Memory Troubleshooting

High disk usage

Some operating systems send data to the hard disk drive if there is not enough physical memory available. You may need to add more physical memory to the computer if:

You hear the hard drive constantly operating as you work.
The hard drive light on the front of the system case stays illuminated for long periods of time.

Not enough memory errors

If you receive Not Enough Memory or Out of Memory errors when you try to open and use more than one program at a time, you may need more physical memory.

Memory problems usually fall into one of the following categories:

Either more memory is installed than the system supports or the CMOS settings are incorrect.
Incompatible or broken modules.
Improperly installed modules or dirty or defective sockets.

You should be able to identify memory problems based on the errors described in the following table.

	ErrorDescription
The system boot fails and sounds a beep code	Either no memory is installed or the memory was not detected.
The system boots, but the display remains blank	Either a card or memory module is not seated, or the system includes unsupported memory. Non-parity RAM is incompatible with ECC memory; SDRAM is incompatible with EDO memory.
The system boots, but the memory count is incorrect	The POST failed to recognize all the memory. This can happen with incompatible memory installation. Remember to avoid combining dual-bank with single-bank memory. If you detect a problem during system boot, check the BIOS settings. The system checks only for memory installed in memory slots on the motherboard. Memory on expansion cards or installed on other devices is not counted and tested.
Error messages	Memory error usually indicates a failing module or discrepancies between new and old memory. Avoid the latter problem by not mixing new and old memory. Ensure that the memory is functioning properly and is compatible with the system. If the memory is good and fully compatible, error messages could mean that the motherboard has a problem. The following are common error messages: Memory mismatch error Memory parity interrupt at x Memory address error at x Memory failure at x , read y , expecting z Memory verify error at x
Software-generated memory problems	Software errors include: Registry error—Parts of the registry are written to faulty sections of RAM. Exception error—A software bug can cause this type of error. General-protection fault—A software bug can cause this type of error. Page fault—A software bug can cause this type of error. For software errors, check to see if the memory address indicated in the error is consistently the same. If so, check the memory. Otherwise, reboot the system or update the software.
Intermittent problems	One of the tougher detection challenges is the intermittent occurrence of error messages, crashes, or sudden reboots. The trouble in diagnosing this situation is the number of potential problems, including timing, heat, corrosion, fluctuating power, loose connections, EMI, or a combination of these problems.

You should be familiar with the following list of critical times when memory problems manifest themselves and the likely causes.

First boot of a new computer—Memory is not properly seated, missing, or the motherboard is defective.
After a memory upgrade—Memory is not compatible or was not properly installed and configured.
After software installation—New software requires more memory or is causing problems.
After hardware installation or removal—Incomplete hardware installation or improperly installed hardware can cause errors that appear to be memory related.