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Memory Problems
A memory issue can be attributed to hardware problems or to lack of maintenance and not clearing unnecessary programs, which eventually leads to a stage where the Windows starts memory dump. Memory problems can range from Blue Screen and other serious errors to system crash and the system failing to recognize the installed memory. When your start up your computer, the BIOS checks the system memory and therefore severe memory problems can be found quickly as they would leave your PC unbootable or your screen may go blank. Some of the memory issues are as follows:
• Blue screen of Death
• System hangs up or reboots while running a large program
• System fails to install win3.1, Win95, Win98 and Windows NT
• Unstable Windows programs
• Continuous ram count while starting up
• System fails to boot-up
• HIMEM.SYS does not load
• System emitting beep sound consistently while starting
• No video display
Troubleshooting
One of the most common methods of fixing an corrupt memory module is moving the modules and swapping them between slots on the motherboard. If your motherboard uses "SIMM" modules, the slots must be filled in pairs. If your motherboard has "DIMM" memory modules, and you have 2, then you can remove one, run the tests and then swap it for the one removed.
In this manner you would be able to do away with the bad module quickly. Take note of modules that pass or fail and then switch that one with the other.
In case if you have two memory modules, you can swap and rotate modules to determine the defective one. You should change the location of two modules one at a time and run the diagnostic test. When the failing data bit or address changes, you are able to find out that one of the modules you have swapped recently is failing. If you are able to start up the system successfully with the first combination, and after swapping the PC does not boot, then the module in slot zero is the defective one. Thus by using combinations of module swapping, you can find out the defective ones.
If the above methods do not help to pinpoint the defective modules, you can either swap them with known good modules or send them to a testing facility. You can use known good modules and replace one module at a time to pinpoint the memory failure.
In case of older systems, dust or oxidation may result into poor contact in the SIMM/DIMM slot. You should clean the gold or tin contact by removing the module. Ensure that you are not reversing the module while reinserting into SIMM/DIMM slot after cleaning.
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