Hi, My computer crashes every few hours, no matter how easy the work is (even only internet browsing and text input in notepad). At restart, XP requires a diskcheck which comes out with a no problems result. I suspected a memory problem and I did a memory test with the "memtest" utility (MemTest-86 v3.4). To my astonishment, all the tests came out bad: INVC failed LRAND failed Stride 6 failed WMATS+ failed WINVC failed Now, in these conditions I wonder how the computer can function at all..! Anyway, what should I do in order to solve the problem? Thanks.
Now that you've tested your memory (RAM), how many 'sticks' of RAM have you got? If it's one, then you need another and probably the quicker the better. If however you have more, then it's a simple matter of elimination, to find which stick/sticks are bad. When you shut down your pc and remove the cover, locate the RAM sticks and remove one. Use a grounding strap if you have one or hold onto the metal chassis (with one hand) of the pc while you remove the RAM by it's edges only. Restart your pc and go from there. If you post details of your Motherboard, I can post a pic showing details if you're not familiar with the locations. Howd you get on?
I hope for your sake that it's only a RAM stick problem. I had the eact same problem two years ago. My problem turned out to be that my motherboard on my three year old $2400.00 Sony laptop was dying. Thankfully Crucial refunded my money for the new RAM I purchased. The cost for a new motherboard and installation for my particular model Sony laptop exceeded what I was willing to pay for a repair. Out to the trash barrel it went. No more Sony anything for me.
So it lasted three years. What were you expecting? 3 years is pretty good for a lot of PC components these days. Ranger: onya's guide is pretty good, follow that and post your results. If you have more than one stick of memory already, the odds are usually good that only one will be the problem.
I was expecting something that I used very sparingly as maybe my third spare computer that is stored in a cool dry space and costing $2400.00 to last more than three years. But even that was okay. I wasn't expecting said computer's motherboard to cost three times what any other comparable laptop motherboard costs to replace whether I installed it or not. Hence, no more Sony.
Sony's repairs have always been a rip off, this is a legacy of the days when their products were engineered to fail shortly after the warranty expired.
LOL, Sad but true with elitegroup mobo's. So now they engineer differently......not. XD edit. .... thought i heard something? ...nope was wrong...just the dark, that's all. Oo
