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NMI: Parity check/memory parity error

Hi,

I have a compaq desktop (Pentium 3, 996 MHz, 256MB RAM, 20 GB HD). It shows the following message and stops working:

*** Hardware malfunction
Call your hardware vendor for support
NMI: Parity check/ memory parity error
*** The system has halted***

Any solution?

Thanks,
Iceb

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Callandor

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SOLUTION

zvitam

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Gary Case

Did you recently make any hardware changes? This is not a terribly uncommon error; and although it MAY mean you've had a failed module, it can also be related to other "seemingly unrelated" issues.

Go into your BIOS Setup and disable PCI Bus Mastering. You most likely don't have any PCI cards that require it -- and this is known to fix this issue in some cases (particularly if the underlying cause is network related).

Mark Poirier

Microsoft has a rundown of things to check when this error comes up http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q315223
Might give you a head start on finding the problem.

SysExpert

If not RAM, then

It could also mean that the motherobard is on it's last legs.

I hope this helps !

SOLUTION

Wierd_w

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iceb

ASKER

Thanks,

It was the RAM module.

Iceb

Mark Poirier

I guess you didn't read the MS article I provided as Ram is the first culprit they have in the article. No matter, glad you found the problem.

benc007

IceB,

Did you fix the problem just by replacing the RAM module? Or did you have to clean the CMOS as well? Please let me know. I am getting the same error ... =(

Starfoxi

I did like the answer provided by Wierd W and I also have an article provided by Microsoft in an ongoing effort to sort out NMI Parity error. I am working on one also and have cleaned it up somewhat by upgrading video drivers that share memory. Article suggests ram running at different access rates that isn't usually a problem unless the BIOS - the cache - the processor have a problem processing the speed difference between memory sticks. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/101272 This is apparently an ongoing study so good luck with that - it may be a slightly different solution each time for different individuals. Just wanted to add this because I am currently dealing with this issue and have had some success.