Computer memory is the lifeblood of your

information system, but it’s a component that is

easily taken for granted. Since memory modules
don’t contain any moving parts, they can’t fail,
right? Wrong. We know that they can indeed fail –
and not in ways that are always obvious. One day
you notice that some data is missing. The culprit
turns out to be a faulty memory module. This is
just one of the many symptoms you should be
aware of that can hint at an impending memory
problem.
Memory related issues are not always
obvious . If you’re lucky, your system will actually
present you with a clear error code that clearly
identifies a faulty memory module. In most cases,
though, the symptoms are more cryptic and harder
to identify. The following errors are the most
common symptoms of faulty ( or failing) memory
module.
 Memory errors. These include system memory errors,
or “blue screen” system crashes that reference memory
read/write, parity, interrupt, address, page faults,
general protection faults or mismatch error. In some
cases, the system may simply refuse to recognize the
installed memory.

 Boot failures. Because the BIOS checks the computer

memory every time the system boots, memory failures
often result in a unbootable system that may present
with blank screen and a system beep.

 Data corruption. Since almost all of the data running on

a computer passes through the system’s memory, data
corruption is one indicator of a failing memory module.
Common symptoms include lost, missing or scrambled
data; frequent crashes; spontaneous reboots; registry
errors; missing system files; and other intermittent or
bizzarre behavior.
1. Memory configuration. The installer put in
mismatched modules, the wrong memory for the
system board or modules installed in wrong
order.
2. Installation issues. The memory module is
seated incorrectly, or the memory socket is
defective, corroded or dirty.
3. Hardware defects. A portion of the memory
module is bad because of a manufacturing
defect , power surge, overheating or other
causes.
 The easiest way to determine the root cause of a
memory problem and find a solution is by examining the
events of conditions of the computer before symptoms
occurred. Check to see if any of the following conditions
apply to you:
 Effective troubleshooting of any issue boils down to using
a methodical, scientific approach that rules out common
issues as you progress. It’s often tempting to skip steps,
but taking any shortcuts will just lengthen the
troubleshooting process if you hunches are wrong.
Instead, take these basic steps to avoid a more serious
and possibly impending problem.

1. Backup your system

2. Check you hardware and system configuration
3. Reinstall the modules
4. Removing the modules one by one from the motherboard
5. Swap the module around
6. Replacing with known good module
7. Removing and cleaning the metal contacts
8. Identifying memory failure using motherboard
BIOS codes.
9. Update the system BIOS
10. Test the memory module
11. Check online support sites for known issues
12. Run updated antivirus software
13. Look for additional causes