• Problems with RAM what to do. What to do if your RAM fails. History and treatment methods. Damage to memory cells

    Problems in the system of a personal computer or laptop can be of various types. One of the most incomprehensible to beginners is that it doesn’t work. How can you understand that this is the root of the problem? How to determine if the RAM is damaged? What to do if you are completely sure there is a problem? We will answer these and other questions in detail in the article.

    Key Concepts

    RAM is the "official" name for random access memory. A chip located in a special connector on your computer or laptop. In the first case, its dimensions are larger, in the second - smaller.

    The RAM strip is the chip that represents the RAM. I must say that this is the most reliable hardware component of your PC. It breaks less often. Manufacturers set the planks to last for at least 4 years. It's all about the simplicity of the microcircuit design. It does not heat up, which is why it does not need a cooler (fan in a computer system). True, sometimes powerful gaming PCs install a radiator to cool the RAM. It also makes the RAM bar structurally stronger.

    From here you can identify that different RAM will work differently. However, the reasons for failure for all varieties are identical.

    Causes of malfunctions

    Why doesn't RAM work? Please note that the cause of the breakdown can only be physical. RAM is not harmed by software problems and computer or virtual viruses.

    RAM does not work in the following cases:

    • "Congenital" manufacturing defect.
    • Mechanical damage.
    • Malfunctions in the power supply.
    • Wear.
    • Static voltage.
    • Subcooling or overheating of the component.

    We propose to analyze each of the causes of the problem in more detail.

    Marriage

    RAM does not work. Manufacturing defects are a fairly rare reason here. In general - 1% of cases. Moreover, it is impossible to single out one “guilty” manufacturer.

    All manufacturers necessarily test microcircuits before sending them for sale and provide a long warranty period. Therefore, in this case, it is simple and easy to replace the RAM at a service center under warranty.

    power unit

    RAM not working due to problems with the power supply is also extremely rare. The motherboard and power supply in all computers are equipped with special controllers that do not allow voltage to be supplied more than required.

    However, malfunctions still happen. They spoil the RAM bar. The problem can be detected using a voltmeter - a device that not every home has. Here you will have to change not only the RAM, but also the faulty power supply.

    Mechanical damage

    And this, on the contrary, is the most common case. For example, when you tried to insert the bar into place without calculating your strength. In this case, it may not be the device itself that is damaged, but its connector.

    Static voltage

    Rare, but still possible. Its lack of popularity is due to the fact that the system unit and the laptop case are always closed during operation. Modern devices are also equipped with a special antistatic layer under the motherboard.

    These are truly outlandish cases: you walked on the carpet in rubber shoes, and then began to understand the “insides” of the computer with your hands.

    Wear and tear of the device

    RAM does not work often for this reason. Everything, as we know, is not forever. The device may fail after a couple of years or after a decade. This is directly affected by the integrity of the manufacturer and the operating conditions of the component.

    Overheating/undercooling

    Another rare, but still possible case. To disable the device, absolutely prohibitive temperatures are required: -45 °C, +100 °C.

    By the way, to protect yourself from such a cause of failure, do not forget to periodically clean the inside of your computer or laptop from dust.

    General signs of failure

    Do you need to know at what frequency the RAM operates to make sure it is faulty? No, the breakdown simply reveals itself:

    • The system cannot start. Or it reboots endlessly.
    • The system does not start at all. Often attempts to turn on the PC are accompanied by beeping from the device’s speakers. This indicates that the system cannot detect the RAM, or that the latter (or its connector) is severely damaged.

    Signs for Windows

    We'll tell you how to find out about a broken RAM stick for users of the most common operating system:

    • "Blue Screen of Death" with technical information. At the same time, the error code is always different, so there is no need to “Google” it. By the way, a blue screen also appears when the strip is not fully inserted into the connector.
    • PC malfunctions. In relation to those programs, applications, games that use RAM in their functioning. Ends with an error message. Or crashing into a blue screen.

    Signs for Linux

    It is important to note the following signs here:

    • Problems with the browser and other applications. A message appears with a system error code. But it is not possible to view it - an error occurs when performing this action.
    • The system cannot boot. Sometimes an error message appears again.

    Testing the problem

    We've figured out why RAM doesn't work. It is also possible to independently determine that this is the problem. To do this, download the freely available Memtest86 utility program from the developer’s official website onto a digital medium. Let's say, on a flash drive.

    Before you run diagnostics with Memtest86, you need to do the following:

    1. Reset the settings in BIOS. For different PC models, it opens when the system starts with a certain key: F1-12, Delete, etc.
    2. Select the Set to Default option. Save the settings and reboot the system.
    3. Open the case of the system unit or laptop. Find the RAM stick among other components. Appearance - a rectangular microcircuit fixed with clamps.
    4. Pull out the bar and inspect it carefully. If the contacts are dirty, they can easily be restored to their former glory using an eraser.
    5. Return the strip to the slot and close the housing.
    6. After that, turn on the computer and run Memtest86 from the external drive.
    7. After launch, the utility will immediately begin checking RAM. How to find out how RAM works? The characteristics of the central processor will appear in the upper left half of the program window, and the stage and percentage of the test being carried out will appear in the upper right half. After this information - the characteristics of the installed RAM. This information must be photographed or recorded. After all, if the bar has to be changed, then you should purchase an identical one.
    8. Did Memtest86 find at least one error during the test (text highlighted in red)? Most likely the RAM needs replacing.
    9. To be sure, turn off the computer, open the case, and move the bracket to another slot. Start the system again and start running Memtest86. If the program again detects an error (or even several), then there is only one conclusion: the microcircuit must be replaced. If there are no errors in this case, the problem is in the connector. Do not use a faulty one or have it repaired by a specialist.

    What to do in case of breakdown?

    As you can see, you don't always need to understand how dual-channel RAM works to determine that the component is broken. What to do in this case?

    There is only one way out - buying a new stick of RAM. If the contacts are frayed or the connectors are faulty, then perhaps you can do without purchasing - a computer technician will help you. The microcircuit itself cannot be repaired. Note that the cost of the device is comparatively small - 1-2 thousand rubles (taking into account the duration of operation). Finally, we advise you to buy a RAM with a warranty period of at least 2 years.

    RAM failure is a rare, but still possible situation. Now you know how to determine that the RAM is faulty and what to do in such a situation.

    If your computer has problems for unknown reasons and you often see a blue screen with an error message, the problem may be a faulty memory module. We will look at how to determine this in this article.

    We'll touch on the main symptoms that appear when a memory module is faulty and introduce you to several useful and free memory testing programs.

    Why does a “good” memory suddenly become “bad”?

    A memory module consists of several chips located on one board. It is one of the most reliable computer components. In addition, it is very unlikely that modules with any defects will go on sale, since manufacturers carefully test them before sending them for sale. But such a possibility still exists, since even one manufacturer now produces a very large number of modules.

    As we have already said, under favorable conditions, the memory module is one of the most reliable components. But this is only under favorable conditions. But in a real situation it is very easy to damage it. Just remember about static electricity. For example, it’s better not to try, having bought a 1GB memory module, insert it into the computer with one hand, and pet your cat with the other. In addition to static electricity, the performance of microcircuits is negatively affected by voltage drops in the network and a malfunction of the power supply. The same can be said about the thoughtless increase in the voltage supplying the memory during overclocking.

    If your computer is located in a dusty or humid environment, this can damage the contacts in the memory connectors on the motherboard. The cause of the malfunction may be an increase in the temperature of the modules themselves and other components inside the case. If handled carelessly, you can simply physically damage the memory module. This is one of the reasons why we favor heatsinks on memory modules, they do not significantly reduce their temperature, but serve a good purpose in increasing durability.

    If a memory module malfunctions, it cannot be repaired like another part of the computer, so when buying memory you should pay attention not to the cheapest module, but to solutions from well-known manufacturers and a warranty period, so that in case of a malfunction it can be replaced.

    The first signs of a malfunction: a blue screen and puffs of smoke :)…

    A faulty memory module can present with many different symptoms. Let's try to highlight the most common ones:

    1. Blue screens with error messages appear during the installation of Windows 98/2000/XP. This is one of the surest signs of memory problems.

    2. Periodic crashes and blue screens while Windows is running. The reason for this may not only be memory, but also an increase in temperature inside the case, so it is worth checking this possibility as well.

    3. Crashes during memory-intensive operations: 3D games, tests, compilation, Photoshop, etc.

    4. Graphic "garbage" on the screen. This may also be due to a faulty video card.

    5. Inability to boot the computer. This may be accompanied by long beeps, which are used by the BIOS to indicate a memory problem. In this case, you will not be able to check the memory using diagnostic programs. The only way to make sure that the problem is really in the memory is to change the module either yourself or at a service center.

    Before running any testing utilities, find out how many modules memory installed in your computer. If you already know this, skip to the next section. If not, you'll have to open your computer and take a look. Keep in mind that some companies take great offense if users open their computer's case themselves, especially if it is still under warranty. So, if this is exactly the situation you have, it is better to immediately call the service center in case of problems with your computer. If you are allowed to open the case, or the warranty period has already expired, you can open it painlessly and take a look at what’s inside. Installed memory modules may look like this photo.

    See how many modules you have installed and how many free slots are left. Once you know this, run one of the memory testing programs described below, and then move on to the troubleshooting section. The Corsair modules shown in the photo work well, we have shown them just as an example.

    This utility can be run from a bootable floppy disk or CD. MemTest86+, in addition to its direct responsibilities, determines the main characteristics of the computer, such as the chipset, processor and memory speed.

    The program has two operating modes: basic and advanced (basic and advanced). They differ in testing time. In the main mode, you can identify some global memory problems, and in the advanced mode, more thorough testing is carried out.

    You can rewrite the program as an image of a boot floppy disk or CD. Unzip the overwritten file and create a bootable disk using the install command (for a floppy image) or burn the ISO file to a CD using burning software such as Nero or Easy CD Creator.

    Restart your computer and boot from the boot floppy disk or CD you received. Run MemTest86+. The main test will start automatically.

    Please note that system information is displayed on the left side of the screen. A menu with a selection of test modes can be opened by pressing the "c" key. Information about any errors found is displayed at the bottom of the screen.

    Docmem is a handy memory testing program that is well-deservedly popular. You can rewrite it from the manufacturers website for free, you just need to register.

    The Docmem program must be written to a floppy disk, with which you can then boot the computer. The program also offers two testing modes: quick (quick) and main (burn in), which runs until stopped by the user.

    To use this program for testing, copy it from the site and run the install program, which will copy the test to a floppy disk. Boot your computer from this floppy disk. After running Docmem, to run a diagnostic test, select the "quick test" option. Any errors detected will be displayed at the bottom of the screen.

    Microsoft offers its own diagnostic program, similar to the previous two. It is offered as a standard installation file with a bootable CD image and a program to create a bootable floppy disk.

    Windows memory diagnostic is a simpler program than the previous ones. In addition, it has an additional set of tests to check your computer. It allows you to determine which module is the source of the problem if there are several memory modules installed in the system.

    To run Memory Diagnostic, run the program file and choose whether you prefer to create a bootable CD or floppy disk. When you select a CD, you will be asked where to save its image. Remember where you saved it, and use some kind of CD burning program, such as Nero.

    If you choose to create a startup disk, then you just need to insert the floppy disk into the drive and wait until all the necessary information is written to it. After that, reboot your computer by booting it using the created floppy disk or CD.

    Solving detected problems

    If, as a result of testing using one of the diagnostic programs described above, errors were found, you will need to find out what exactly their source is. The main way to fix problems is to replace the faulty module, and you'll be lucky if you can do this under warranty.

    One module

    If you only have one memory module, then the task becomes easier. Next, you will simply need to move this module to another memory slot and retest, since the connector may be faulty, or the problem may lie in the contacts of the memory module and the connector.

    To check this, turn off the computer, release the connector by opening the two latches, remove the module from the connector and carefully place it in the other slot, pressing the latches. After that, turn on the computer and repeat the test. If errors are detected again, then the module is faulty, and if there are no errors, then the connector is faulty.

    Multiple modules

    If your computer has several modules installed, any of them or any of the connectors may be faulty. First of all, take out all the modules and test the memory, installing them one by one in the same slot. If an error is detected with only one of the modules, then the problem is there, but if with all of them, then the connector, motherboard, or even the processor may be faulty.

    If all modules passed the test one by one, but errors appear when installing them all together, it is most likely a faulty connector. Try repeating the test with each module only in a different slot until you find the combination of factors that causes errors.

    All these procedures and the programs described above will help you determine exactly whether the problems in your computer are related to a faulty memory module or not.

    Today, one type of RAM is actively used - DDR3. DDR3 memory is the fastest and, importantly, can be overclocked well. There are manufacturers who initially create RAM with greater overclocking potential, for which they provide it with lower hardware timing and a double-sided heatsink that allows for more efficient heat dissipation.

    Unfortunately, like any other device, RAM is also susceptible to malfunctions that can cause both freezes and crashes of the computer, and its complete stop. And if in the case of other devices faults can be eliminated, RAM cannot be repaired, especially when it comes to microcircuits. Therefore, it is better to immediately think about replacing the memory stick with a new one. The only way you can “help” RAM is to ensure more efficient heat removal from memory chips, especially when it comes to overclocking a computer.

    The main reasons for malfunction or complete failure of RAM may be the following:

    Damaged memory cells. Any memory chip, no matter how large it is, contains a huge number of microscopic components with the help of which data storage is organized. Each of these components either itself constitutes a memory cell, or is one of the participants in such a cell. Therefore, the failure of one of the components leads to the fact that the information in the cell is distorted, and the data written to the memory chip is lost. Unlike a hard drive, which allows you to redirect bad sectors, RAM cannot do this. As a result, such a memory module cannot be used and must be replaced.

    Overheat. This is a standard situation observed when overclocking a computer or in its normal state, if the temperature regime in the system unit is not maintained. Overheating leads to a common physical phenomenon - expansion, which, in turn, especially at high frequencies and small timings of switching modes, leads to incorrect writing to memory cells or reading data from them.

    Poor nutrition. Like any other device, RAM requires a stable supply of a certain amount, which depends on the type of module. If the motherboard stabilizers do not cope with the task assigned to them and the power is at an unacceptable level, the computer simply freezes, and in the worst case, the memory chips may fail.

    Low operating timings. In an effort to gain performance, many are reducing the time delays required for memory cells to transition from one mode to another and exchange information with the processor. In turn, especially on modules of an unknown manufacturer, this action leads to partial or complete destruction of the memory contents, which causes failures in working with RAM. Typically, increasing the timings or switching the RAM to automatic timing detection mode eliminates this problem.

    Mechanical damage to components. At least once, a RAM module is involved in a mechanical process - when it is installed in a memory slot on the motherboard. More often this happens when replacing the motherboard or reinstalling the memory module in another slot. Be that as it may, any mechanical action, especially without appropriate care and precision, can lead to physical damage to the module, such as damage to the microcircuit, tearing off microscopic capacitors (if any), etc. As a result, the memory module fails.

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

    The easiest way to identify a faulty module is to use the standard utility included in 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 could be downloaded separately. When using the "Windows Memory Checker" you will not have to create additional bootable disks to record the utility; you will only need to restart your computer or boot from an existing Windows 7 installation disk.

    A lot of time has passed since Windows Memory Diagnostic lived a life separate from Windows, and the utility has undergone some changes, the range of tests used has expanded, constant monitoring has appeared, and the interface has been simplified as much as possible for use by the end user.

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

    It is necessary to promptly identify and replace faulty memory before blue screens and other symptoms become constant companions of your work.

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

    Running from a running OS

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

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

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

    The following window will appear:

    Launch when computer boots

    When booting, press the key F8 on the keyboard, the “Additional boot options” selection menu will appear:

    Click " Esc" to go to the Windows Boot Manager menu, then " Tab", then " Enter".

    Running from a Windows 7 installation disc or system repair disc

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

    If you are using installation disk, in the first window click " Next":

    Select " System Restore":

    The next 3 steps are identical.

    Select the first option and click again " Next":

    Click " Windows Memory Diagnostics":

    We choose the first option:

    Working with the utility

    After launch, the test will begin immediately (with standard parameters):

    To change parameters, click " F1":

    You can select different "Test Suites":

    The "Basic Set" includes only 3 tests, use it for a quick check:

    The "Regular Suite" is used to perform standard tests:

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

    Enabling/disabling the cache for various tests serves to identify different types of errors.

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

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

    We start testing with the specified parameters using the " F10".

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

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

    Scheduled launch

    It is very convenient to schedule the utility to run on a schedule, for example, once a week. To do this, set the parameters similar to the screenshots below:

    Launch the task scheduler ( Start ---> All programs ---> Standard ---> Service ---> Job Scheduler), press " Create a 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 we type:

    /bootsequence (memdiag) /addlast

    Go to the "Parameters" tab:

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

    Troubleshooting possible problems related to the operation of the utility

    If you encounter the fact that the utility runs every time you start Windows 7 (or the scan “loops” and does not stop in the usual way), it is very easy to fix the situation. You must manually remove the utility startup entry from the Windows boot loader.

    Conclusion

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

    If a faulty memory module is detected, you must replace it with a new one; do not forget to check the new module immediately, because Low-quality memory sticks often end up on sale.

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