Topace
asked on
Memory Test Fail
Hi All -
A friend of mine has a computer, that on occasion, boots up with the message: Memory Test Fail.
Since this has been happening (about 2 days now), it will sometimes boot & sometimes not.
When it doesn't boot, it just hangs at that message until you hit Ctrl-Alt-Del.
If it does boot, it simply goes into the Microsoft Registry Checker, stating that the registry was corrupted, but it is now fixed. It lies, however, because when it re-boots, it doesn the same thing.
I have tried everything I can think of. I have tried editing the Config.sys and Autoexec.bat files, but to no avail. I have even tried re-installing Windows from a boot CD-ROM, but it won't install. It tries to, but then doesn't quite get to the copying files part, and crashes.
What should I try next? Any suggestions?
Thanks,
~ace
A friend of mine has a computer, that on occasion, boots up with the message: Memory Test Fail.
Since this has been happening (about 2 days now), it will sometimes boot & sometimes not.
When it doesn't boot, it just hangs at that message until you hit Ctrl-Alt-Del.
If it does boot, it simply goes into the Microsoft Registry Checker, stating that the registry was corrupted, but it is now fixed. It lies, however, because when it re-boots, it doesn the same thing.
I have tried everything I can think of. I have tried editing the Config.sys and Autoexec.bat files, but to no avail. I have even tried re-installing Windows from a boot CD-ROM, but it won't install. It tries to, but then doesn't quite get to the copying files part, and crashes.
What should I try next? Any suggestions?
Thanks,
~ace
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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Norton Diagnostics' memory test fails on systems with more than 256 megabytes of RAM
http://service2.symantec.com/SUPPORT/nunt.nsf/pfdocs/1999090713442709
http://service2.symantec.com/SUPPORT/nunt.nsf/pfdocs/1999090713442709
If he has added or replace the memory in the last few days, then there is a
configuration problem, or one of the chips is bad. If he has done nothing to the
hardware recently, then the advice above is correct and memory should be replaced.
However, in either case it is worth a try to take the chips out and reseat them,
which amounts to an automatic cleaning of the pins. Also, if the computer has been
sitting in one place for a long time, you might try getting a can of compressed
air and blowing the dust out.
In any case, be careful that you don't damage the pins by careless insertion, or be
introducing static electricity. I am always careful to keep a bare arm against the
chassis when fooling around with components.
Finally, use "Memory Test Fail" in GOOGLE and see what others have to say. Sometimes
other failures are involved. Here is the link:
http://www.google.com/
configuration problem, or one of the chips is bad. If he has done nothing to the
hardware recently, then the advice above is correct and memory should be replaced.
However, in either case it is worth a try to take the chips out and reseat them,
which amounts to an automatic cleaning of the pins. Also, if the computer has been
sitting in one place for a long time, you might try getting a can of compressed
air and blowing the dust out.
In any case, be careful that you don't damage the pins by careless insertion, or be
introducing static electricity. I am always careful to keep a bare arm against the
chassis when fooling around with components.
Finally, use "Memory Test Fail" in GOOGLE and see what others have to say. Sometimes
other failures are involved. Here is the link:
http://www.google.com/
This is pretty informative as well.
http://www.pcguide.com/ts/x/sys/booterr.htm
Check the left for Memory Access errors; could be RAM, could be MOtherboard...
http://www.pcguide.com/ts/x/sys/booterr.htm
Check the left for Memory Access errors; could be RAM, could be MOtherboard...
here is a more thorough mem tester
http://www.simmtester.com/PAGE/products/doc/docinfo.asp
http://www.simmtester.com/PAGE/products/doc/docinfo.asp
That the one, Steve! In fact, I think you're the one who gave me that great link a year or so ago and it helped me.
":0) Asta
":0) Asta
:~)
From MS
Registry Checker Continues to Detect Registry Damage
see here
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q186/9/09.asp
Registry Checker Continues to Detect Registry Damage
see here
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q186/9/09.asp
I would suggest that you remove the ram and clean it with an eraser and then reseat it before replacing it. Dave
Cool it is Dave. How you be Dave? Glad to see ya my freind.
Hi, Dave. ":0) Asta
Hi all! Missed the group! :>)
ASKER
Well, it seems to be the consensus that the Memory is bad. I was afraid of that, but I wanted to be sure.
He has either pc33 or pc66 (I think) RAM (DIMM) in his computer right now. I am going to check to see what his mobo will allow, and see if I can get a deal on some cheap RAM.
~ace
He has either pc33 or pc66 (I think) RAM (DIMM) in his computer right now. I am going to check to see what his mobo will allow, and see if I can get a deal on some cheap RAM.
~ace
I like MemDoc from
http://www.simmtester.com
Let the program make several passes, but if any pass fails, that is reason enough to replace the memory module.
Joe
http://www.simmtester.com
Let the program make several passes, but if any pass fails, that is reason enough to replace the memory module.
Joe
ASKER
Sorry for the delay in grading.
~ace
~ace
Glad we were able to help
Steve
Steve
":0)
Is it Asta and Dave or Dave and Asta? Steve, you know?
I know both Dave and Asta (from here of course)
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=free+ram+tester