Does Memtest86 give false errors?

2048Megabytes

2048Megabytes

Active Member
When I run the program "Memtest 86 version 4.2" I tried two different memory slots with two different modules of RAM and the errors begin to appear at the same spot everytime. I got over 1,000,000 errors as it ran. This leads me to believe I am having problems with motherboard or Memtest86 is defective. I tested my Linux Mint for about ten minutes with no problems.

Time break out the Windows 7 operating system and try out some video games for more testing.

Anyone else ever run Memtest86 and get errors but not have any problems with their system?
 
Well I ran the Windows Memory Diagnostics Tool. It found no errors. I played two video games for a total of about 30 minutes no issues. Is Memtest86 version 4.2 a faulty program?

Is there a good stable version of Memtest86 or another program that tests system stability?
 
The Windows Memory Diagnostics Tool scan is nowhere near as thorough as Memtest. The fact that the Windows tool only takes maybe a minute or two to check your RAM and Memtest takes hours makes that obvious.

When I had blue screens as a result of bad RAM, the Windows tool didn't detect it and said my RAM was fine. I ran Memtest, and it found all sorts of errors. Replaced the RAM and then no more problems.
 
I guess the only way to know is to try some different random access memory. I will have to borrow some from my brother. I should also put my memory modules into his motherboard to run tests on them. Super Talent memory has a lifetime warranty on it so I can get new memory if these are defective.

Thanks for the input.
 
Did you have any problems before or after running Memtest? In other words does your computer lock up/blue screen/errors. If not dont worry about it.
 
2048Megabytes said:
I guess the only way to know is to try some different random access memory. I will have to borrow some from my brother. I should also put my memory modules into his motherboard to run tests on them. Super Talent memory has a lifetime warranty on it so I can get new memory if these are defective.

Thanks for the input.
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An easier way would be to just remove one of your sticks and see if the problems persist. That way you eliminate the hassle of having to borrow RAM.
 
spirit said:
An easier way would be to just remove one of your sticks and see if the problems persist. That way you eliminate the hassle of having to borrow RAM.
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I have done that already. Here is something interesting. I took the Memtest86 Version 4.2 to work and tested it out on the computer there. I use this computer everyday without any problems. I ran the program on this computer. While running the program in same place in the test (at about 42 percent) I am getting the same errors. The Memtest86 program version 4.2 is defective.

Stranglehold, is there a stable version of Memtest86 you would recommend?
 
StrangleHold said:
Did you have any problems before or after running Memtest? In other words does your computer lock up/blue screen/errors. If not dont worry about it.
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This is a valid point that I was going to bring up. Are you having any problems outside of Memtest? If not why would it even matter?
 
Denther said:
This is a valid point that I was going to bring up. Are you having any problems outside of Memtest? If not why would it even matter?
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Because my old power supply recently failed and I want to make sure it did not damage any components when it went out. Got the new power supply installed last night.
 
With that many errors I would think you would see some performance issues, so I leaning towards it being some odd glitch that isn't actually a hardware issue.


As other indicated, if you're not actually seeing any problems with performance then it's likely nothing to worry about. I'd recommend running Prime95 to stress test the memory to be sure.
 
I had the same problem with version 4.2. I read someplace that it is a bug. I can't find where I was reading about it. mine always failed at 41% Tested it with 2 different system. Same problem. Can you test an earlier version of memtest?
 
I've got an ISO of 3.5b if you or anybody else wants it. Worked well for me. Assuming it's OK to share since Memtest is free anyway.
 
I am going to try the Memtest 86 program that is on an older Ubuntu installation disk tonight. Presently, I am not at home. I will report back. Thanks for all the input everyone.
 
2048Megabytes said:
Because my old power supply recently failed and I want to make sure it did not damage any components when it went out. Got the new power supply installed last night.
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Oh okay. I'd just run as normal and see if you're having any problems. That seems like a lot of errors but then again if you start getting problems you know where too look first. If it's not giving you trouble, then don't worry about it.
 
Really most of time when a supply goes out it doesnt harm anything. A voltage spike is the biggest problem with cheap supplies.
 
I ran Memtest86+ version 2.01 for ten hours on my computer. It completed 11 tests with no errors. It appears my system is fully functional. Sweet!
 
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