Using The Windows Memory Diagnostic Utility

Using The Windows Memory Diagnostic to check for RAM issues
Date: April 20, 2009
Subject: How to use the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool
Distribution: All Dealers
Doc Type: Tech Note
Release: 6.0
Scope: 5.1 - 6.0
Application: AltiAdmin
Hardware: N/A
Keywords: RAM, Memory, Diagnostic, Troubleshooting, Crash, Dump, Reboot, Windows
Obsolete: No

Disclaimer:

This document is intended to assist you in seting up and running the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool as quickly and easily as possible. Please be aware that this is 3rd party software not provided by AltiGen. For a more detailed walkthrough see Microsoft's instructions here: http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp

Description:

Defecive memory can cause system hangs, reboots and other problems. Troubleshooting these issues can be frustrating if there are no obvious errors in the event log or memory dumps created. The Windows Memory Diagnostic tool can quickly check for memory errors and help identify or rule out a memory issue. It can also be useful to run the test on a system you have just added additional memory to, just to ensure the new memory is solid before leaving the site.

Usage:

 

  1. Download the Memory Diagnostic iso found here: ftp://download:clear50a@tsfiles.altigen.com/Tools/RAM%20Test and burn it to CD.
  2. Burn the ISO image to CD . If you do not have CD Burning softare, download InfraRecorder here: ftp://download:clear50a@tsfiles.altigen.com/Images/Tools/InfraRecorder/
  3. Insert the Memory Diagnostic CD in the machine to test, and reboot the system
  4. The system will boot to CD, and the memory test will begin to run automatically.
  5. Allow the test to finish at least one cycle, a good rule of thumb is at least 10 minutes on the standard test. Additional test cycles are not likely to find an error if the system passes the first few cycles.
  6. Press the X key or power off the system to complete the test.
  7. Be sure to eject the CD to ensure the system boots to Windows normally.
  8. If the test uncovers any issues, follow the steps in Microsoft's walkthrough of the application to isolate the defective module(s).

 

Limitations and Warnings:

The ISO linked above was created using Microsoft's Memory Diagnostic tool, this is not a tool created or supported by AltiGen. The system will be completely down while the test is being run and additional troubleshooting and isolation time may be required. Please set customer expectations accordingly. The utlity will not finish automatically, someone must be in front of the system to stop the tool, remove the CD and reboot the machine.



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Last Updated
23rd of October, 2012

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