5 Free Memory Test Programs

                                   Memory test software, often called RAM test software, are programs that perform detailed tests of your computer's memory system.

The memory installed in your computer is very sensitive. It's always a good idea to perform a memory test on newly purchased RAM to test for errors. Of course a memory test is always in order if you suspect that you may have a problem with your existing RAM.

Note: All of the memory testing programs listed function from outside of Windows so each will work no matter if you have Windows (7, 8, XP, etc.), Linux, or any PC operating system.

Important: If your memory tests fail, replace the memory immediately. The memory hardware in your computer is not repairable and must be replaced if it fails.

 1. Memtest86

Memtest86 is a completely free, stand-alone, and extremely easy to use memory test software program. If you only have time to try one memory test tool on this page, try Memtest86.

Simply download the ISO image from Memtest86's site and burn it to a disc. After that, just restart to boot from the disc and you're off.

While this RAM test is free, BradyTech Inc. can ship you a CD with Memtest86 preinstalled, plus detailed documentation, all for around $10USD.

Unless you're a hardware developer or other expert, the free download and free basic support available on the site should be enough.

I highly recommend Memtest86!

Memtest86 v4.0 Review and Free Download

2. Windows Memory Diagnostic

Windows Memory Diagnostic is a free memory test program provided by Microsoft. Very similar to other RAM test programs, Windows Memory Diagnostic performs a series of extensive tests to determine what, if anything, is wrong with your computer memory.

Important: You do not need to have Windows (or any operating system) installed to use Windows Memory Diagnostic.

Simply download the installer program and then follow the instructions to create a bootable floppy disk or ISO image for burning to a disc like a CD, DVD, etc.

After booting to the disc or floppy disk, Windows Memory Diagnostic will automatically begin testing the memory and will repeat the tests until you stop them. If the first set of tests finds no errors, chances are your RAM is good.

Windows Memory Diagnostic Review and Free Download

3. M2K MemScope

M2K MemScope is a free memory test program from the makers of Micro-Scope - a large suite of professional, time tested (and expensive) computer diagnostic tools.

MemScope performs a wide variety of tests in an attempt to locate even the smallest issue with your memory. Many advanced testing options are available but the "Run All" test is equivalent to tests in other programs and is a safe bet if you're not a memory expert.

MemScope is freely downloadable from M2K's site, linked below. You will have to fill out a short form but you're quickly brought to the download link. I couldn't get the provided ISO file to work but I did use the "MemScope installer" option to create a bootable floppy disk without problem.

Download M2K MemScope v1.10

4. Memtest86+

Memtest86+ is a modified and presumably more up-to-date version of the original Memtest86 memory test program, profiled in the #1 position above. Memtest86+ is also completely free.

I would recommend performing a memory test with Memtest86+ if you have any problems running the Memtest86 RAM test or if Memtest86 reports errors with your memory and you'd like a really good second opinion.

It might seem a bit strange that I rank Memtest86+ as the #4 pick, but since it's so incredibly similar to Memtest86, your best bet is to try Memtest86 followed by my #2 and #3 picks, both of which operate differently, providing you with a more well-rounded set of memory tests.

Download Memtest86+ v4.00

5. DocMemory Memory Diagnostic

DocMemory Memory Diagnostic is yet another computer memory test program and works very similarly to the other programs I have listed above.

One major disadvantage of using DocMemory is that it requires that you create a bootable floppy disk. Most computers today don't even have floppy drives. The better memory test programs (above) use bootable discs like CDs and DVDs instead.

I would recommend using DocMemory Memory Diagnostic only if the memory testers I have listed above do not work for you or if you'd like yet one more confirmation that your memory has failed.

On the other hand, if your computer isn't able to boot a disc, which is what most of the above programs require, DocMemory Memory Diagnostic may be exactly what you've been looking for.

Download DocMemory Memory Diagnos

tic v3.1

How To Fix a Blue Screen of Death

A Blue Screen of Death also called a STOP Error, will appear when an issue is so serious that Windows must stop completely.

A Blue Screen of Death is usually hardware or driver related. Most BSODs show a STOP code that can be used to help figure out the root cause of the Blue Screen of Death.

Did your PC restart after the BSOD? If the blue screen flashed and your computer rebooted automatically before you had time to read anything, see Tip #3 at the bottom of the page.

Note: Some of these steps may require you to start Windows in Safe Mode. If that's not possible then skip those steps.

1. The most important Blue Screen of Death troubleshooting step you can take is to ask yourself what you just did.
   Did you just install a new program or a piece of hardware, update a driver, install an update, etc.? If so, there's a very good chance that the change you made caused the BSOD.
   Undo the change you made and test again for the STOP Error. Depending on what change you made, some solutions might include:
   • Startup using Last Known Good Configuration to undo recent registry and driver changes.
   • Use System Restore to undo recent system changes.
   • Roll Back device driver to version prior to your driver update.
2. Verify that a minimum amount of free space is available on your Windows partition. Blue Screens of Death and other serious issues, like data corruption, can occur if there's not enough free space on your primary partition used for the Windows operating system.
   Note: Microsoft recommends that you maintain at least 100MB of free space but I regularly see problems with free space that low. I usually advise Windows users to keep at least 15% of a drive's capacity free at all times.
3. Scan your computer for viruses. Some viruses can cause a Blue Screen of Death, especially ones that infect the master boot record (MBR) or boot sector.
   Important: Make sure your virus scanning software is completely up to date and that it's configured to scan the MBR and boot sector.
4. Apply all available Windows service packs and other updates. Microsoft regularly releases patches and service packs for their operating systems that may contain fixes for the cause of your BSOD.
5. Update drivers for your hardware. Most Blue Screens of Death are hardware or driver related so updated drivers could fix the cause of the STOP error.
6. Check the System and Application logs in Event Viewer (7/Vista | XP) for errors or warnings that might provide more clues on the cause of the BSOD.
7. Return hardware settings to default in Device Manager. Unless you have a specific reason to do so, the system resources that an individual piece of hardware is configured to use in Device Manager should be set to default. Non-default hardware settings have been known to cause a Blue Screen of Death.
8. Return BIOS settings to their default levels. An overclocked or misconfigured BIOS can cause all sorts of random issues, including BSODs.
   Note: If you've made several customizations to your BIOS settings and don't wish to load the default ones then at least try returning clock speed, voltage settings, and BIOS memory options to their default settings and see if that fixes the STOP error.
9. Make sure all internal cables, cards, and other components are installed and seated properly. Hardware that's not firmly in place can cause a Blue Screen of Death so try reseating the following and then test for the STOP message again:
   • Reseat all internal data and power cables
   • Reseat the memory modules
   • Reseat any expansion cards
10. Perform diagnostic tests on all hardware you're able to test. It's highly likely that the root cause of any given Blue Screen of Death is a failing piece of hardware:
    • Test your system memory
    • Test your hard disk drive
    If a test fails, replace the memory or replace the hard drive as soon as possible.
11. Update your BIOS. In some situations, and outdated BIOS could cause a Blue Screen of Death due to certain incompatibilities.
12. Start your PC with essential hardware only. A useful troubleshooting step in many situations, including BSOD issues, is to start your computer with the minimum hardware necessary to run the operating system. If your computer starts successfully it proves that one of the removed hardware devices was the cause of the STOP message.
    Tip: Typically, the only necessary hardware for starting your PC through to the operating system includes the motherboard, CPU, RAM, primary hard drive, keyboard, video card, and monitor.

Tips:

1. Find that hardware is the cause of your Blue Screen of Death? Try this:

   • Replace the hardware.
   • Update the hardware's firmware.
   • Make sure the hardware is on the Hardware Compatibility List.
   • Check with the manufacturer for support information.

2. Find that a software program is the cause of your Blue Screen of Death? Try this:

   • Reinstall the software.
   • Check for and install any available program updates.
   • Check with the developer for support information.
   • Try a competing program.

3. Is your PC restarting before you can read the STOP Code on the Blue Screen of Death?

   Most Windows PCs are configured to reboot immediately after receiving a serious error like a BSOD. You can prevent this reboot by disabling the automatic restart on system failure option.

Windows restarts without warning

Cause

This issue could be caused by any of the below possibilities.

1. Software issue or error.
2. Hardware issue or error.
3. Heat related issue.
4. Computer virus.
5. Issue with operating system.

Answer

Tip: This document is for computers that are restarting or rebooting by themselves and not computer's that turn off and remain off.

Software issue or error

Errors generated by software programs can cause a computer to reboot unexpectedly or without warning. If you are running Windows XP see the below section "For Windows XP users" before continuing.

If you are not running Windows XP or following the below steps still cause your computer to reboot without warning. Boot your computer into Safe Mode, and let the computer run in Safe Mode.

If the computer is still rebooting in Safe Mode the issue is likely not software related but something else, skip to the next section. If the computer is not rebooting in Safe Mode it is likely you have software related issue. We would recommend you run through the basic troubleshooting section for your operating system.

For Windows XP users

Windows XP is designed to automatically reboot each time an error occurs such as a BSoD. Although this may be nice for errors that do not occur often, users who have a re-occurring error may wish to identify the error to troubleshoot it. Below are the steps on how this feature can be disabled and enabled in Windows XP.

1. From the desktop right-click on My Computer.
2. Click the Properties option.
3. In the System Properties window click the Advanced tab.
4. In Advanced click the Settings button under Startup and Recovery.
5. In the Startup and Recovery window uncheck the Automatically restart check box.
6. Click Ok.

Now if the computer generates and error it should not automatically restart and enable you to display any errors your computer may be experiencing.

Hardware issue or error

Caution: Some of the below steps require you open your computer. While in the computer, be cautious of ESD.

Any failing hardware component in your computer could cause your computer to unexpectedly generate an error or reboot without warning. If you have recently attempted to add a new hardware device, remove that device to make sure it is not causing your issues.

Make sure you are not encountering any hardware conflicts by viewing Device Manager for errors.

New drivers can also cause this issue, if you have recently performed any hardware driver updates you may wish to try an earlier version of the drivers. Additional information and help with computer drivers can be found on our drivers page.

If you have updated drivers and removed any hardware that could be causing this issue and continue to experience random reboots, it's possible that the memory is bad in the computer.

• How can I test my memory to determine if it is bad?

Finally, hardware devices that are not installed properly in the computer can also cause random reboots. Make sure all the cables and expansion cards are connected properly to the computer. The best way to determine this is to disconnect and reconnect all cables and expansion cards.

Computer virus

Computer viruses such as the blaster virus are written to reboot your computer without warning. Usually these viruses will make the computer reboot ever 5, 10, 15 or 30 minutes after the computer has booted.

If you believe your computer may be infected with a virus or are uncertain if your computer is infected with a virus make sure your virus scanner definitions are up to date.

• How do I update my antivirus program?

Heat related issue

Many computer today are designed to turn off or automatically reboot if the computer, processor, or other device in your computer gets to hot. If you have heard any abnormal noises coming from your computer recently such as a high squealing this could indicate a fan may be failing in your computer.

First, verify the fan on the power supply is working by examining the back of the computer and seeing if the fan is moving and moving smoothly. For all other fans in the computer you will need to either open the computer and verify all fans are working, e.g. processor fan and case fan.

Tip: If your BIOS monitors the RPM of the fans enter CMOS Setup and verify it does not report any errors.

• What temperature should my processor be running at?

Issue with operating system

If after following each of the above recommendations your computer still continues to reboot it is likely that you are experiencing a Microsoft Windows operating system related issue that cannot be explained. To help make sure this is the case try the below steps.

1. Reboot the computer and enter CMOS setup as the computer is booting.
2. After you have loaded the computer in CMOS setup let the computer sit.

If the computer does not reboot while letting the computer sit in CMOS it is likely that you are in fact experiencing an issue with Microsoft Windows and it is recommend that if you have followed all of the above recommendations that you reinstall Microsoft Windows.