Friday, July 11, 2014

How To Identity And Repair Computer Memory Problems! - Computers - Hardware

It can be frustrating to have computer memory problems, since the "average PC user" won't even realize where the problem is coming from the majority of the time.

Often times, computer users diagnose the problems associated with RAM issues, as being attributed to other factors such as, malware, Windows (operating system) needing re-installation, or other ideas that aren't the actual problem.If you would like to avoid being frustrated while spending large sums of money or time to fix a computer that is constantly "breaking", you should definitely learn what the signs are of a computer memory problem. Here are the top 10 signs that there is a problem with the RAM in your PC and you will learn how you can use free software to figure out the exact problem your PC is having!Blue screens crashes (BSOD) for "no reason"

Failing or bad RAM often times - will cause BSODs otherwise known as the Blue Screen Of Death. Often times an error that references "addresses" will appear which actually refers to addresses of physical memory.

Whenever a computer is "blue screening" frequently, the best thing to do is to remember the last major change performed on a computer such as: installing software, Windows updates, a recent malware infection and so on.

When you are able to confirm that the problems aren't caused by any of the aforementioned, or other logical errors; you are ready to check the RAM for errors.A computer that powers on but doesn't boot (could also beep during boot up)Memory problems can stop a computer from booting and cause it to "get stuck" on a black or gray screen, or even the logo (P.O.S.T) screen. Many times, a computer that fails to boot that has memory problems, will emit a series of beeps right after or during the booting process.

Usually the beeps indicate that a RAM stick could have gone bad, a memory slot is bad or failing or the memory just needs to be tightened in its slot.Always remember to use your computer manual or your motherboard manual, as it will help to figure out the exact reason for the codes you are getting. You can start testing your RAM once you know for sure that your RAM is the problem. Your computer is booting but it gets "stuck" while bootingWhen a computer is able to boot but gets stuck after it boots, or pauses for an extraordinary period of time before the Windows log in/desktop appears, that could spell a memory problem. Be advised that other factors can cause this problem as well such as motherboard issues, malware, a bad hard disk or hard disk problems, problems with the power supply unit and other hardware related issues.

You can further pinpoint the problem by testing the memory, and then identify what factors aren't causing the problem which definitely makes it easier determining what IS causing the issue(s).Video games, video editing software and other memory hogging programs crash randomlySome software uses large amounts of memory while running, making it easier to narrow down what is causing problems; when a PC crashes unrelated to bad hardware, overheating or driver problems. When games, editing software, audio recording software etc, crash to the desktop without causing blue screens or shut-offs, a RAM problem is often the issue.

When a computer does suffer from the blue screen of death while using the aforementioned types of software, you should definitely question the memory and test it.

When you save files or after saving files, they "wind up" corruptedFile corruption during or after saving is not very common, but it can happen when files are copied and pasted. You may find that these corrupt files may not open, or may not open in a readable (or correct) format, or the file(s) may be deleted/wiped out entirely. It is also possible that installed software has problems running correctly, or won't load or run at all. In the event any of these problems occur you must check the RAM for errors.Choppiness and/or drop outs in video and audio (multimedia)Choppy and stuttering audio and video, or dropouts while viewing movies, listening to music etc, may be warning signs of computer memory problems. Other culprits can cause similar symptoms which include: having little internet bandwidth while streaming multimedia, incompatible or buggy hardware drivers, hardware problems and more.

Once again, it is extremely helpful to check your RAM in the event of these issues to better assist with the troubleshooting process and to lessen the amount of time spent "guessing."

You are not able to begin, or complete a Windows installationWhen you are unable to install Windows, or if you have begun installation but can't complete it, RAM issues could be the cause. Please note, certain other factors can cause the same troubles such as but not limited to: an improperly configured hard disk setup, a scratched Windows installation CD or DVD, a bad (counterfeit) copy of Windows, a failing ROM drive and more.

If you have the luxury of saving Windows onto a USB drive to install onto a computer, you can rule out CD/DVD media and drives as the culprit, and immediately start testing your memory. Testing your RAM is the BEST thing to do (after narrowing down the other possibilities) when Windows will not install, always remember that!The "IRQ_Less_or_Not_Equal" error, immediately following a BSODUnfortunately, the IRQ_Less_or_Not_Equal can be caused by various possible factors within a PC. The error could be a sign of other issues, for instance two pieces of hardware that share the same resources or "IRQ", although that is now a rare problem since Windows XP was brought out.

Computers that display this error message after a crash should ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS be tested for memory problems first, then the remaining hardware once the memory is confirmed as working correctly and without error.-------------

Now that you know WHEN to test your memory, click here to read the FULL article on HOW to test your memory and which FREE software software to use to do it!





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