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RAM is a computer’s memory that can fail and prevent the system from running. A memtest procedure is needed to check the memory. Most computers have a built-in memory tester in the BIOS, but there are also diagnostic utilities available online. These programs aggressively test the memory and report any errors found. If a chip is defective, it needs to be replaced.
Every computer has a place that stores programs for later use, known as random access memory (RAM). RAM sits on small rectangular chips that slide into slots on the motherboard. Just like any other piece of equipment, memory can fail. A memtest procedure is the first step towards running a memory test on your computer.
Computer technicians are constantly replacing memory chips when working on computers. This is why you need to do a memory test regularly, to make sure your memory is good. If a memory chip were to fail, it could prevent the system from starting or running.
When you run a memory test, you’ll find that most computers have a memory tester built into the PC’s basic input-output system (BIOS). The BIOS is also on a chip, known as read-only memory (ROM). The BIOS can be accessed through an installer. This program is usually accessed by pressing the F1, F2, Del or CTRL, ALT, ENTER keys, depending on the type of system you have.
When you turn on your PC, the BIOS will automatically run the test program and scan the RAM. This is also called a memtest procedure. After the memtest has completed, the computer may beep once or twice to warn of any problems, with an error code appearing on the screen. If there are no problems, the boot process continues until the operating system loads and reaches the desktop.
Memory is always tested this way, but there are diagnostic utilities available that can be more aggressive in performing a memory test. You can find many PC memory test and diagnostic utilities on the Internet. Some of these are free while others cost money.
If you download one of these programs, it’s best to burn the program to a bootable CD or DVD and restart your PC, keeping the CD or DVD in the drive. When your PC restarts, the CD or DVD will run and start the test program. Most programs will run diagnostic procedures that will aggressively test your computer’s memory. The program will read and write RAM multiple times to make sure the RAM can hold the data. If there are no problems, the program reports no errors and returns control to the user so that the disk can be removed and the PC restarted, or the PC continues in its boot process.
During the memory test, if a chip is found to be defective, the program will stop and report the results. At that point you will need to replace the faulty chip. If the defective chip is not known, it may be necessary to replace one chip at a time until the defective one is found.
