I think I have RAM problems - recommend me a RAM tester, please

[Russell]

Any ideas for a RAM tester that is easy to use and free?

I have blue screened several times today and the last time Windows decided it was a RAM problem.

thanks

R

[Greenbank]

Most Ubuntu Linux install images (CD/DVD/USB) have a memtest option.

You don't have to install Linux to use it, just select the memtest option when it boots from the CD/whatever.

[border-rider]

Or this

Windows memory diagnostic tool

[Russell]

No way of testing without booting fron CD or similar?

[Greenbank]

No way of testing without booting fron CD or similar?

No, the tester needs direct access to all memory without the OS getting in the way (it can't test all of the memory since a lot will be in use by the OS).

[ScumOfTheRoad]

There are user space memtester programs - as Greenbacnk says they cannot exercise all of the RAM.
For example:
memtester version 4

[Russell]

Reading the MS memory diagnostic tool thingy it says the PC must have a floppy drive (as if!) or a CDR drive - well mine has neither so what am I supposed to do?

I have memory sticks and an external (USB) DVD RW.

I cannot see how to get into BIOS, pressing F12 brings up a dialogue box which lists various boot options, CD, diskette, C: and something else that made no sense.

[ScumOfTheRoad]

Use F12 and choose to boot from the USB CD-Drive.
You might have to attach the USB Cd-drive and power cycle so that the system recognises it.

Even better - just get a copy of a USB stick with a bootable memtest program.

[ScumOfTheRoad]

Memtest from USB? - [H]ard|Forum

A howto for formatting a bootable USB stick then putting memtest onto it.

[Russell]

Thanks all, now where's the embarrased smiley - are here it is 

I do have a floppy drive, never even knew!  Ran Mem Test and it passed on the first run through, failed on the second, and passed that test on the third run.  Will run an extended test over the weekend.

But maybe a new memory module is needed.

Thanks

R

[Russell]

Def a problem with DIMM 2 so have ordered 2G of memory from Crucial.

Thanks all!