Check your
connections for dust before concluding that a piece of RAM is bad.
Memory problems are not always due to a bad piece of RAM. It is important to identify if it is the RAM (Random Access Memory) or the connection to the RAM that is causing the problem. Windows 7 comes with a memory diagnostic tool to make troubleshooting RAM problems a lot easier than with earlier versions. If you have installed new software or hardware immediately before discovering a memory problem with your computer, remove it and turn on your computer again before following these steps.
Instructions
1. Turn on your computer and click "Start." Type "MdSched.exe" in the search window. Press "Enter" to launch the Windows Memory Diagnostics Tool.
2. Select "Restart now and check for problems" to launch the diagnostics tool. Wait for Windows to shut down and restart your computer. The diagnostics tool will run automatically. When it is finished, the computer will shut down and restart again.
3. Read the message window that appears when your computer restarts. If a problem is detected, continue to the next step. If it does not find a memory problem, it is unlikely you have a bad RAM chip.
4. Turn off your computer and unplug it. Open the case according to the manufacturer's instructions.
5. Press down on each memory stick to see whether they are seated firmly. If there is any movement in the stick, this is most likely the problem. When the computer heats up and cools down, this sometimes loosens connections. If this is the case, close the case and test your computer again beginning at Step 1. If not, continue to the next step.
6. Remove all the RAM. Blow on the connections to clear away any dust. Then, replace one stick of RAM. Close the case and turn on the computer. Run the again from Step 1. Note whether the diagnostic tool reports a memory error or not. Repeat this step with each stick of RAM to isolate the bad RAM. In some cases, dust in the connections may have been the problem.
7. Check your documentation to see whether your RAM is under warranty. Then, have any bad sticks replaced.
Tags: , diagnostic tool, Check your, computer again,