**For this tutorial, i will be using the current memtest available (version 1.70) as an example.
The latest version is 1.70 to date (06 February 07)**

First, download the program from here:

http://www.memtest.org

There are two types of downloads you can get, a bootable CD (.iso) 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.


If you use Dual channel or multiple sticks of RAM, 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 PC 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. If you do get errors, that means that the stick you have currently is incompatible or faulty or if you're lucky, its 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 and run the test a final time and observe any errors.

There is also menus, infos and things you can change inside the program. Fiddle if you want to, but don't ask me what they do..


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.

Eg: Nero>Disk Image or Saved Project>[select the memtest iso file]Ok>Next etc.

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

-Presto, you have a memtest bootable CD. Simply leave the CD in the drive and boot from CD by pressing a key (if needed) then running the test.


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 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.


Some good information about RAM and the do's and don'ts from Tedster can be read from here: Updating ram & troubleshooting

If anyone has used the Linux packages (.gz), the binary and/or the USB versions, can you please post your own tutorials here or PM me and i'll edit into mine, with credit to you.

What to do if there are some error during the test??
ie. replace a new ram?

[B]Hello and welcome to Techspot.[/B]

If Memtest86+ gives you errors, then most likely your ram is bad and needs to be replaced.

Regards Howard

thanx howard_hopkinso...

keep in mind that often if both sticks of ram come with errors, then it is often another problem with the motherboard or another hardware issue. I wouldnt buy ram unless it came with lifetime warrenty. Then you just rma it back to the company and then they will send u a new stick.

yup, my ram's brand is kingston and it has life time warranty....

It should also be noted that completing 7 passes is going to take a VERY long time with large sticks of RAM, even with ddr2 667 or better and a fast processor.

So don't expect results in a few minutes, and I hope you weren't planning on using your computer for anything other than memtest for a couple days.

This program seems to have got my computer to boot up with my 1gb which i thought was faulty..I have come to the point of running the test but I dont actually know how to run it or which program to run it with? please help :P.

Hugemongarse

**** NEVER MIND SCRATCH THAT****

The test runs before Windows or your OS kicks in. I guess you've already figured that out

Anyways, updated FAQ to reflect current version (1.70) and some additions to the Problems guide.

Its maybe a little to late to post but..regarding memtest if the test said that there are no error and it already did a loop does that mean that my ram is ok? Also if your going to test your ram do I really have to remove the second one? I mean doing memtest it should be one ram at a time??

Hope someone reply this is a major issue to me...

Run memtest at least 7 times for a thorough test. You do NOT need to isolate sticks of ram unless you want to be particular sure. If you pay attention to the bank # or block sequence when you get an error, you can tell which sticks have failed.

I have not yet to try 7times I only finished one loop..or pass. So 7loops x 1hr

So I should leave it 7hours of nonstop memtest?

Yep 7+ hours of nonstop testing in your case. Let the program run for as long as it takes to get at least 7 full loops.

what about the ram settings in bios ? ---

i have an asus a8n32-sli deluxe board with
2gig of corsair twinx2048-3500llpro running duel channel
-----
seems like my problem started with USB errors -- not recogonizing my sd reader and camera's and such -- my ide drives internally connected as 2nd and 3rd hard drives and my sata as my primary master --

BFG 7950 GTOC pci-e video card ---

seems to me after Extensive Reading -- and several Random crahses recently -- resulting in several system restores --working 50/50 .

ON BOARD sound could be a culprate -- and also i uninstalled all DEC 2007 updates,actually was able to log onto windows after that one ~!?~

I have twice now had to insert my mobo cd to restore my Bios ???..
hmm -- even after a new update to it -ran good for several months - then boom -- out go the lights --

happend a 2nd time with original bios as well -- so -- ?
hardware --


Moral of story --- NEVER WAIT TO BUILD NEW SYSTEM ---
like i did -- a year in gathering parts and all to finnally build then 2 months down the road -- bam --

Thanks for guide...

thx for share

ive got the test file downloaded but everytime i openit in nero it just keeps copying to disc i cant get the test to do anything? i cant even get the file open it just says saving to disc! how can i open this file to enable me to use it?

You need to burn the ISO to disc
Then start your computer with it (confirming CMOS set to start from CD first)
That's it.

Edit:
Newest version

Memtest86+ V2.01 (21/02/2008)
http://www.memtest.org/download/2.01...+-2.01.iso.zip
.

hi ive restarted my pc and tried to start from the cd but windows just keeps starting instead of the disc scan?what am i doing wrong?

1. Burn the ISO to disc (this is an image, that will be extracted to a disc)
2. Confirm CMOS (DEL or F2 or some other key at startup) is set to CD as first boot drive