memory problems

[dr137@aol.com]

I just downloaded memtest86 version 3.2 onto my desk top but I am unable to open the program in order to download it onto a floppy. What am I doing wrong? can some one help? thanks

[ski]

Are you using an unzipping utility, like Winzip, to open the d/l file?

[dr137@aol.com]

I am not using an unziping utility, the instructions in Memtest86 did not talk about using an unzipping untility of anykind. It simply said that once the software was downloaded to the computer I could extract it by right clicking. Please advise How I can get winzip or anyother utilitiy if this is what is needed. thanks

[alexcraw]

http://www.winzip.com/

Try the above. Use the trial version to do this job. I'm not sure how long it lasts but it'll allow you to extract the files you need right now.

Alex

[dr137@aol.com]

Dear Alexcraw:
Thanks for the link,I will let you know how I make out.

[Sylvander]

Make and use these instead; the EBCD includes [among other things] the Memtest utility.

How to make a “Smart Boot Manager” floppy
http://www.pcguide.com/vb/showthread.php?t=41498
This makes it easier to boot a chosen drive [particularly the one holding the EBCD].

How to make an EBCD bootable CD
http://www.pcguide.com/vb/showthread.php?t=41485
This has a number of useful utilities included including "Image" [for DOS, by Terabyte] & "File Manager".

Ultimate Boot CD = www.ultimatebootcd.com [lots of useful utilities]

QUOTE
"For windows installation begin by downloading either the Pre-Compiled Windows package to build a boot-able floppy disk or an ISO (zip version) to create a boot-able CDROM. After the file is downloaded an extract must be done to uncompress the file(s). To extract right click on the downloaded file and select the "Extract All" option. The extract option will let you choose where the files will be extracted to. To build a bootable floppy go the the folder where the files were extracted and click on the Install icon. The floppy disk will appear to be unformatted by Windows after the install is complete.

To build a boot-able CDROM use your CD burning software to create an image from the un-zipped ISO file.

Since Memtest86 is a standalone program it does not require any operating system support for execution. It can be used with any PC regardless of what operating system, if any, is installed. The test image may be loaded from a floppy disk or may be loaded via LILO on Linux systems. Any Unix, Windows or DOS system may be used to create a boot floppy or bootable CDROM."

TO MAKE A MEMTEST FLOPPY
1. Extract the Memt32.zip file to a folder.
2. Run the "install.bat" file.
3. When asked by the prog, type in the address of the floppy drive [a:].
4. Put a formatted floppy in the floppy drive and [as instructed by the prog] press ENTER.
The bootable floppy will be created.

[dr137@aol.com]

Thanks Guys! I have now successfully created a memtest86. floppy I ran it last night for over 4 hours (is this normaltime?)and the test kept repeating (ie 4,2,6, etc would run over and over again) the test did not have an end (is this normal) any way here are the results. Can any one analyse these and give me feedback on where to go from here?

AMD k6-2 501.1Mhz
L1 cache: 64 3073mb/s
L2 Cache: unknown
Memory 384M 224 Mb/S

Wall time: Cached:384 Rsvd Mem:68K Mem map:E820-STD Cache: on ECC:off
Errors: 79 test:STd

Test:1 Pass:0 Failing address: 0001013a54c 257.6 Good:1013a54c Bad:1013a5cc Err=Bits:0 Count:76 Chan:1

Test: 7 Pass: 0 Failing address: 0000d443864212.1mb Good:a6b62dee Bad:abf62dee Err-bits:004000 Count: 2

Test: 6 Pass: 1 failing address:0000dd1eba4 221.8mb Good: 0800000 Bad: 08800000 Err:00800000 Count: 1 Chan:

(I hit the c for configuration and was presented with the following summary):
Test Errors
0 0
1 1
2 6
3 26
4 16
5 0
6 25
7 5
8 0
9 0

Questions:
1) Did the Test complete itself or did I abort to early?
2). What is the normal run time for this test?
3) What is the status of my RAM, I know that there are problems?
4) Is there a software utility that "fixes"ram errors
5) What does the above mean in terms of the current and furture functionality of my PC?
6) I filled all my memory banks with 256 mb of ram less than 2 years ago, doesnt' ram last, or is there an average life span that I should know about?

As always thanks againfor the help that you have provided me.

[ski]

Your RAM is bad according to the test results. There should be 0 errors.

Did you run the test with only 1 RAM module installed at a time?
If not, then rerun the memtest for each module to find out if just one or all of them are bad.

[dr137@aol.com]

HI sKI,
I ran the test with a full memory bank. I will now do one at a time and let you know how I make out. by the way I will be in the market for ram can you recommend any online vendors? thanks

[ski]

Crucial, Kingston, and Mushkin make good stuff.