Hardware problems found RAM. Blue screens often appear? We check the RAM with the Windows Memory Checker. What to do if blue screens appear frequently

The cause of many critical errors(BSOD) and subsequent reboots, freezes, malfunctions is faulty RAM.

The most in a simple way to identify a faulty module is to use the standard utility from Windows 7 - "" (Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool). This checker appeared in Windows Vista, but many never used it, and in earlier operating systems it was not included in Windows at all, although it was possible download separately. When using the "Windows Memory Checker" you do not have to create additional bootable disks to burn the utility, you just need to restart your computer or boot from an existing installation Windows disk 7.

Since the time when Windows Memory Diagnostic lived a separate life from Windows, a lot of time has passed, and the utility has undergone some changes, the set of tests used has expanded, constant monitoring has appeared, the interface has been maximally simplified for use by the end user.

Typically the system can automatically detect obvious problems with the computer's memory and offer to run a diagnostic tool, but this is only if the OS is installed and loaded.

It is necessary to promptly identify and replace faulty memory, while " blue screens"and other symptoms did not become constant companions of your work.

If changes have been made to the BIOS (overclocking, voltage changes, etc., etc.), you need to return everything to its original state and check the operation in this mode.

Launch from a running OS

Follow: Start ---> Control Panel ---> Administration ---> Windows Memory Checker.

Or: Start---> in the search bar type " mdsched"without quotes and press" Enter ".

Or: Start---> in the search bar type " memory"without quotes and select this item:

The following window will appear:

Startup at computer startup

Press the key when loading F8 on the keyboard, the "Additional Boot Options" selection menu will appear:

Click " Esc"to go to the" Dispatcher Windows boot", then " Tab", then " Enter".

Starting from a Windows 7 installation disc or from a system recovery disc

You must press any key while this prompt is on the screen.

If you are using installation disc , in the first window, click " Further":

We choose " System Restore":

The next 3 steps are identical.

Select the first option and click again " Further":

Click " Windows Memory Diagnostics":

We choose the first option:

Working with the utility

After starting, the test will start immediately (with standard parameters):

To change the parameters - click " F1":

You can choose from different "Test Sets":

The "basic set" includes only 3 tests, use it for a quick test:

The "regular set" is used to perform standard tests:

To select the next parameter, press the " Tab".

Enabling / disabling the cache for various tests serves to determine different types mistakes.

When the cache is disabled, the utility accesses the RAM directly, this provides the most accurate testing of the modules themselves.

We set the number of passes, the more there are, the greater the likelihood of detecting defects.

We start testing with the specified parameters by pressing the " F10".

When the test is completed, the computer will automatically restart.

Information about testing and found / not found problems is always on the screen, in addition, in If errors are found, information about them will be shown after Windows boots (if the test was launched from the OS).

Scheduled launch

It is very convenient to schedule the launch of the utility on a schedule, for example, once a week. To do this, set the parameters by analogy with the screenshots shown:

We launch the task scheduler ( Start ---> All programs ---> Standard ---> Service ---> Task Scheduler), click " Create task":

Go to the "Triggers" tab, click " Create":

Go to the "Actions" tab, click " Create", in the" Program or script "field, write:

In the "Add arguments" field, type:

/ bootsequence (memdiag) / addlas t

Go to the "Parameters" tab:

Now once a week, the utility will be automatically added to Windows bootloader and run on next reboot after adding. A reboot, however, can also be scheduled.

Elimination of possible problems related to the operation of the utility

If you come across the fact that the utility is launched at every Windows startup 7, it is very simple to remedy the situation. It is necessary to manually remove the entry about the launch of the utility from the Windows bootloader.

Conclusion

In this article, I told you how to check RAM. standard utility from Windows 7 - " Windows Memory Checker".

If a faulty memory module is found, you need to replace it with a new one, do not forget to check the new module immediately, because substandard memory "strips" are often on sale.

The main task performed by the program for diagnosing a computer is to obtain as much information as possible about the software and hardware of the device.

With its help, they determine whether there are enough resources to run a certain application, check the characteristics of the system, components and their state.

Such programs are especially important for a person who, for whatever reason, needs to know the parameters of someone else's computer and to correct errors.

The need to monitor the system

Applications that can be used to diagnose the system are necessary to obtain important information that will help:

Determine how much memory is installed on your computer, its type and number of slots. After that, it will be much easier to choose a new suitable RAM or draw conclusions that it is worth replacing the entire motherboard or computer (laptop);
Understand exactly how to prepare for the release of the expected game - add memory, install a more powerful processor, purchase an additional hard drive or video card;
Determine the temperature of the graphic and central processor, identifying the need to replace the thermal paste;
Find out why they don't work installed programs and the computer freezes due to incorrect drivers, insufficient video memory, or hardware malfunction.

CPU-Z

The program distributed free of charge has an unassuming interface and allows you to receive technical information almost all the elements of a computer:

Processor (including its model, architecture, socket, voltage, frequency, multiplier, cache size and number of cores);
Motherboard (brand, model, BIOS version, supported memory types);
RAM (size, type and frequency);

The main advantages of the application is the ability to obtain detailed and accurate information in Russian about all the components of the system.

It can be useful for professional users and hobbyists.

Among the disadvantages is the inability to determine the temperature of the processors.

Speccy

Another one free program makes it possible to obtain details about all major components and software, from the processor and board to RAM and optical disks.

In addition, with the help of Speccy, you can get data from temperature measurement sensors, finding ways to correct errors in connection or installation of a ventilation system.

Naturally, the application also determines the number of RAM slots, which can be an important factor in determining the need and possibilities for upgrading a computer.

And when preparing the device for sale, Speccy can be used to quickly compile a list of components.

After all, although the built-in utilities allow you to do almost the same, it will take more time, and some data will not work out.

It should be noted that the developers of the program are the authors of such useful software as.

And among its pluses they note:

Clear and practical interface;
Quick access to important information;
No need to install an application, which may be needed, for example, in the absence of access to account administrator;
The ability to monitor the selected parameter in real time by setting it as a tray icon;
Launch simultaneously with the system;
Free access.

HWiNFO

Thanks to system application HWiNFO, you can get the most useful information about the system.

And also compare the performance of individual hardware components with the template parameters and indicators of popular counterparts.

In addition, the program allows you to create reports that can be used to compare the performance of individual PC elements.

All the information is quite detailed, however, it concerns only the hardware - you will not be able to find out about the drivers with its help.

However, this drawback is practically the only one, since the application is capable of collecting data on any devices, including even outdated equipment (for example, IDE and dial-up modems), old BIOS and video cards of any type.

In addition, the application can also test processors, memory and disks. The data obtained as a result of the test can be stored in logs.

And you can control individual parameters using the tray icons, which change periodically.

AIDA64 Extreme

Its name can be deciphered as System Info for Windows.

It has a small size and a simplified interface that resembles the standard Windows utilities and is capable of displaying all the information the user needs most.

So, for example, with the help of SIW you can learn about latest updates system, get information about system files or folders, as well as about drivers, running processes and services.

Moreover, in a more detailed form than the "Task Manager" allows.

For commercial or corporate use, a license must be purchased.

conclusions

The number of programs for checking hardware and operating system is quite large.

New applications are almost constantly being created to help control computer parameters and hardware malfunctions.

But the programs presented in the list allow you to do this as efficiently as possible by installing only 2-3 applications, and not a dozen.

This saves time and does not download extra files from the network, at the risk of accidentally injecting a virus onto your computer.

In addition, if there is no network access, Windows has a number of utilities that will also allow you to find out some parameters.

Video material:

The first thing to find out if your computer is "ill" is the nature of the disease, because the cause can be both software and hardware. And if with software bugs you can figure it out yourself, following our advice from, then with hardware faults you will have to contact the service or replace faulty PC elements yourself.

RAM failure

If the symptoms of the problem indicate a malfunction of the RAM modules, it is enough to run the memtest86 + test, from a USB flash drive or bootable CD... If red error messages appear on the blue interface of a running utility, the faulty memory modules should be replaced. Typically, with slight damage to the RAM, errors may not appear immediately, but during the operation of the system when performing tasks that are demanding for RAM, for example, such as unpacking large archives.

In the MemTest86 + utility designed to check the operability of RAM modules, testing is carried out from the DOS operating environment, and not from Windows

HDD diagnostics

If programs freeze during file operations, it is likely that this is caused by problems with the hard disk. In this case, you need to do HDD check using the Windows built-in utility Checkdisk. You can start it by going to "My Computer" by clicking right click on the corresponding section of the HDD, selecting the item "Properties" and the tab "Service" click on the button "Check".

Also, if you suspect problems with the hard drive, you need to check the information output of the built-in diagnostic utility S.M.A.R.T. To do this, use the free "Speccy" utility.

Overheating of system components

The easiest way to determine if your computer is overheating is to enter the BIOS (or UEFI interface on modern motherboards) and look at the CPU and chipset temperatures in the "Health" or "Power" section. If the values exceed 50-60 ° C at rest, then the problem is most likely overheating.

Also, information about the temperature can be found using the already mentioned utility "Speccy", which shows the temperature of all sensors on your computer, including the processor, memory, motherboard and video chip.

To fix the situation, as a rule, it is usually enough to simply clean the PC components from dust with a can of compressed air and a vacuum cleaner. If the computer is under warranty and is sealed, you can blow the cooling heatsinks with compressed air through the vents. In rare cases, if the computer has been in service for several years, it makes sense to disconnect the heatsink and replace the thermal paste of the CPU and video card. As a rule, this must be done after 3 years of PC operation.

Faulty motherboard

The most difficult thing is to diagnose problems caused by the failure of motherboard elements. In this case, a physical examination of her will help you. If there are traces of temperature effects on the surface (change in the color of the coating) or there are electrolyte spots on the cross-section of the capacitors, it is better to replace such a board immediately. If a physical examination of the motherboard did not help, but you are sure of its malfunction, try, if possible, to connect guaranteed working components (CPU, RAM, power supply) from another PC to it to check its operability.

Good opportunities for diagnosing hardware problems, provides boot disk Ultimate Boot CD. After burning it to a CD or USB stick, you can download it at any time and diagnose individual systems of your PC.

If there are traces of electrolyte on the capacitors of the motherboard, then it is better to immediately replace it with a new one.

Don't forget about backups

Before you start trying to fix your computer, we strongly recommend that you do backups data and transfer personal information from the system partition. It is also advisable to activate the creation of operating system restore points. In Windows 8, this is done through the extended menu "System Properties": the keyboard shortcut Win + X -> System -> Advanced system settings -> System protection. In this tab, enable the system disk protection and then click the "Create" button. After that, when the system boots, you can press the F8 button to get to the system recovery menu and use the created control point.

What can you do yourself?

In the event of a breakdown of any hardware, if the device is under warranty, you should take it to a service. Otherwise, the maximum that you can fix yourself is to replace the memory modules and HDD as well as vacuum and blow out the components system unit compressed air in case of overheating. For other problems, it is better to contact a specialist.

PHOTO: manufacturing companies; diosmic, Gewoldi, ermingut, ludinko / Istockphoto.com

Tags: PC diagnostics

23.08.2009 15:39

The Windows 7 Memory Checker tests your computer's RAM for problems and then displays the results of the tests.

Preparing to check RAM

The RAM is checked during computer reboot. Therefore, before starting the check, you need to save all open documents and close programs. We also recommend that you print this article before starting the RAM test.

Running Windows 7 Memory Checker

There are several ways to run the Windows 7 Memory Checker:

1. Open Start, enter in the search bar and press the Enter key.

2. Open Control Panel -> All Control Panel Items -> Administrative Tools and double-click the icon Windows Memory Checker.

Then in the window that opens Checking your computer for memory problems select.

Configuring validation

If this test does not reveal any errors, you can run the Windows 7 Memory Checker again and press F1 to set up a more granular test.

There are three memory check modes in total:

1. Basic(Main), which includes tests:

MATS +
SCHCKR (with caching enabled)

Memory check in Main mode usually takes several minutes.

2. Standard(Standard), in which, in addition to the Basic mode tests, tests are also carried out:

LRAND
Stride6 (with caching enabled)
SCHCKR3
WMATS +
WINVC

The memory check in Standard Mode can take about an hour.

3. Extended(Advanced) - includes all Standard Mode tests, plus tests:

MATS + (with caching enabled)
Stride38
WSCHCKR
WStride-6
CHCKR4
WCHCKR3
ERAND
Stride6 (with disabled caching)
CHCKR8

It may take several hours to check the memory in Advanced mode.

You can also enable or disable the use of cpu cache for the selected scan mode and assign number of passes(from 0 to 99). By default, the Windows 7 Memory Checker runs all assigned tests twice (2 passes). If you set the number of passes to 0, then the check will continue until you stop it yourself.

Use the up-down arrows and the Tab key to navigate through the settings menu. After configuring caching and checking memory mode, press F10 to save your changes and start checking.

The verification process can be stopped at any time by pressing the Esc key.

When caching is disabled, the computer will respond to keystrokes with some delay.

Memory test results

The first thing to remember is that Windows 7 Memory Checker cannot diagnose ALL RAM problems.

If the check is successful, then after booting Windows 7 you will see a message similar to the following:

In this case, your RAM is probably fine.

If during testing errors were revealed or the tests did not pass at all, then one or more RAM modules are most likely damaged.

If you have multiple RAM modules, test them one at a time.

If you have multiple memory modules and the Windows 7 Memory Checker detects a problem in each of them, then it may be damaged motherboard... To verify this, try inserting a module that you are completely sure is working properly and then run the Windows 7 Memory Checker again. If errors are found, then the problem is most likely in the motherboard.

1. Before purchasing new modules, simply try to remove the installed modules from the slots and reinsert them. Before removing modules, turn off the computer, disconnect the power cables and all other external devices from the system unit.

2. Before removing the modules, neutralize your own static electricity: turn off the computer, unplug the power cables, wait a few seconds and touch the metal part of the system unit.

3. Before removing the RAM modules, carefully check if they are secured with latches. If there are latches, first carefully unfasten them.

4. After removing the modules, gently wipe their contacts several times with a regular eraser (if any rubber crumbs remain, gently shake them off with a brush). Over time, an insulating deposit (oxidation due to interaction with air) appears on the contacts, which prevents the normal transmission of current.

5. It takes little effort to remove and insert the modules. If effort is required, then you are doing something wrong. With great force, you can damage the RAM modules and the motherboard.

6. If any hardware on your computer is overclocked, disable overclocking and check the RAM again.

7. If you do not know where the RAM modules are, then find the RAM slots in the documentation for your motherboard.

Monitoring and diagnostics

21.05.2018 21.05.2018

WHAT IS THE ARTICLE ABOUT?

Seven methods:

Examination hard disk
Memory check
Power check
Fixing motherboards
Stop overheating
Accidental shutdowns
Finding professional help

Have you ever found computer problems? Removed and reinstalled software and find something wrong there? In this article, you will learn how to identify and fix crash issues computer equipment if you use operating system Windows.

Method 1. Checking the hard drive

1. Try to identify bad sectors

Bad sectors are sectors on the hard drive that can no longer be used. This may be due to permanent damage or the inability to access the OS to them. If you find that the system is freezing, stopping errors, or other errors, it could be due to bad sectors. Use chkdsk and fix these issues.

2. Running chkdsk

To do this, click on "Start" (in the lower left corner) and then you will see several options and select your computer.

Right click on the volume you want to check and click on properties.
In the Properties dialog box, click the Tools tab.
In the Error Checking section, there is a Check Now button. Click on this to launch chkdsk.
In the Check Disk dialog box, select the options you want to run. To try and fix bad sectors, you should check the second option: "Scan and try to repair bad sectors".

If you check the system volume, you will see the message “Windows cannot check the disk while in use. Do you want to check for hard disk errors the next time you start your computer? »Click" Run Check Disk "to run the check the next time you start your computer.

3. Running chkdsk from the command line:

Click Start, type cmd, then right-click cmd and select Run as administrator.

Enter chkdsk without parameters to see the status of the disk.
chkdsk /? All possible options for the command are displayed.

Type chkdsk c: \ f \ v to check and repair the drive and display any cleanup messages.

If you want to check a volume other than C: change "C" to the appropriate letter.

If you check your system volume, you will see a message:

"Type of file system- NTFS. The current drive cannot be locked. Chkdsk cannot run because this volume is in use by another process. Would you plan to have this volume checked at the next system reboot? (Y / N) "

Enter Y and then restart your computer. A message appears stating that chkdsk is running. When this is over, Windows will start automatically.

Method 2. Checking memory

1. Diagnosing memory problems

Defective RAM can cause system problems. Some of the most common symptoms of a memory problem are stop errors that the system won't start.

2. If the system does not start

the first thing you should try is Startup Repair. This will try to resolve any hard drive errors or software configuration issues that might prevent your computer from starting normally. If the computer does not start after doing this, run Windows Memory Diagnostics in Windows Boot Manager.

3. Please note that Windows Memory Diagnostic cannot be started while Windows is running

This way, you can schedule it to start the next time you start your computer. To do this, go to Control Panel, click "System and Security" and then "Administrative Tools". Double-click the Windows Memory Diagnostics icon, and then select the appropriate option.

4. Open Windows Diagnostic Memory Scheduler

Enter mdsched in command line or click start and type mdssched.

5. Run Windows Memory Diagnostics

via Windows Boot Manager if your computer won't start. To access this, press the spacebar several times at system startup.

Press Tab to select Windows Memory Diagnostics, also available through System Recovery Options.

6. Note that by default Windows Memory Diagnostic runs a standard two-pass test

There are three levels of testing: base, standard and extended.

7. Select the number of passes the tests will perform

More passes take longer, but intermittent memory problems are more likely to be found.

Method 3. Checking power supply

1. Turn off the power and immediately shut down the computer if smoke comes out of it.

Use a fire extinguisher if necessary. Make sure the fire extinguisher is approved for use on electrical devices.

2. If the computer does nothing when you press the power button

the first thing to do is check that it is plugged in and the wall outlet is turned on.

Make sure the wall outlet is working. You can do this by plugging in something you know and see if it gets turned on.

3. Make sure the power cords are connected to the motherboard

4. Make sure the power cable is good

You can do this with a multimeter, or simply swap out the cable for one that you know works.

5. Make sure all internal or external power switches are on.

Make sure the voltage is set correctly at the power source

7. Check the power supply using it on another computer

If it doesn't work, replace it.

8. If the computer freezes before starting the operating system

it is possible that the power supply may not be powerful enough. Make sure the power source provides required power to power the machine.

9. Please note that if the computer is turned off at random intervals

the problem may be with the power fan. Make sure the fan is running.

10. Make sure the fan on the motherboard is working properly

The system may be shut down as it overheats. Make sure your system is dust-free and replace the fan if necessary.

Method 4. Fixing the motherboard

1. Run the motherboard diagnostic software

(if provided by the manufacturer) to make sure the motherboard is not damaged.

2. Troubleshooting when you do not hear the beep codes available for watching any video

Make sure the computer is receiving power and that the monitor is turned on and connected.
Remove all external accessories such as wireless cards or external drives.
Make sure the power fan is running. If not, the problem is most likely with the power source.
Open your computer and visually inspect the motherboard. If it turns black or melted, replace the motherboard.
Make sure all required power connectors are connected to the motherboard and that any internal power switch is turned on. Also make sure the power supply is set to the correct voltage.
Make sure the motherboard, RAM, and processor are installed correctly.
If there are jumpers on the motherboard, check the manual to make sure they are in the correct position.

3. If none of these steps worked

set the BIOS back to default by removing the battery from the motherboard within 30 minutes.

4. Take action if you hear beeps but the computer does not start

Remove any external accessories such as wireless or external drives. Just leave your monitor, keyboard, and mouse plugged in. By doing this, you are highlighting devices that can trigger beep codes.

Refer to the manufacturer's manual or website to check the value sound signal that you hear.

Method 5. Stop overheating

1. Loss of power after several minutes of operation is a symptom of overheating.

2. Make sure the processor fan is running

3. Reposition the computer to allow air circulation around it

This is especially important with laptops, make sure none of the cooling ports are blocked.

4. Make sure none of the fans are blocked.

This will obviously lead to overheating of the chilled area. The fan can also burn out.

5. If possible, check the temperature of the computer in the BIOS or diagnostic program

6. Remove dust in the computer

Method 6. Accidental shutdowns

1. Run Windows Memory Diagnostic to check that the RAM is not faulty

2.Use the diagnostic software of the motherboard

to determine if the motherboard is the source of the problem. Diagnostic software can be obtained from the motherboard manufacturer

Method 7. Seek professional help

1. Ask a professional for help

There is nothing wrong with asking for help.

A professional may notice what you may have missed.