Every computer uses RAM which stands for Random Access Memory. This piece of hardware is intended to store temporarily while the PC is on, once the PC is restarted all the data stored in the RAM will be lost, so the system will only store data that we are using at the moment.
It’s very common to see memory problems on a system which could be caused by two things; software conflict, or defective hardware. The good thing is that in both cases you will get an error which will help you to determine which one it is. If you get an error message saying your computer has a memory problem or get a random BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) then you will have to start digging in on how to resolve this.
Method 1: Verifying if it’s a hardware related issue
- Download memtest from here (The software downloaded will allow you to set up a USB as bootable device so you can scan your memory for errors without any operating system running).
- Run the installer (you will need a USB drive with no information in it to install memtest), select your USB Flash Drive and click Create and make sure that the Format drive option is selected else you may get errors.
- Reboot your computer, and press F11 to get into bios, If F11 doesn’t work then read the instructions online for your system to see which key can get you into BIOS to boot from USB to select manually from which device to boot (you might need to confirm your computer manual as this key might vary)
- Select your USB Flash Drive from the list.
- Memtest will automatically start and check your memory for errors. If it encounters errors, then it’s time to replace the memory.
If you get a BSOD most likely your computer will reboot automatically as this is the configuration by default in every computer, and it’s very difficult to get the error provided by the BSOD, but there are ways to get more information of this.
Method 2: Confirm the error provided by the BSOD
- Download BSOD Viewer from here.
- After getting a BSOD run the software downloaded above and select the latest error in the list.
- Copy the error number or driver name
- Search either of the above in google to get further details.
- Upon determining which software or driver is causing the issue, it will be necessary to reinstall it.
Please note that there are certain BSOD errors related to power issues, in which you can confirm that the issue is related to hardware.
Method 3: Using Driver verifier software to confirm if all drivers are running properly
- Hold the Windows Key and press R and type down verifier
- Select create custom settings.
- Select all of the checkboxes. (For Windows 8 and Windows 10 users don’t check DDI Compliance checking and Randomized low resources simulation)
- Select “Select driver names from a list”
- Select all of the drivers except the ones provided by Microsoft
- Select Finish and Reboot the PC.
- Open the start menu and type down cmd, right click and select run as administrator.
- Type down verifier /querysettings if it gives you a result with a list of drivers then the software is running.
This third method will allow windows to stress each driver in order to cause the BSOD, and you can use Method # 2 to confirm which one was the driver exactly causing the issue.
