I bought two sticks of RAM (512 MB X 2) for my computer. I will be installing the new RAM today and want to test it to make sure it is OK in case I need to return it.

My question is what do I use to test the RAM? I tried to use Memtest86 but couldn’t get it to work but I did find a program from Microsoft. Are they equivalent programs or is one better than the other. My current RAM failed under the Windows Memory Diagnostic program.

Windows Memory Diagnostic
http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp

Memtest86
http://www.memtest86.com/

memtest86. It's good because it is separate and distinct from windows, no confounding there. Also, it's a small program that simply puts your memory through some stress tests, especially test 5. You need to copy it onto a floppy and then boot from your floppy (and I 'm pretty sure you can copy it to a cd and boot fromt he cd).

Give GoldMemory a look see - /Link (http://www.goldmemory.cz/download.php).

Thanks for the tips, people! Ran both MemTest86 and Windows Diagnostic. RAM tested OK. Did 1 pass using both. Didn't configure anything, not sure what does what...

You are better leaving them running for a few hours (more than one pass) to get confirmed results. one pass with either might not show up some errors. Run Memtest (or Win tester) when oyu go to bed at night and see in the morning

Yeah, with memtest86, one pass is definitely inadequate. At the very least, run test 5 for 30 minutes to an hour.