Free programs for Windows download for free. Testing RAM using programs
MemTest86 - free original diagnostic utility for checking random access memory computer supporting all modern IT standards. The utility is used to test PC RAM for errors that most often occur in four situations: buying a PC, upgrading RAM, overclocking, and partial failure of RAM strips. In any of these cases, first of all, you need latest version Memtest86 download as image boot disk with installation on a USB flash drive or CD / DVD disk and carry out diagnostics.
How to run Memtest86 and check RAM
For inexperienced PC users - a few lines on how to check memory performance in the operating system Windows system XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10. Memtest86 starts using an offline bootloader, and it works operating system not required on a computer. However, you will need some working computer running MS-DOS, Mac OS X, Linux or Windows to create a bootable DVD/CD or USB flash drive. The official website offers two options for using the utility: to boot from CD/DVD and to boot from a USB drive. After you have managed to download the latest MemTest86 for free and burn it to a medium without removing the CD/DVD disk or USB flash drive, you need to restart your computer, laptop or netbook. If necessary, the BIOS must specify booting from a disk or flash drive. Next, MemTest86 will load and start the RAM testing process.
Test cycles can last 24 hours or more. After a few hours or days, you can restart the computer by pressing the "Esc" button, stopping the testing process. Based on the results of the work, a list of errors and faulty memory blocks is created, and the user decides what to do. You can replace the RAM stick, reduce timings and frequencies, strengthen the power supply or cooling system. Any problem with Memtest86 can be easily solved, since the test result will objectively show all the errors found in the computer’s RAM. When a repeated check at reduced frequencies and timings again reveals errors, it makes sense to replace the faulty memory stick.
Interface, settings, instructions and help
The once powerful graphical interface with mouse support is a bit outdated. Both experienced and young computer scientists do not need to understand the English-language interface - everything is as simple as in MS-DOS under FAR, old Volkov Commander or in the Linux graphical shell. There is nothing unclear in the settings: the number of cycles can be set in the “pass” column, and errors are “errors”. The performance of the RAM will be obvious from the test results that are automatically recorded on HDD computer. Based on negative results, it is not difficult to determine the causes of instability that has arisen in the operation of a computer, laptop or netbook. For those in need of instructions, support or help, there is an official website and a live forum, as well as a lot of useful articles, informative reviews and comments on the Internet.
Operating principles of MemTest86
The utility will be useful to everyone when purchasing a new computer, laptop, netbook, or when increasing the amount of RAM by purchasing additional RAM sticks. The Memtest86 program can be downloaded for free without registration and SMS, without leaving the site https://site in Russian, it is simply necessary for extreme overclocking of the computer, including by changing the frequency and timing settings in the BIOS. It also wouldn’t hurt to check the RAM if unstable work PC, freezes, crashes, reboots. The program works with modern multi-core processors, common motherboard chipsets and all types of RAM. Legacy equipment running on the Windows XP operating system and older versions is also supported.
Basic functionality
The verification algorithm is not complicated, but is quite functional and reliable. It’s easy to use MemTest86: anyone who was able to download the latest version of Memtest86 for free for Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP using links from the site https://site in Russian without registration and SMS will perform all other manipulations without any problems. During testing, one or more passes are made, depending on the settings. Pressing the "C" key brings up settings, but by default everything will work fine. By default, two operating modes are used: quick test or hours of memory testing. The utility writes data into RAM, reads it and checks it for compliance, thus identifying damaged areas. Once the test is complete, you can view a detailed report about testing and errors. If no errors are found, we can draw a conclusion about the operability of the computer’s memory subsystem and the possibility of further uninterrupted operation of the computer.
Main advantages:
- maximum accuracy of the results obtained,
- reliable search for faulty memory areas,
- work with any computers and components,
- ECC RAM error correction support,
- a well-thought-out sequence of quality tests,
- modern memory testing algorithms,
- one cycle, or several scan cycles,
- configuration file for full automation,
- support for the new UEFI BIOS standard.
What kind of normal Memtest86 download for free on your computer
MemTest86 was first introduced by Chris Brady in 1994 (developed since 1981). Based on the fourth version, Samuel Demeulemeester founded alternative project Memtest86+. Alternative Memory Test 86+ has not been improved or updated since 2013..1, 8, 7, Vista, XP, only the original latest zip versions from Chris Brady from PassMark Software (...usb.zip or...iso. zip), which can be launched from any USB drive or CD.
Anyone who downloaded Memtest86 for free, but has no idea how to use the MemTest86 program, does not know the most important thing - the test will continue endlessly, in a cycle. The program will test all corners of the RAM until the user stops the test by pressing the "Esc" key. As a rule, it is enough to complete two rounds of tests; it takes no more than an hour. For greater reliability of the results, it is recommended to carry out the test in turn with each RAM stick separately. Another tip from experienced IT specialists: you need to format the flash drive in FAT32, and USB flash drive must be guaranteed to work.
Tests of the site, where everyone has the opportunity to legally free programs for a computer with Microsoft Windows download for free without captcha, without viruses and without SMS. This page was updated on 03/20/2019. Starting your acquaintance with legally free programs from this page, also check out other materials on the site https://site at home or at work. Thank you for visiting the section.
Hello, friends! Faulty RAM can cause unstable operation of the computer and, as a result, loss of data. Symptoms include unexpected reboots or a “blue screen of death.” When diagnosing a desktop computer or laptop, the first thing to do is check the RAM. You don't need to open your computer to do this. It is enough to boot from a disk or from a flash drive (from a memory card at worst)) and perform RAM test. Windows 7 and Windows 8 include a built-in memory test utility. You just need to run it and schedule the test to run either immediately or at the next boot.
In this article we will look in detail at how to test RAM.
As mentioned above, the Windows 7 and Windows 8 operating systems have a built-in memory check utility. This is convenient because it is always at hand and there is no need for third-party programs.
To start, you need to go to Control Panel > System and Security > Administration. Choose
It is also convenient to use the search from the Start menu
A window with information will open - What memory problems can lead to
You have 3 options to choose from: reboot and scan, scan the next time you turn on the computer, or click Cancel.
When you select the first item, the system will immediately reboot and execute RAM test. Before selecting, you must close all open applications.
If you select the second option, the scan will run the next time you turn on the computer. You can try to finish the unfinished work and reboot.
You can also run a RAM test when loading Windows 7/8 by pressing the key F8 and selecting Troubleshooting your computer
Select the user and click OK
Choose
The same window opens as under Windows. Click on the recommended first item
The system will reboot and begin testing RAM
To select testing parameters, click F1
We can choose a test suite:
- Base
- Ordinary
- Wide
Basic includes 3 tests used for quick verification. Normal includes additional tests and runs by default. Advanced includes all possible tests prepared by Microsoft and naturally is the longest in time.
To identify problems, a regular RAM test is quite enough.
When you press a key Tab you will move to the next management option - Memory Cache. Disabling which will result in accessing RAM directly, which will allow for more accurate testing.
When you press the key again Tab will switch to the last option for selecting the number of repetitions of the RAM test. Used for a more thorough check and allows you to set from 1 to 0 (infinity) passes.
To apply the settings and continue the test, you must press the key F10
If you are just going to install Windows 7 from a disk image, then you can also test the RAM. For this it is necessary.
Press any key
Use the Tab key to select Windows Memory Diagnostic
The RAM test will start but in English
The Status field displays an inspiring inscription - “No errors found yet”)
If any are found, it will be written about it immediately. The results will also be displayed again when loading the operating system if the test was launched from Windows.
Memtest86+ the most popular RAM test
The second, but no less effective, tool for checking RAM is the Memtest86+ program. At the time of writing, the current version is 4.20
You can download this utility from the official website. The archive is downloaded in *.zip format and is intended for installation on a flash drive.
You can also download the image for burning to disk from the official website. You can read how to burn an image to disk in this article.
Let's write the program to a flash drive. To do this, unpack the downloaded archive. If anyone has difficulty with this, please see the article How to open a rar file. We connect the flash drive to the computer and run the unpacked program Memtest86+ USB Installer.exe
Click I agree(I agree to the license agreement)
Select the connected USB flash drive and check the recommended “ticket”
Copy all important data from the USB drive and click Create(Create)
Then click Next
AND Finish
Bootable USB drive ready.
You can also go into the BIOS and select Boot Menu(F8). Or press F8 immediately upon loading, which will take you to the menu for selecting boot options. You need to choose our flash drive
When booting from a prepared flash drive, the RAM test will begin immediately
In addition to watching the test pass, you can watch:
- information about the processor and processor cache
- maximum amount of RAM and its speed
- information about the chipset and memory parameters
- settings of the RAM itself (frequency, latency and whether dual-channel mode works)
There is also a table where in the first column you can track the duration of testing. At successful completion of all tests in the Pass column, instead of 0, 1 will appear and the inscription will appear at the bottom
*****Pass complete, no errors, press Esc to exit*****
Click ESC and boot the operating system normally.
If errors are detected during the memory test, a red table will appear with the addresses of the detected problems, and the test will continue.
What to do if problems are detected?
Turn off the computer, take out the RAM and wipe the contacts with a regular eraser. The one we used at school. It is also recommended to blow out the memory connectors on the motherboard.
Carefully! If you have memory modules without heatsinks, do not hold on to the memory chips! You can deform the contact between the chip and the PCB. (Memory chips are black squares or rectangles on colored PCB)
Blow off any remaining rubber on the memory modules and install them into the motherboard.
Repeat the test
If errors appear again, take the modules to a service center under warranty.
If there is no warranty, check each module individually to determine the faulty strip and replace it. (Don't forget that the memory module connector may be faulty. If the memory stick test fails in one slot, check it in another)
If you have a set of 2 or 4 memory sticks, it is recommended to change the entire set.
For more information about memory, see the article How to increase computer RAM?
Conclusion
In this article we figured out how to carry out RAM test.
It is convenient to diagnose memory modules using both the built-in Windows Memory Checker utility and special program Memtest86+. We learned how to prepare a USB flash drive and burn an image with the program to disk.
And most importantly! Provided measures to take when memory problems are detected.
Video - RAM Test
I will be glad to see questions and suggestions in the comments. I wish you serviceable and reliable memory modules.
As sad as it may sound, strips of RAM, called RAM, or, in English, RAM, can cause a huge number of problems, starting with the usual delay in loading the operating system and ending with its complete crash (especially if the most primitive conditions are not met, which you need to pay attention to). In general, a RAM test (let's take Windows 7 64 bit as an example) will have to be performed in any case when installing new modules or replacing old ones. And at the same time, it is worth taking into account several main factors that in the future may influence the identification of the causes of malfunctions or the occurrence of conflicts.
Why do you need a Windows 7 64 bit RAM test?
First of all, you need to clearly understand that not every RAM module can fit into the slot motherboard and work without problems. The motherboard itself may simply not support the installation of certain types of brackets or even similar equipment from unknown manufacturers (although it may meet all the stated criteria).
The question is different: most users try to perform a RAM test only when too obvious problems are detected in the computer. And when checking equipment, most of us do not pay any attention to parameters such as operating clock frequency, timing, operating voltage, supported bus, bandwidth (which, by the way, must be compatible with the processor), etc.
Preliminary equipment check
And if problems arise, which are most often expressed in the fact that when the operating system starts, failure messages begin to appear (most often this is a blue screen indicating an error code indicating that the failure occurred not in software, but in physical level) everyone is trying to reboot the system, considering the error to be a temporary short-term phenomenon. This is wrong.
Thus, the RAM test (Windows 7 64 bit in our case) should initially be limited to checking the physical condition of the motherboard slots, the performance of the RAM strips and the consistency of the equipment characteristics with each other.
To begin with, really try just restarting your computer terminal or laptop. Sometimes (if the RAM load is too high) the system freezes precisely because of this. This means that there are too many applications running at the moment and system processes, which occupy the maximum amount of RAM, and additional virtual memory, for which the pagefile.sys file is responsible, which reserves free space on the system and logical disks, is also not enough.
Digressing a little, it is worth saying that even if there are logical partitions, a page file is created for each of them.
The simplest method of checking for blue screens on desktop PCs
Now let's turn to desktop computers, since in them, checking the performance of any strip is completely elementary. At least the proposed RAM test on Windows 7 64 bit - or any other system - will give results immediately. The idea is to first remove all RAM modules from their respective slots while the computer is turned off, and then insert them one at a time and then reboot. If the system starts in operating mode, there are no problems with memory. Otherwise, the bar itself will have to be replaced either due to a breakdown or due to a discrepancy with the parameters of the mother chip.
Are there built-in system tools?
The Windows 7 64 bit RAM test, if anyone doesn’t know, is initially turned on when the computer itself starts. In other words, when voltage is applied to the motherboard, the primary hardware detection system BIOS or its more modern version UEFI, which has a graphical interface, comes into play. That's not the point. Have you noticed that the stationary unit emits a signal from the system speaker when turned on? A short one-time signal just corresponds to the fact that all system components are in order.
If something is wrong, you should go into the settings of the primary I/O system and check the RAM parameters (in particular, this concerns the voltage supplied to the strips, the bridge used, etc. - overlockers understand what we are talking about).
How to use built-in diagnostics?
But self-diagnosis in the BIOS is far from the most perfect option determining the full functionality of the RAM. The Windows 7 64 bit RAM error test itself can cause incorrect data to appear in reports. The problem is that both BIOS and Windows can perceive RAM completely differently.
Here you will have to use at least the built-in system tool. First, you need to call the “Start” menu and enter the line mdsched in it, after which the application that appears will offer two options for checking: without restart and at the next start. It is better to choose the second method, despite the system's recommendations. It will take a little longer to reboot, but the problems will be identified for sure.
Windows 7 64 bit RAM test: Memtest86+ program and AIDA64 application
But the tools of Windows systems quite often lose to third-party software. The Mentest86+ utility is recognized as one of the most powerful programs.
Its only drawback is that it only works in DOS mode and produces access errors to RAM sectors, similar to how scanning is performed hard drives. The average user will understand little about this, but the error addresses can tell a lot to an advanced user.
The second utility (in Russian) performs the Windows 7 64 bit RAM test in such a way that even when launched, it displays the basic characteristics of the motherboard and RAM modules compatible with it. If you use the SPD section, you can learn a lot of interesting things about your motherboard and RAM sticks. For example, it will clearly indicate what maximum volume is supported, which manufacturer is suitable, which slots with their electrical parameters can be used, etc. In general, it is generally accepted (both among users and among experts) that the Windows 7 64 bit RAM test program "AIDA" produces the best (although none of the proposed utilities eliminates problems, keep we're talking about namely diagnostics). But that's not all.
Checking RAM from a USB drive
Even if there are problems with the hard drive, memory or starting the PC, the Windows 7 64 bit RAM test (errors will only be detected, but not corrected) can be performed even when booting from removable media, for example, a regular flash drive.
The most important condition is to download not only the Memttest86+ utility, but also its additional installer, but not in the form of an ISO image, but in the form of a special USB installer, from which you will need to create bootable USB flash drive. After this, when you reboot the system, you will first have to enter the BIOS settings and set the USB device you are using as the first one when you start the computer, then boot and perform the appropriate test.
Burning and using an optical disc
If someone doesn’t like this option (for example, a person is used to using exclusively CD/DVD disks, or the settings of the primary system in terms of perceiving the first device from optical media look simpler), you can use the same Memtest86+ utility, launched exclusively in compatibility mode with Windows (and not DOS), after which, when specifying the media on which the main package and boot data will be recorded, the appropriate drive is selected in the menu.
Possible problems
Sometimes you may notice that when loading the above utility from removable media, users often note that the scan runs quite quickly at first, but at some stage it simply freezes. In principle, as the developers themselves note, this is normal. The fact is that testing is carried out on the principle of several passes. IN in this case One or two are enough. If there are RAM errors, they will be detected immediately. If they are not there, if the utility freezes, the testing process can be forcibly terminated.
Conclusion
As you can see, this is exactly what the Windows 7 64 bit RAM test looks like. What program can be used? The question is quite complex, because none of the currently created utilities can eliminate errors or problems (unlike the same testing programs, error correction, or even remagnetization of the surface of hard drives). Alas, if problems are discovered, you will have to change the memory sticks, since they can cause physical damage to the hardware and provoke hardware conflicts even at the software level of the primary BIOS/UEFI systems, not to mention the main components of the Windows OS that have access to RAM The relationship is only in terms of system requirements and the maximum available volume for downloadable software modules in the form of heavy dynamic libraries, which are mandatory for serious software products in the main set.
Random access memory or RAM is one of the essential components personal computer. Malfunction of modules can lead to critical errors in system operation and cause BSODs (blue screens of death).
In this article, we will look at several programs that can analyze RAM and identify faulty modules.
GoldMemory is a program supplied as a bootable image with the distribution. Works without the participation of the operating system when booting from a disk or other media.
The software includes several memory test modes, can test performance, and saves test data to a special file on the hard drive.
MemTest86
Another utility that is distributed already written into an image and works without loading the OS. Allows you to select test options and displays information about the size of the processor cache and memory. The main difference from GoldMemory is that there is no way to save test history for later analysis.
MemTest86+
MemTest86+ is a revised edition of the previous program, created by enthusiasts. Differs more high speed testing and support for the latest hardware.
Windows Memory Diagnostic Utility
Another representative of console utilities that work without the participation of the operating system. Developed by Microsoft Corporation, Windows Memory Diagnostic Utility is one of the most effective solutions to identify errors in RAM and is guaranteed compatible with Windows 7, as well as newer and older systems from MS.
RightMark Memory Analyzer
This software already has its own graphical interface and runs on Windows. Basic distinctive feature RightMark Memory Analyzer is a priority setting that makes it possible to check RAM without loading the system.
MEMTEST
A very small program. IN free version can only check the specified amount of memory. In paid editions, it has advanced functions for displaying information, as well as the ability to create bootable media.
MemTach
MemTach – memory testing software professional level. Conducts many tests of RAM performance in various operations. Due to some features, it is not suitable for the average user, since the purpose of some tests is known only to specialists or advanced users.
SuperRam
This program is multifunctional. It includes a RAM performance testing module and a resource monitor. The main function of SuperRam is RAM optimization. The software scans memory in real time and frees up space not currently being used by the processor. In the settings you can set the limits at which this option will be enabled.
Errors in RAM can and should cause problems with the operating system and the computer as a whole. If you suspect that the cause of the failure is the RAM, then you need to test using one of the programs given above. If errors are detected, sadly, you will have to replace the faulty modules.
The Windows 10 64-bit RAM test is carried out at the POST stage. That is, even when the PC starts. Checking the RAM shows that the system can load its processes there. Otherwise, various failures are possible, and no self-respecting manufacturer will allow this to happen. Therefore, Windows 10 also has its own tools to perform the same actions. The only exception to this rule is virtual machines, which have no reason to run POST tests. The logic is simple: if someone launched a copy of the system, then the PC is, of course, operational.
Third-party sites, one of the most famous is memtest.org, distribute third-party utilities. This comes in handy from time to time. Usually a programmer tries traditional methods, sees what exactly he doesn’t like, and then creates his own software and sometimes even tries to sell it. There are hundreds and even thousands of examples of this. What is good about checking memory with third-party utilities? You can't tell unless you try.
POST test
By default, the POST test starts every time you start your PC. But many people don’t like that it takes time and disable checking through the BIOS. As a result, the system boots faster and the RAM is less loaded. The consequence of continued adherence to this policy may be the emergence blue screens. When one of the RAM lines fails. Make sure it is not in the BIOS of the virtual machines.
There is no choice on most laptops either. Many modern PCs do not have it either (the ability to turn off the scan). If required:
- Go to the Advanced BIOS section.
- Look for a setting with a name like Quick Power on Self Test.
- Setting this option to Enable disables the boot check.
In modern boards you can operate with fast loading. For the most part, this option overrides the POST test, and with it the memory check.
Built-in tools
Then the OS will boot. Based on the results of the inspection, actions are taken to replace the rulers. It’s not difficult to select the one you need, so we won’t dwell on this (take it one by one if you don’t know any other way). After loading, you will receive another message (in case the master went out for coffee).
This will finally show what exactly needs to be done.
Note! The same snap-in opens when you search for “memory checker” or through the Run tool (Win + R) by typing mdsched.
Third party utilities
Download the image from memtest86.com and go!
How does the utility work? It writes a pattern to the specified address and then tries to read it. In this case it is ffffdfff, and on the second pass it is a different number.
There are many options for how to reliably check every bit of RAM. Please note that the utility is aware of processor caches. She indicated their sizes and speed of circulation:
- L1 Cache size 64 K.
- L2 Cache size 256 K.
- L3 Cache size 6 MB.
The authors always believed that the speed should consistently drop, but the screenshot shows something different. Live and learn. Meanwhile, the software went on to write the 00000000 pattern to check for any stuck bits. The software can work indefinitely, but at some point it will write what exactly needs to be done next.
In our case, there is no need to do anything, since the RAM is fine. Press Esc to exit the utility interface. The only downside is that the bootloader does not have a skip option, so you need to go to the BIOS again and disable booting from DVD there, or remove the USB flash drive. It depends on what media the work is coming from.
View result
If for some reason the program has completed testing, but the result could not be verified (colleagues/family/laziness interfered), use system messages.
What to check
Since the tests are free, it makes no difference which one tests RAM. Under DOS there is little difference whether 32-bit or 64-bit commands are used. Therefore, even the system checks the memory for errors during the boot period.
