It’s comprehensive, but is also very easy to use.
TheBIOSin your box will test your memory during thePOST, but it’s an extremely basic test.
Windows Memory Diagnostic should be that second tool.
WMD used to be available directly from Microsoft but no longer is.
The link above is to Softpedia which also hosts the download.
Microsoft no longer hosts this program.
Microsoft developed the program, that’s all.
Once downloaded, runmtinst.exe.
SelectAcceptand thenSave CD Image to Disk, and save thewindiag.isoISO imageto your desktop.
it’s possible for you to selectOKon the confirmation prompt and then exit the other window.
Now you have to burn the ISO file to a CD.
Burning an ISO fileis different from burning other kinds of files.
Windows Memory Diagnostic will start immediately and begin testing your RAM.
Windows Memory Diagnostic will continue to make an infinite number of passes until you stop it.
One pass without error is usually good enough.
When you see Pass #2 start (in thePasscolumn) then your test is complete.
If WMD does find an error,replace the RAM.
Even if you aren’t experiencing any problems right now, you likely will in the near future.
Save yourself frustration later and replace your RAM now.
Windows Memory Diagnostic is included as part ofSystem Recovery Optionsin Windows 7 and Windows Vista.
I’ve used it for years as a second opinion when Memtest86 finds a memory failure.
I wish it still received updates, but it is functional despite being outdated.
