RAM issues on a computer could be very clear-cut or, on other occasions, be very vague. When you have a computer issue, the first thing you want to do is look for any error messages. Do any error messages appear on your screen? If so, you can perform a Google search of this error to decipher what to do next.
Here are some of the more common errors that may come up on a blue screen page, letting you know there’s a RAM issue:
- DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL
- Physical memory dump
A sure way to determine if your RAM modules are failing is to perform the classic RAM test, called MEMTEST. You’ll need to download the program and set it to boot from a CD or DVD. You can set it to boot to a disk by using and ISO application or use the internal software via Windows Vista that contains the ability to burn to a bootable disk.
If the steps to run Memtest sound to much of a chore for you, you can attempt to detect a RAM issue by these other common symptoms:
- Computer randomly shuts off no matter what program is being used
- Different blue screen messages appear
- Computer doesn’t turn on, and you only have 1 RAM module
- Computer is only running half the speed, meaning 1 RAM module is already dead
Another way to determine if you have bad RAM is to roll up your sleeves and trial and error. Unscrew the 2 screws on the belly-side of your laptop, and pop out one RAM module (assuming you have another module installed still). Boot up your computer and see if the same issue occurs. If it still does, then put back the RAM and take out the other one. Chances are that will resolve the issue since it is rare that both RAM modules went belly-up. If you are still having computer issues, you should take your computer to a Tech Specialist.
