It is important to download the USB installer and not the ISO image. To avoid mistakes, carefully study the information on the official website.
  2. Unpack the archive into an empty directory and run the installer.
  3. Select the drive to which the program files will be copied.
  4. Check the box for the only possible item. Be sure to save all documents located on the flash drive, as it will be formatted.
  5. Click Create.
  6. After completing all operations, click Next. Now a utility is installed on the flash drive that will perform a Windows 7 64-bit RAM test. The laptop needs to be restarted.
  7. Go to BIOS settings and set it to USB as the first boot device.
  8. Exit and save by pressing F10.

After turning on the PC, memtest86+ will start. It will automatically start checking. There are nine tests in total. They are all in a cycle. After the first circle at the bottom of the screen you can see information messages, which will tell you whether there were errors and whether the RAM strips are working properly. Pressing the Escape key will turn off the utility and reboot the machine.

My memory is failing, what should I do?

All further advice is intended for users who have minimal skills in repairing household appliances.

Disable system unit and all peripheral devices from the network. Remove the computer cover and remove the RAM module. Inspect the microcircuits. If they are not chipped or have any other defects, take an eraser and wipe the contacts of the bar. Brush away any debris with a soft watercolor brush, then brush the gilding with rubbing alcohol. Reinstall the bar and run the Windows 7 64-bit RAM test again.

If the failures continue, it makes sense to move the module to an adjacent slot. If there are several modules, try swapping them.

A faulty RAM module cannot be repaired at home, and it is unlikely that anyone will undertake this task in specialized workshops. Therefore, when choosing a RAM stick, you should not go for cheapness; you should choose a device from among the products of well-known manufacturers. Particular attention should be paid to the warranty period.

"I described the tools available in the System Recovery Options menu, and promised to tell you more about them in future articles. I recently had to use the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool, so I decided to start there.

So, if you are experiencing application and operating system crashes or STOP errors, the reason may be faulty RAM. The Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool allows you to check your RAM modules for problems. In this article I will tell you how to launch and use it

Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool

You can run the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool different ways, depending on the specific situation. As I mentioned in the previous article, it can be accessed from the System Recovery Options menu. But if operating system loads normally, and problems arise only occasionally, then everything is much simpler.

Click the Start button, open Control Panel, and click the System and Security icon. In the window that opens, select “Administrative Tools” and click on the “Windows Memory Diagnostics” icon. Or you can simply open the Start menu, type “memory” in the search bar and select “Windows Memory Diagnostic” from the results.

The Windows Memory Diagnostic window appears (Figure A). Select the Restart Now and Check for Problems option. The dialog box will close and the system will automatically reboot.

Figure A To run a memory diagnostic, select the Reboot and Test option.

Starting and checking memory

Regardless of the startup method you choose, after rebooting, the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool screen will appear and the test will begin. The progress of the operation is indicated as a percentage and is indicated by a progress bar (Figure B). During the diagnostic process, the utility repeatedly writes certain values ​​to memory and then reads them back to ensure that the data has not changed.


Figure B: The test begins immediately when the blue and white Windows Memory Diagnostic screen appears.

By default, the Standard test is used, but two other options are available. To select one of them, press the button to bring up the Options screen shown in Fig. C.


Figure C: In the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool options, you can select either a Basic or Extended test.

In the Test Mix section, you can choose a “Basic” test, which includes a limited set of tests, or a “Wide” test, which offers an expanded range of tests - so expanded that the test can take eight hours or more.

Each test set has default cache settings that are optimal for a given test option. But you can use the key to go to the “Cache” section and set own settings. By cache in this case we mean the microprocessor cache, which is used to store data received from memory modules. Some tests use the cache, while others disable it to force the processor to access memory modules directly.

Each test runs twice by default. But you can use the key to go to the “Number of Passes” section and specify how many times the test should be repeated. After changing the settings, click to save the settings and start scanning.

As the process progresses, information about detected faults appears in the “Status” section. But it is not at all necessary to constantly monitor the process, since the Windows memory diagnostic tool is able to identify the problematic sector of the chip and exclude it from use. Thanks to this, Windows 7 will start normally, without crashes.

After Windows boot and login, a message about the test results will appear in the notification area (Figure D).


Figure D: You can view the scan results report in a pop-up notification.

The report can also be viewed using the Event Viewer. Open the System log and find “MemoryDiagnostics-Results” in the Source list. The Event ID column should indicate “1201” (Figure E).

Problems with random access (physical) memory (hereinafter referred to as RAM) can cause many problems. If your personal computer often freezes, blue screen- this may be due to internal errors in the RAM. In this case it is recommended test. For this purpose in Windows there is special utility, which will be discussed in this article.

As a rule, when problems are suspected, the operating system automatically starts necessary verification. However, users can run the test manually.

Running testing through the Start menu

In standard " Control panels» Windows 7 does not have sections dedicated to testing RAM. However, users can run the test using the built-in search in the " Start" To do this, do the following:

After these steps, your personal computer will immediately restart and RAM testing will begin.

Launch using the Run dialog

An alternative option is to run RAM diagnostics for errors. Allows you to start testing RAM without having access to a mouse or touchpad.

Follow the instructions:


Running an error test manually

If, on the contrary, you do not have access to a keyboard, you can run this application through Windows Explorer:


After rebooting the computer

After your PC is rebooted, the " RAM Diagnostic Tool" You don't have to press anything - the scan will start immediately.

For experienced users! If you understand how RAM works and understand how the test is carried out, you can call up the settings menu and set your own parameters. To do this, use the F1 key. Here you can change the following configurations:


Control here is only using the keyboard: using shooter You can select the desired value and use the Tab key to move to the next characteristic. When you're done with your settings, press F10 to start checking for errors.

Report

When testing is complete, the computer will restart again. Windows will generate a report of all errors found. You can familiarize yourself with it and show it to service center employees or computer specialists.

Additional software

In addition to the standard solution from Microsoft, users can download other testing programs from third-party developers. The most popular such application is Memtest. It can be downloaded for free from the official website http://memtest86.com/.

Upload the image using the " Download now!" and create a bootable USB flash drive. After this you can run the utility MemTest86 on any personal computer (even one on which the operating system does not run) and perform all the necessary checks.

Video on the topic


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