Memory Diagnostics Tool

Information

The Memory Diagnostics Tool allows you to check your computer for problems with the RAM memory. For more information, see: Microsoft Online Crash Analysis: Windows Memory Diagnostic Users Guide

NOTE

If you had changed your boot screen, then you will need to temporarily uncheck the No GUI boot to be able to see what is happening when the Memory Diagnostics Tool is running at boot up. For how, see: How to Enable or Replace the Hidden Aurora Boot Screen in Vista

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1. Start the Memory Diagnostics Tool.
NOTE: Use either Method One, Method Two, or Method Three below.

2. When the computer restarts you will see this. (See screenshot below step 4)
3. Press ESC to exit the Memory Diagnostics Tool.
4. Press F1 to make any changes to the test options.



5. Press the TAB key to switch between option categories and the arrow keys to select the particular option. (See screenshot below)
6. Press F10 to apply any changes in the options.
7. Press ESC to cancel any changes not applied and return to the screenshot under step 4.



8. When the tests are complete, the tool will automatically reboot your computer and the next time you logon to
Vista the results of the test will be displayed as seen below.
NOTE: If errors are found, the Windows Memory Diagnostics Tool will attempt to determine which particular memory module in your computer is causing these errors. If that information is available, it will be stated in the results. If bad memory is found then you will need to remove that memory and replace it.

1. Open the Control Panel. (Classic View)
2. Click on the Administrative Tools icon and click Memory Diagnostics Tool.

A) Go to step 3.

OR

1. Open the Start menu.
2. In the white line (Start Search) area, type MdSched and press Enter.
3. Click Continue button for UAC prompt.
4. Click on the choice you want to do. (See screenshot below)



5. Restart the computer to run the test.
6. It will take a while to finish. (5 minutes or so)

1. Restart the computer.
2. Press F8 until you boot into the Advanced Boot Options.
NOTE: For how, see: How to Boot Up in and Use Advanced Boot Options in Vista

3. Press Esc on your keyboard while you’re in the Advanced Boot Options screen.
4. Press Tab on your keyboard to move to the Tools section of the boot manager screen. (See screenshot below)
NOTE: This will highlight Windows Memory Diagnostics.

5. Press Enter to start the Memory Diagnostics.

NOTE

You will need a Vista Express or Retail installation DVD to do this. If you only have a OEM Recovery DVD or Recovery Partition, then you can create a recovery disc that will let you boot into the Recovery Options screen to run a Startup repair with the download from here: How to Create a Vista Recovery Disc

1. Insert your Vista installation DVD and then restart your computer.
NOTE: You will be booting from the Vista DVD. In the BIOS, make sure that your CD/DVD is listed to boot first.

2. If prompted, press any key to start Vista from the installation DVD. (See screenshot below)
NOTE: You will only have about 8 seconds to press this key.



3. When your computer has booted to the DVD select your language and then press Next. (See screenshot below)



4. Click on Repair your computer. (See screenshot below)



5. Select the operating system your want to repair and click Next. (See screenshot below)
NOTE: There is usually only one here unless you’re dual booting.



6. Click on Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool. (See screenshot below)



7. Click on Restart now and check for problems and wait for your computer to restart. (See screenshot below)