The Random Access Memory (RAM) in a computer can be the cause of many seemingly unconnected problems in your daily computing. Low-quality or damaged RAM can plague you with a slow system, indecipherable error message or an unbootable system.

Test Software

Microsoft provides a free memory test tool that is very similar to other memory testing programs. It performs an extensive test that goes far beyond the basic tests that your BIOS performs on system boot. The best part is that you don't have to be running a Microsoft operating system to use it (or any operating system installed for that matter). See the download link for Windows Memory Diagnostic in Resources.

Boot Disk

Run the executable file and determine if you want to create a bootable floppy disk or a bootable CD. Choose which, and then restart your computer with the boot disk inside the computer. Be sure to set your BIOS settings to boot from either the floppy disk or the CD-ROM. Note that it is not necessary to run the boot disk creator on the actual computer you want to test.

Testing Memory

Once the computer is done booting using your boot floppy or CD-ROM, the test will begin immediately. Depending on the size and speed of your RAM, this could take some time so this might be a good time to step out for a moment or two. Once you see that "Pass #2" has started, your RAM has been sufficiently tested. If no errors were returned, then your RAM is in good working condition. If any errors were returned, it is a good idea to replace the RAM inside your computer before any serious problems do happen.

Other Considerations

If you have more than one RAM chip inside your computer and you receive an error, try testing them individually. If only one of them reports errors, then you only need to replace one. The Windows Memory Diagnostic Review will not stop testing on its own, and will continue testing until the cows come home, so it is best to stop the test once it has reached Pass #2. Windows Memory Diagnostic is included in the Windows 7 Recovery mode. If you have the Windows 7 install disc, you can boot from that instead of downloading and creating your own. The Windows Memory Diagnostic Review will only scan the first 4GB of RAM. If you have more RAM than that, test the chips individually (if they are less than 4GB each). If you continue to have problems that you believe are related to your RAM, there are other memory testers out there, such as "Memtest86." Memtest86 is available from memtest86.com and costs $9.99, as of December 2009.

Source:

Microsoft Online Crash Analysis

Resource:

Windows Memory Diagnostic: Download