Unable to run Memtest from bootable CD

[nil_datta75]

Hi,

 

I am facing Physical memory dump error in XP, last I upgraded by RAM from 256K to 1GB, but after a week, I am getting blue screen very often. People tell me to run Memtest. So I went to Memtest86+ - Advanced Memory Diagnostic Tool and downloaded memtest86+-2.11.iso.zip and unzipped it. I made a bootable CD and added the iso filein it with Nero. The problem I am facing when I am booting its going to a: (bootable CD), but unable to find the iso file in a:. Actually the iso file is in f:. I have d: and e: (HDD drive) in dos promt. Please help how to run memtest through bootable CD. am I missing something? Also have I downloaded the right version of memtest file in my PC? I have XP Home edition, SP3.

[Jelly Bean]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

 

Please could you post your computer hardware specifications for me please.

 

What exact make and model of RAM did you buy?

 

Possibly corrupt download or bad burn to disk.

 

Try a diffrent way of running Memtest.

 

First,download the program from here:

 

http://www.memtest.org

 

There are three types of downloads you can get, a bootable CD (.iso),USB and a bootable floppy disk. Pick one and download it. If you're experiencing troubles using the CD or Floppy versions, you may try the USB version, but i haven't tried it yet.Maybe some one else has tried the USB version and will add "How to" to this thread.http://www.pchelpforum.com/images/smilies/smiley.gif

 

Scroll down almost to the bottom of the page and you will see listed the downloadable files listed on the left.

 

Test the system with all RAM sticks inserted first.

Or time consuming I know take all of them out so you have just the one plugged into the primary slot. Run the test and swap with the other sticks until all is tested individually. Don't forget to turn off and unplug your computer before removing/replacing any components.

 

It is suggested that you run the test for at least 7 Passes. You can run it longer or shorter if you wish but note any errors it states on the information it gives you onscreen.I recommend you run memtest for at least 2-3 hours.If you do get errors, that means that the stick you have currently is incompatible or faulty or it may only a dirty slot or contact on the module/motherboard. If you don't get any errors, put all your RAM sticks back into its slots if you removed them all but one and run the test a final time and observe any errors.

 

There is also menus,information and items you can change inside the program.Fiddle if you want to,but don't ask me what they do and I do not know how to rest any data in the software.I only use the basic setup,why?As I am not fully used to the program and would not want to create an issue were there proberly is not one to start with.

 

Memtest CD:

 

Download the ISO current version (memtest86+-1.70.iso.zip) to your PC.

 

Extract the .zip file to a location that you know, like the Desktop or Downloads folder or next to the .zip file. You should end up with the file Memtest86+-1.70.iso

 

"Note" If you have WinRAR (or similar) installed, it will look like an unzippable archive with nothing inside. Do not open it with WinRAR.

 

Go to your favorite CD burning software, and choose to burn from an image file. Simply point to the memtest.iso file and hit the burn button.

 

Example: Nero>Disk Image or Saved Project>[select the memtest iso file]Ok>Next etc.But you can use the software you have already installed if it is compatable.

 

Insert a blank CD into the drive and let it do its magic.

 

Yeay,you have a memtest bootable CD. Simply leave the CD in the drive and boot from CD by pressing a key then running the test.You may need to enter BIOS/Setup via relevent key on your computer and set first boot device.

 

How to set first boot device in BIOS/Setup:

 

Restart the computer/laptop and on the post screen(black screen white words) It should say "To enter setup press ?" this could be F1,F2 or Del key or another,please refer to your machines manual or manufacturers website.Once in BIOS locate boot order tab and set first boot device to either USB,CD,Floppy and save and exit.

 

Bootable Floppy Disk:

 

Download the package current version (memtest86+-1.70.floppy.zip) to your PC.

 

Extract the zipped file to a location that you know, like the desktop or folder etc. You should end up with a folder named floppy.

 

Go into the folder and double click on the install.bat.

 

A command window will pop up asking you for a location of your disk drive. Insert a blank floppy disk into the floppy drive, then enter the letter of the drive (usually the letter a) then follow the prompts.

After it creates the floppy, simply boot your PC with the disk still in the drive and run the test as advised.

 

After you've set the test, grab some coffee and a magazine or go watch tv or play XBOX360,etc. It will take a while.

 

Problems FAQ

 

Q: I put the CD/Floppy disk in and rebooted my PC and it still didn't run.

 

A: You may need to select the boot device by pressing a special key or change the boot order of your PC by entering BIOS/Setup. While your PC is starting up, there is a button you have to press to enter it. You can find it by looking for "Press .... to enter SETUP". Most comonly the DEL key or F2, then looking for "Boot devices" or "Boot order" or similar, then following the onscreen prompts to change them.

 

Q: I have no floppy drive..

 

A: Use the CD version.

 

Q: What if i want to run the test overnight?

 

A: Go ahead. If you have the patience..

 

Q: Is this test entirely 100% accurate?

 

A: Yes and No. I would actualy treat these tests as more of a guideline, since there are other factors that can play into having hardware/RAM trouble. Most common example would be mixed and matched RAM, where both test out OK but when put together won't let your system boot etc. (although there are cases that mixed RAM works fine on most people's system - but that's motherboard dependant.) Some others are under-powered systems etc.

 

If you want a second opinion, there are other memory diagnostic programs out there, and one built into Vista type in the search bar memory and click on Memory Diagnostic Utility. Follow the instructions and reboot.

 

Q: Test comes out OK but Windows OS is still giving me errors?

 

A: You can try another new set of RAM if you wish (as per comment above), but you should now be focusing on finding out if it is a windows problem (since this test runs pre-windows boot) or other hardware related problem. I suggest striping your PC to its barebones components where possible then start troubleshoot from there.

 

Bare bones basicaly means you power off the computer and remove all the RAM,disconnect CD/DVD rom drives,floppy drives,card readers,hardware items not required to boot the computer,then start with 1 stick of RAM inserted in first slot nearest processor.Then reboot/restart the computer and test the system,note do you get any beep code errors as an example.Each time you connect a peice of hardware you must power off the machine and disconnect from the power socket before reconnecting any hardware into your computer.

 

The older registry backup would proberly mean you would loose some settings and software.

[nil_datta75]

memtest running, but giving errors, on error column, I dont understand it.

 

My Laptop specifications are Intel core 1862 MHZ, L1 cache 64k, L2 cache 1024K, memory - 1270 Mb. thats what showing on memtest.

 

tests are runing 1 to 8 and then again 1 to 8, showing in error column some 50000 approx figure, I dont know what to do next. I installed a 1 GB ram last week, was working fine since yesterday, then gave Physical dump error. Please advise.

[Jelly Bean]

That doesnt look good it appears the RAM is shot.

[nil_datta75]

What does that mean? The IGB RAM is faulty? any show youidea how I can I take a log file from mem test to show you. Its a brand new Transedend RAM. Any advise?

[nil_datta75]

And how does this happen? any virus attack? I have avast recently added

[Jelly Bean]

If it shows errors the RAM is bad.

 

Could be faulty batch.

 

You would of been better buying Kingston or Corsair RAM.

[nil_datta75]

Thanks! I have 1 year warranty on this 1GB RAM. Ok how I know that my internal 256 MB ram is OK?

[Jelly Bean]

Do you both sticks in 256 + the 1 gig?

 

Can you run this and post results please:

 

RAM Memory Upgrade: Dell, Mac, Apple, HP, Compaq. USB drives, flash cards, SSD at Crucial.com

 

Full results.

 

If you have both sticks in this could be the problem a lot of computers and latops do not take mixed RAM sticks.

[nil_datta75]

The scanner says

HP - Compaq Presario C500T Series Laptop/Notebook

1.25GB Total

1.25GB current memory

256MB

1GB

 

0 empty slots

 

 

Our suggested upgrades

2GB Total

1GB current memory

1GB

256MB current memory removed *

1GB new memory added

*1GB

[nil_datta75]

Currently installed memory:

 

256MB

DDR PC2-5200

1GB

[Jelly Bean]

I would certainly remove the 256 mb stick and try it with only the one gig in.

 

That is possibly your issue,mixed RAM modules.

[nil_datta75]

You know what I removed 256 MB ram and put in 1 GB RAM, and ran the memtest again, pass 100% after 8 tests, and error zero.

[Jelly Bean]

That is excellent.

 

It may not be the 256 is corrupt but that there was a conflict with the mixed modules which in event showed Memtest to show errors.

 

Then again the 256 could have errors but I would say more a conflict.

 

You could upgrade the RAM to 2 gig if when you have spare cash they machine would fly.

 

Sorry for late reply I have been out on two computer jobs today.

 

JB.

[nil_datta75]

Thanks for the time being it fine with 1 GB, the computer guy told me that 256 and 1GB one voltage is different so conflicting. Thanks a million for the help.

[Jelly Bean]

Please feel free to pop back to the forum if you need any more help,we will be pleased to help.

 

:)

 

JB.