Running a Memtest86 software

Oldgamer

Diamond Member
Jan 15, 2013
3,280
1
0
I am reading about this program being used to test faulty memory on RAM and was wondering if I can use a removable flashdrive for this or do I need to stick to a CD?

Can the program be run from a hard disk?
 

Kippa

Senior member
Dec 12, 2011
392
1
81
If you are using Windows 7 you can do a memory test by going into control panel -> Administrative Tools -> Windows Memory Diagnostic. It will reboot the computer and test your memory.
 

Goros

Member
Dec 16, 2008
107
0
0
If you are using Windows 7 you can do a memory test by going into control panel -> Administrative Tools -> Windows Memory Diagnostic. It will reboot the computer and test your memory.

It doesn't even remotely test the memory adequately. Machines can pass the win7 test with flying colors and fail memtest86+ 4.20 in the first pass.

Memtest86+ 24 hours, Prime95 x64 90% memory 24 hours, OCCT Linpack AVX 8 hours = stable.
 

Mark R

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
8,513
16
81
It doesn't even remotely test the memory adequately. Machines can pass the win7 test with flying colors and fail memtest86+ 4.20 in the first pass.

Memtest86+ 24 hours, Prime95 x64 90% memory 24 hours, OCCT Linpack AVX 8 hours = stable.

My experience is just the opposite. I've had several sticks of flaky RAM (probably incompatible RAM) that would fail windows memory diagnostic in seconds, but go several passes on memtest 86+ before failing.
 

Dessert Tears

Golden Member
Feb 27, 2005
1,100
0
76
I put MemTest86+ on a small SD card that came with a camera. I don't remember if the USB tool could do it, but it wasn't difficult.
 

Kippa

Senior member
Dec 12, 2011
392
1
81
It doesn't even remotely test the memory adequately. Machines can pass the win7 test with flying colors and fail memtest86+ 4.20 in the first pass.

Memtest86+ 24 hours, Prime95 x64 90% memory 24 hours, OCCT Linpack AVX 8 hours = stable.


If my own memory servers me right, the test with Win 7 has 3 different levels going from basic, standard and extended. If you were really worried you could put it on the heaviest test.

As for me I would only use the MS one myself as I don't trust executables from another source to test my computer (merely a personal preference), and seeing as this is a legit memory tester from MS it can't be too bad.
 

Elixer

Lifer
May 7, 2002
10,371
762
126
I am reading about this program being used to test faulty memory on RAM and was wondering if I can use a removable flashdrive for this or do I need to stick to a CD?

Can the program be run from a hard disk?

Remember, get memtest86+ (note the +!)
 

Engineer

Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
39,230
701
126
Remember, get memtest86+ (note the +!)

I found this out the hard way a few nights ago. Spent hours trying to figure out why ALL of my ram in every PC was failing on memtest86 (non plus). Wasn't until I found memtest86+ that I figured out the memtest86 wasn't working right on my stuff. Memtest86+ found the bad stick that was causing my BSOD's though.
 

Goros

Member
Dec 16, 2008
107
0
0
If my own memory servers me right, the test with Win 7 has 3 different levels going from basic, standard and extended. If you were really worried you could put it on the heaviest test.

As for me I would only use the MS one myself as I don't trust executables from another source to test my computer (merely a personal preference), and seeing as this is a legit memory tester from MS it can't be too bad.

Uh, memtest86+ runs in dos as a bootable disc outside of windows. So, there are no other processes or things going on in the background (like drivers, antivirus etc) and it barely touches the processor so you won't get false positives.

Also keep in mind that every manufacturer of RAM tells you to run memtest86+ when diagnosing issues...so...