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RAM memory check?

A

Antares 531

Flightless Bird
Is there an easy, straight forward way to check the RAM memory sticks
in my computer? This is an older computer, running Windows XP Pro with
SP3 installed.

The computer has a Gigabyte S-Series motherboard...GA-P35-DS3L with an
Intel P35 Express chipset.

I set it up with an Intel Core 2 Duo CPU, E6750l @ 2.66 GHz and two
2.67 GHz, 2.0 GB RAM sticks.

From time to time, when I try to start this computer it will beep a
series of beeps of about one second on and one second off. At this
time the CPU cooling fan will start and stop in sync with the beeps.

I can press the OFF switch and do a restart and this usually clears
the problem for the time being, but it will show up again the next
time I do a cold start. This may indicate a thermally related problem,
but I don't know how to check this out.

Sometimes, during shut-down, I see a very brief error message that
doesn't last long enough for me to read, but it seems to be indicating
a problem with writing or reading some RAM address.

How is the best way to check the RAM out and verify that the problem
is in the RAM sticks, before I go buy replacements?

Thanks, Gordon
 
P

PaulM

Flightless Bird
Try here:
http://www.memtest86.com/

--
Paul's XP and Vista Help
-----------------------------------------
www.paulsxp.com
---------------------------------------
Paul's Forum
--------------------------------------
www.paulsxp.com/forum
--------------------------------------


"Antares 531" <gordonlrDELETE@swbell.net> wrote in message
news:ipdbu5lvqt13bi606dmaddu8vvqo4brlqb@4ax.com...
> Is there an easy, straight forward way to check the RAM memory sticks
> in my computer? This is an older computer, running Windows XP Pro with
> SP3 installed.
>
> The computer has a Gigabyte S-Series motherboard...GA-P35-DS3L with an
> Intel P35 Express chipset.
>
> I set it up with an Intel Core 2 Duo CPU, E6750l @ 2.66 GHz and two
> 2.67 GHz, 2.0 GB RAM sticks.
>
> From time to time, when I try to start this computer it will beep a
> series of beeps of about one second on and one second off. At this
> time the CPU cooling fan will start and stop in sync with the beeps.
>
> I can press the OFF switch and do a restart and this usually clears
> the problem for the time being, but it will show up again the next
> time I do a cold start. This may indicate a thermally related problem,
> but I don't know how to check this out.
>
> Sometimes, during shut-down, I see a very brief error message that
> doesn't last long enough for me to read, but it seems to be indicating
> a problem with writing or reading some RAM address.
>
> How is the best way to check the RAM out and verify that the problem
> is in the RAM sticks, before I go buy replacements?
>
> Thanks, Gordon
 
M

Michael

Flightless Bird
http://www.memtest86.com/download.html

--


"Don't pick a fight with an old man.
If he is too old to fight, he'll just kill you."


"Antares 531" <gordonlrDELETE@swbell.net> wrote in message
news:ipdbu5lvqt13bi606dmaddu8vvqo4brlqb@4ax.com...
> Is there an easy, straight forward way to check the RAM memory sticks
> in my computer? This is an older computer, running Windows XP Pro with
> SP3 installed.
>
> The computer has a Gigabyte S-Series motherboard...GA-P35-DS3L with an
> Intel P35 Express chipset.
>
> I set it up with an Intel Core 2 Duo CPU, E6750l @ 2.66 GHz and two
> 2.67 GHz, 2.0 GB RAM sticks.
>
> From time to time, when I try to start this computer it will beep a
> series of beeps of about one second on and one second off. At this
> time the CPU cooling fan will start and stop in sync with the beeps.
>
> I can press the OFF switch and do a restart and this usually clears
> the problem for the time being, but it will show up again the next
> time I do a cold start. This may indicate a thermally related problem,
> but I don't know how to check this out.
>
> Sometimes, during shut-down, I see a very brief error message that
> doesn't last long enough for me to read, but it seems to be indicating
> a problem with writing or reading some RAM address.
>
> How is the best way to check the RAM out and verify that the problem
> is in the RAM sticks, before I go buy replacements?
>
> Thanks, Gordon
 
B

Bruce Chambers

Flightless Bird
Antares 531 wrote:
> Is there an easy, straight forward way to check the RAM memory sticks
> in my computer? This is an older computer, running Windows XP Pro with
> SP3 installed.
>
> The computer has a Gigabyte S-Series motherboard...GA-P35-DS3L with an
> Intel P35 Express chipset.
>
> I set it up with an Intel Core 2 Duo CPU, E6750l @ 2.66 GHz and two
> 2.67 GHz, 2.0 GB RAM sticks.
>
> From time to time, when I try to start this computer it will beep a
> series of beeps of about one second on and one second off. At this
> time the CPU cooling fan will start and stop in sync with the beeps.
>
> I can press the OFF switch and do a restart and this usually clears
> the problem for the time being, but it will show up again the next
> time I do a cold start. This may indicate a thermally related problem,
> but I don't know how to check this out.
>
> Sometimes, during shut-down, I see a very brief error message that
> doesn't last long enough for me to read, but it seems to be indicating
> a problem with writing or reading some RAM address.
>
> How is the best way to check the RAM out and verify that the problem
> is in the RAM sticks, before I go buy replacements?
>
> Thanks, Gordon


You can use MemTest86 (http://www.memtest86.com/) It's free. Then you
can check with the motherboard manufacturer for any additional
diagnostic utilities.

Additionally, the motherboard's manufacturer's web site should be able
to tell exactly what that specific pattern (number and interval) of the
"Beep Codes" means.

Since you suspect a "thermally related problem," you should also check
to ensure that all of the computer's airways are free of obstruction and
that all of the cooling fans are working. Further, you should blow out
any dust or debris that has built up inside the computer's case. Sadly,
though, it it does turn out that you do have a "thermally related
problem," you may well have to replace the damaged component(s); thermal
damage is irreversible.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot
 
B

Bruce Chambers

Flightless Bird
Antares 531 wrote:
> Is there an easy, straight forward way to check the RAM memory sticks
> in my computer? This is an older computer, running Windows XP Pro with
> SP3 installed.
>
> The computer has a Gigabyte S-Series motherboard...GA-P35-DS3L with an
> Intel P35 Express chipset.
>
> I set it up with an Intel Core 2 Duo CPU, E6750l @ 2.66 GHz and two
> 2.67 GHz, 2.0 GB RAM sticks.
>
> From time to time, when I try to start this computer it will beep a
> series of beeps of about one second on and one second off. At this
> time the CPU cooling fan will start and stop in sync with the beeps.
>
> I can press the OFF switch and do a restart and this usually clears
> the problem for the time being, but it will show up again the next
> time I do a cold start. This may indicate a thermally related problem,
> but I don't know how to check this out.
>
> Sometimes, during shut-down, I see a very brief error message that
> doesn't last long enough for me to read, but it seems to be indicating
> a problem with writing or reading some RAM address.
>
> How is the best way to check the RAM out and verify that the problem
> is in the RAM sticks, before I go buy replacements?
>
> Thanks, Gordon


You can use MemTest86 (http://www.memtest86.com/) It's free. Then you
can check with the motherboard manufacturer for any additional
diagnostic utilities.

Additionally, the motherboard's manufacturer's web site should be able
to tell exactly what that specific pattern (number and interval) of the
"Beep Codes" means.

Since you suspect a "thermally related problem," you should also check
to ensure that all of the computer's airways are free of obstruction and
that all of the cooling fans are working. Further, you should blow out
any dust or debris that has built up inside the computer's case. Sadly,
though, if it does turn out that you do have a "thermally related
problem," you may well have to replace the damaged component(s); thermal
damage is irreversible.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot
 
P

Paul

Flightless Bird
Antares 531 wrote:
> Is there an easy, straight forward way to check the RAM memory sticks
> in my computer? This is an older computer, running Windows XP Pro with
> SP3 installed.
>
> The computer has a Gigabyte S-Series motherboard...GA-P35-DS3L with an
> Intel P35 Express chipset.
>
> I set it up with an Intel Core 2 Duo CPU, E6750l @ 2.66 GHz and two
> 2.67 GHz, 2.0 GB RAM sticks.
>
> From time to time, when I try to start this computer it will beep a
> series of beeps of about one second on and one second off. At this
> time the CPU cooling fan will start and stop in sync with the beeps.
>
> I can press the OFF switch and do a restart and this usually clears
> the problem for the time being, but it will show up again the next
> time I do a cold start. This may indicate a thermally related problem,
> but I don't know how to check this out.
>
> Sometimes, during shut-down, I see a very brief error message that
> doesn't last long enough for me to read, but it seems to be indicating
> a problem with writing or reading some RAM address.
>
> How is the best way to check the RAM out and verify that the problem
> is in the RAM sticks, before I go buy replacements?
>
> Thanks, Gordon

I'll add one other suggestion.

Currently, your two RAM sticks are plugged in "dual channel".
That doesn't guarantee complete test coverage.

You can also install both the sticks, on the same channel.
That is called "single channel mode".

The advantage of doing that, is you can run two checks in
single channel mode. For example, in single channel mode,
the RAM sticks are "stacked" in the address space. Say the
first time, you are unlucky, and the bad memory hides in the
BIOS space below 1 megabyte.

+---+
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
+---+

+---+
| |
| |
| |
| |
| | \___ Bad memory in BIOS 640KB area. Can't be tested.
| X | /
+---+

Now, swap the two sticks in their single channel configuration.
The configuration is still single channel, but the DIMMs are
now stacked differently in the address space. The bad memory is
now "half way up". Running memtest86 this time, will show the error.

+---+
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| X | ___ Bad memory can be detected
+---+

+---+
| |
| |
| |
| |
| | \___ BIOS 640KB area.
| | /
+---+

So if you aren't seeing any errors, without moving the DIMMs,
you can reconfigure the memory sticks, and run a couple additional
tests in single channel mode.

Paul
 
A

Antares 531

Flightless Bird
On Sat, 08 May 2010 14:22:46 -0500, Antares 531
<gordonlrDELETE@swbell.net> wrote:

>Is there an easy, straight forward way to check the RAM memory sticks
>in my computer? This is an older computer, running Windows XP Pro with
>SP3 installed.
>
>The computer has a Gigabyte S-Series motherboard...GA-P35-DS3L with an
>Intel P35 Express chipset.
>
>I set it up with an Intel Core 2 Duo CPU, E6750l @ 2.66 GHz and two
>2.67 GHz, 2.0 GB RAM sticks.
>
>From time to time, when I try to start this computer it will beep a
>series of beeps of about one second on and one second off. At this
>time the CPU cooling fan will start and stop in sync with the beeps.
>
>I can press the OFF switch and do a restart and this usually clears
>the problem for the time being, but it will show up again the next
>time I do a cold start. This may indicate a thermally related problem,
>but I don't know how to check this out.
>
>Sometimes, during shut-down, I see a very brief error message that
>doesn't last long enough for me to read, but it seems to be indicating
>a problem with writing or reading some RAM address.
>
>How is the best way to check the RAM out and verify that the problem
>is in the RAM sticks, before I go buy replacements?
>
>Thanks, Gordon

Thanks to all of you for your quick responses. I downloaded the
memtest34a.zip file but could not unzip it because it requires a
password. How may I get this password?

Gordon
 
P

Paul

Flightless Bird
Antares 531 wrote:
> On Sat, 08 May 2010 14:22:46 -0500, Antares 531
> <gordonlrDELETE@swbell.net> wrote:
>
>> Is there an easy, straight forward way to check the RAM memory sticks
>> in my computer? This is an older computer, running Windows XP Pro with
>> SP3 installed.
>>
>> The computer has a Gigabyte S-Series motherboard...GA-P35-DS3L with an
>> Intel P35 Express chipset.
>>
>> I set it up with an Intel Core 2 Duo CPU, E6750l @ 2.66 GHz and two
>> 2.67 GHz, 2.0 GB RAM sticks.
>>
>>From time to time, when I try to start this computer it will beep a
>> series of beeps of about one second on and one second off. At this
>> time the CPU cooling fan will start and stop in sync with the beeps.
>>
>> I can press the OFF switch and do a restart and this usually clears
>> the problem for the time being, but it will show up again the next
>> time I do a cold start. This may indicate a thermally related problem,
>> but I don't know how to check this out.
>>
>> Sometimes, during shut-down, I see a very brief error message that
>> doesn't last long enough for me to read, but it seems to be indicating
>> a problem with writing or reading some RAM address.
>>
>> How is the best way to check the RAM out and verify that the problem
>> is in the RAM sticks, before I go buy replacements?
>>
>> Thanks, Gordon
>
> Thanks to all of you for your quick responses. I downloaded the
> memtest34a.zip file but could not unzip it because it requires a
> password. How may I get this password?
>
> Gordon

This is the MD5 sum for the download I got.

3a1054b84b996b57f77ec685fec8aa2e *memtest34a.zip 67,514 bytes

I had no trouble extracting that with 7-ZIP. There is
no evidence here of a password.

install.bat
memtest.bin
rawrite.exe
README.txt

The README.txt file accompanying the download, should be
opened with Wordpad.

If you upload the file in question to virustotal.com, you should
end up on this page. I got here using the hash search function.
If you don't have a copy of the MD5sum program or equivalent,
uploading the file, will compute the MD5sum for you.

http://www.virustotal.com/analisis/...4c92b4abdf567b02603c609c8ca3a98f17-1268488951

It could be the file is corrupted, or your version of Winzip is old
or something.

Paul
 
H

HeyBub

Flightless Bird
Antares 531 wrote:
> Is there an easy, straight forward way to check the RAM memory sticks
> in my computer? This is an older computer, running Windows XP Pro with
> SP3 installed.
>
> The computer has a Gigabyte S-Series motherboard...GA-P35-DS3L with an
> Intel P35 Express chipset.
>
> I set it up with an Intel Core 2 Duo CPU, E6750l @ 2.66 GHz and two
> 2.67 GHz, 2.0 GB RAM sticks.
>
> From time to time, when I try to start this computer it will beep a
> series of beeps of about one second on and one second off. At this
> time the CPU cooling fan will start and stop in sync with the beeps.
>
> I can press the OFF switch and do a restart and this usually clears
> the problem for the time being, but it will show up again the next
> time I do a cold start. This may indicate a thermally related problem,
> but I don't know how to check this out.
>
> Sometimes, during shut-down, I see a very brief error message that
> doesn't last long enough for me to read, but it seems to be indicating
> a problem with writing or reading some RAM address.
>
> How is the best way to check the RAM out and verify that the problem
> is in the RAM sticks, before I go buy replacements?
>
> Thanks, Gordon

In spite of another's assertion that thermal problems cannot be fixed, there
is at least one that can.

If one (or more) of the contacts for your RAM is bent, slightly corroded,
crooked, or otherwise making a poor contact when cold, the chip might just
make sufficient contanct when slightly warmed as the metal contacts bend or
expand.

Here's a cheap (possible) fix. Remove the RAM modules. Go over the contacts
lightly with a pencil eraser. Re-seat the sticks.

Also, prayer doesn't cost anything.
 
A

Antares 531

Flightless Bird
On Sun, 9 May 2010 12:02:46 -0500, "HeyBub" <heybub@gmail.com> wrote:

>Antares 531 wrote:
>> Is there an easy, straight forward way to check the RAM memory sticks
>> in my computer? This is an older computer, running Windows XP Pro with
>> SP3 installed.
>>
>> The computer has a Gigabyte S-Series motherboard...GA-P35-DS3L with an
>> Intel P35 Express chipset.
>>
>> I set it up with an Intel Core 2 Duo CPU, E6750l @ 2.66 GHz and two
>> 2.67 GHz, 2.0 GB RAM sticks.
>>
>> From time to time, when I try to start this computer it will beep a
>> series of beeps of about one second on and one second off. At this
>> time the CPU cooling fan will start and stop in sync with the beeps.
>>
>> I can press the OFF switch and do a restart and this usually clears
>> the problem for the time being, but it will show up again the next
>> time I do a cold start. This may indicate a thermally related problem,
>> but I don't know how to check this out.
>>
>> Sometimes, during shut-down, I see a very brief error message that
>> doesn't last long enough for me to read, but it seems to be indicating
>> a problem with writing or reading some RAM address.
>>
>> How is the best way to check the RAM out and verify that the problem
>> is in the RAM sticks, before I go buy replacements?
>>
>> Thanks, Gordon
>
>In spite of another's assertion that thermal problems cannot be fixed, there
>is at least one that can.
>
>If one (or more) of the contacts for your RAM is bent, slightly corroded,
>crooked, or otherwise making a poor contact when cold, the chip might just
>make sufficient contanct when slightly warmed as the metal contacts bend or
>expand.
>
>Here's a cheap (possible) fix. Remove the RAM modules. Go over the contacts
>lightly with a pencil eraser. Re-seat the sticks.
>
>Also, prayer doesn't cost anything.
>
Thanks, Bub, I tried that and even tried seating only one memory card
at a time but this didn't resolve the problem. I'm not sure that the
problem is with the memory cards. That is, it may be a motherboard
problem such as a bad solder joint or cracked conductive trace on the
board.

I still haven't gotten the MemTest software to work. I read the Readme
text file that came with the download and this seems to indicate that
it is a Linux software. This may mean that it won't work on a Windows
XP setup.

Gordon
 
S

SC Tom

Flightless Bird
"Antares 531" <gordonlrDELETE@swbell.net> wrote in message
news:kb0eu51ar97922fas8717ecrm15ajefd1i@4ax.com...
> On Sun, 9 May 2010 12:02:46 -0500, "HeyBub" <heybub@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>>Antares 531 wrote:
>>> Is there an easy, straight forward way to check the RAM memory sticks
>>> in my computer? This is an older computer, running Windows XP Pro with
>>> SP3 installed.
>>>
>>> The computer has a Gigabyte S-Series motherboard...GA-P35-DS3L with an
>>> Intel P35 Express chipset.
>>>
>>> I set it up with an Intel Core 2 Duo CPU, E6750l @ 2.66 GHz and two
>>> 2.67 GHz, 2.0 GB RAM sticks.
>>>
>>> From time to time, when I try to start this computer it will beep a
>>> series of beeps of about one second on and one second off. At this
>>> time the CPU cooling fan will start and stop in sync with the beeps.
>>>
>>> I can press the OFF switch and do a restart and this usually clears
>>> the problem for the time being, but it will show up again the next
>>> time I do a cold start. This may indicate a thermally related problem,
>>> but I don't know how to check this out.
>>>
>>> Sometimes, during shut-down, I see a very brief error message that
>>> doesn't last long enough for me to read, but it seems to be indicating
>>> a problem with writing or reading some RAM address.
>>>
>>> How is the best way to check the RAM out and verify that the problem
>>> is in the RAM sticks, before I go buy replacements?
>>>
>>> Thanks, Gordon
>>
>>In spite of another's assertion that thermal problems cannot be fixed,
>>there
>>is at least one that can.
>>
>>If one (or more) of the contacts for your RAM is bent, slightly corroded,
>>crooked, or otherwise making a poor contact when cold, the chip might just
>>make sufficient contanct when slightly warmed as the metal contacts bend
>>or
>>expand.
>>
>>Here's a cheap (possible) fix. Remove the RAM modules. Go over the
>>contacts
>>lightly with a pencil eraser. Re-seat the sticks.
>>
>>Also, prayer doesn't cost anything.
>>
> Thanks, Bub, I tried that and even tried seating only one memory card
> at a time but this didn't resolve the problem. I'm not sure that the
> problem is with the memory cards. That is, it may be a motherboard
> problem such as a bad solder joint or cracked conductive trace on the
> board.
>
> I still haven't gotten the MemTest software to work. I read the Readme
> text file that came with the download and this seems to indicate that
> it is a Linux software. This may mean that it won't work on a Windows
> XP setup.
>
> Gordon

Try this one: Memtest86+ http://www.memtest.org:80/

Create the boot CD, put it in, boot up, and let it run. Any of the ones like
this (and the original Memtest) that create a boot CD care less what the OS
is since it never gets that far in the boot process.
--
SC Tom
 
P

Paul

Flightless Bird
Antares 531 wrote:

>
> I still haven't gotten the MemTest software to work. I read the Readme
> text file that came with the download and this seems to indicate that
> it is a Linux software. This may mean that it won't work on a Windows
> XP setup.
>
> Gordon

Have your blank floppy ready. Double click install.bat .
Install.bat uses rawrite.exe to prep the floppy. The contents
of the floppy should be removed in the process, and the copy
of memtest.bin will be put in its place. Note that, this installer,
does not place a file system on the floppy. You cannot use "dir" in
DOS and list the contents of the floppy. And yet, the floppy will
be bootable, after it has been prepared.

install.bat
memtest.bin
rawrite.exe
README.txt

As long as your boot order has the floppy first, you can then
insert the floppy, shutdown and reboot, and the floppy should
start to boot.

This is the contents of the install.bat file. You can view the
..bat file, by dropping it on an open notepad window. So
this installer, uses the rawrite program, to write the
memtest.bin code into the floppy, destroying the previous
contents of the floppy in the process.

*******
@echo off
REM Memtest86 DOS/Windows install script

echo ##############################################################
echo # #
echo # Memtest-86 Installation #
echo # This installation creates a bootable floppy disk. #
echo # #
echo # Memtest is a standalone memory test and must be booted #
echo # from a floppy disk. Memtest cannot be executed under #
echo # DOS or Windows. #
echo # NOTE: Windows will not be able to read the floppy after #
echo # the test is installed. This is normal. #
echo # #
echo ##############################################################
echo .

REM Are both files here?
if not exist .\rawrite.exe goto NO_PGM
if not exist .\memtest.bin goto NO_BIN

rawrite -f memtest.bin
if ERRORLEVEL == 1 goto ERROR
echo Done!
echo To run Memtest86, leave the floppy in the drive and reboot.
goto EXIT

:NO_PGM
echo Error: Can't find "rawrite.exe". This program must be in the
echo same directory as the install script.
goto ERROR

:NO_BIN
echo Error: Can't find "memtest.bin". This file must be in the
echo same directory as the install script.
goto ERROR

:ERROR
echo Installation failed!

:EXIT
*******

HTH,
Paul
 
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