How to Identify RAM Errors with Windows Memory Diagnostic

Random Access Memory, or RAM, is a way for your computer to store temporary data, rather than in a cache or permanent storage.

Memory problems are less common than other computer problems because memory sticks have no moving parts and thus fewer points of failure. However, due to this many RAM problems go undiagnosed.


Symptoms of a RAM Problem

  • Your computer randomly restarts while you are in the middle of something or freeze sporadically. It may also reboot almost immediately upon opening the desktop. This could be a sign of faulty RAM.

  • A blue screen with white text flashes before restarting and after booting into Windows. Bad RAM is one thing that cause them.

  • Files—particularly ones you frequently access and save—seem to be inexplicably corrupted. RAM issues can lead to this problem, which can worsen over time. The file structure of your hard drive may slowly degenerate and you will no longer be able to boot your machine.

  • Your attempts to install a new program repeatedly fail for unknown reasons. You try to reinstall the operating system, but keep getting odd error messages.

There are certainly a variety of problems that could cause the issues above, but faulty RAM is an often-overlooked root cause of inexplicable issues. If you have one or a combination of the above problems you are likely facing a memory issue.



What Causes Memory Damage?

  • Power surges can damage most computer components, including RAM.

  • Electrostatic discharge can damage your computer. Before you handle any parts in your computer, make sure you ground yourself by touching a piece of grounded metal to discharge static electricity.

  • Excessive heat can cause RAM and other parts to wear out over time.

  • If you have overclocked any part of your computer incorrectly, it may cause damage in the form of excess heat.

  • Your memory module may have some fault that passed through quality control and worsened over time. This is the most likely cause behind a damaged RAM.

It is also possible that the memory module is fine, but one or more memory slots on your motherboard are defective, hindering the RAM's performance. The defect may even be so bad that it damages the memory stick.

Fortunately, Windows supplies a very useful tool for diagnosing these things, and it may save you a lot of frustration poking around in your computer's insides. The Windows Memory Diagnostic tool works the same way in Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10. Let's get started and see how it works.

If Windows is working properly, you can start Windows Memory Diagnostic by typing memo or memory into the Start Menu search box. Then, click the appropriate search result.

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In Windows 8, type memory on the Start screen, choose Settings and then click the search result that says "Diagnose your computer's memory problems".

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In Windows 8.1, you need to type memory and then click "Diagnose your computer's memory problems".

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If Windows no longer works and you can't start the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool, you can use the Windows Installation DVD/USB, a Windows system repair disc.

The Windows Memory Diagnostic tool is found in the System Recovery Options window.

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In Windows 8 and Windows 8.1, there is no shortcut available for this tool. But, you can still launch it.

When asked to choose an option, click Troubleshoot, then Advanced options and start the Command Prompt.

Type mdsched.exe and press Enter key.

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How to Use the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool

You'll be asked if you want to run the tool to diagnose memory problems. If you're ready to run it now, select "Restart now and check for problems (recommended)". Before you do this, make sure everything you were working on is closed.

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Windows Memory Diagnostics runs automatically after the computer restarts and performs a standard memory test automatically.

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If you want to perform fewer or more tests, press F1, use the Up and Down arrow keys to set the Test Mix as Basic, Standard, or Extended, and then press F10 to apply the desired settings and resume testing. If you want to be absolutely sure there is no problem with your RAM, the Extended test will do the job but the duration of the testing process will increase significantly.

The Cache setting, you can choose between Default, On, or Off. Personally, I think it is best to use the default cache setting.

The Pass Count setting, type the number of times you want the test to be repeated. The default number is two and it should be good enough for most tests but testing RAM five times for errors is adviced.

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When testing is completed, the computer restarts automatically. You’ll see the test results when you log on.

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The detailed results of the tests performed by Windows Memory Diagnostic are stored in the Event Viewer. You will find them under Windows Logs -> System.

The source for these events is named MemoryDiagnostics-Results.

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