Content

• Steps
• Tips
• Warnings
• What do you need

This article will show you how to test your RAM using the MemTest86 utility.

Steps

1. 1 Download a free utility Memtest86 +. Then burn it to a bootable CD or bootable USB stick.
   • To download the utility, click "prebuilt- & ISOs". If you are on Windows, download the Pre-Compiled Bootable ISO (.zip) file; for other operating systems, download the Pre-Compiled Bootable ISO (.gz) file. If you want the utility to be automatically written to a USB flash drive (in Windows), click "Auto-installer for USB Key (Win 9x / 2k / xp / 7)". All of the above files are archives that need to be unpacked.
   • Be sure to download the latest utility.
2. 2 Turn on your computer and press F8, F1, F12, or whatever key gives you access to the BIOS. In BIOS, install a CD / DVD or USB stick as the first bootable device.
3. 3 Save the new BIOS settings and restart your computer.
4. 4 Insert a disc or flash drive and boot the computer from him / her. Press any button when a message appears on the screen.
   • Memtest86 will automatically start. The screen consists of five informational sections. The top three are labeled PASS%, TEST%, TEST Number. They display the progress of the test process, the progress of the test, the number (type) of the test.
   • In the middle left is the Wall Time section, which displays the time elapsed since the start of the test.
   • The main section is displayed in the lower half of the screen, which is empty if everything is in order with memory; otherwise (if the memory is bad), this section displays memory errors.
   • If the memory is faulty, take the computer to a workshop or replace the memory modules yourself.

Tips

• If you are unable to start the computer, use another computer (with a compatible memory type) to test the memory. However, if the computer does not boot due to a power supply failure, take the memory modules to a workshop for testing.

Warnings

• Never remove memory modules while the utility is running. You may get an electric shock or damage the memory modules.
• If you are replacing memory modules, be careful as these are fragile components.

What do you need

• Computer
• Memtest86 +
• Blank CD or USB stick