intermittent memory problems

[Raymond]

I appear to have intermittent memory problems. I have replaced the chip in
one of the two slots available (HP pavillion zt1250) and tested memory with
Norton check it diagnosis...it passes the tests. Yet, in the past, it has
worked for a few days but suddenly freezes (I had my hard drive and OS
replaced the first time my computer froze, having had to shut down with power
switch and being unable to reboot...after that I replaced the chip but, after
a few days, the computer froze again and I removed the chip and seemed to
have no further problems running with the one 512MB chip). Today I replaced
the second chip and am running ok for the time being. I am assuming the
problem is with the slot and not the chip itself. I have no idea how to
research or identify this problem, let alone fix it. I would welcome any help
in how to test and fix this problem. I use XP home edition.

 

[JS]

Try running Memtest86+, this runs from a boot disk and should eliminate or
confirm if your ram or a slot is bad.
Let it run for as long as you can, 2,4,6,8 or more hours, if no errors by
then your ram and or slot is OK.
See: http://www.memtest.org/

JS

 

[Paul]

I appear to have intermittent memory problems. I have replaced the chip in
one of the two slots available (HP pavillion zt1250) and tested memory with
Norton check it diagnosis...it passes the tests. Yet, in the past, it has
worked for a few days but suddenly freezes (I had my hard drive and OS
replaced the first time my computer froze, having had to shut down with power
switch and being unable to reboot...after that I replaced the chip but, after
a few days, the computer froze again and I removed the chip and seemed to
have no further problems running with the one 512MB chip). Today I replaced
the second chip and am running ok for the time being. I am assuming the
problem is with the slot and not the chip itself. I have no idea how to
research or identify this problem, let alone fix it. I would welcome any help
in how to test and fix this problem. I use XP home edition.

I think you've pretty well done all that a user can do.
Tested the sticks individually. Tried substituting another stick etc.

That unit appears to be using PC133 SDRAM. A USENET posting suggests
there is some kind of SIS chipset in there, but what exact chipset, I
wasn't able to discover.

http://www.memorygiant.com/index.cf...pavilion&model_id=-3838&model=Pavilion+zt1250

The machine likely has a single memory channel. Up to three sticks
should be able to run at PC133, so it is not like the memory bus
is being asked to do something impossible. Two slots should be
able to run with ease at PC133.

The fact that errors show, when the second stick is added, suggests
the problem is loading related. A possible reason, would be if the
performance of the memory bus was reduced, by a reduction in the
operating voltage of the RAM and bus. For example, if there
was a parametric shift in the motherboard regulation circuitry.

In other words, this could be motherboard related. If you swap
RAM, and the same kind of symptoms still exist, then there isn't
much else you can swap, to help it. Either motherboard or
RAM are your choices. The only way a motherboard swap makes
sense, is if you could find a ZT1250 being sold for parts
(say, busted LCD), and the motherboard in that one is
still good.

Or be happy that one stick of RAM is working, and continue with that.

Paul

 

[Raymond]

I purchased the CD. Am somewhat confused by all the tech talk but will see
what happens when it arrives (by 1/31?). I do appreciate your quick response.
I hope it can find and repair (or isolate and ignore the problem area). I
admit this is probably beyond my expertise but often that is how I
learn...besides I can not afford other profession tech help at this time.

 

[DL]

Purchased cd?
Its free and dowloadable as a file to create a bootable floppy, or bootable
cd

 

[Ace]

hope it can find and repair (or isolate and ignore the problem area).

This is beyond the functions of Memtest86+.
The program's only purpose is diagnosis - should any errors come up during
the tests, and you have replaced all the memory already, your only
remaining gremlins are in the motherboard and/or processor.
If this machine is still under warranty, I would have it replaced.

 

[Raymond]

Thanks Ace. Since I have an HP notebook, it probably won't be possible to
repair the slot; But diagnosis still would help clear up the mystery (I don't
like unknowns!). There are two slots and it might be possible to get a 1GB
chip (instead of the two 512GB I had). Truth so say I have never noticed much
difference in performance with 512 vs 1GB anyway. Probably because I
generally avoid having many things open at any one time anyway. One of the
major aspects is that the problem seems intermittent...basically that is not
what one expects of machines. I did have a lightening strike wipe out my
modem and NIC card about a year or so ago and that might have eventually
contributed to the memory problem even though it took awhile to show up. This
notebook is about six years old so I am probably lucky it still works at all.
When I can afford it, I will get a custom PC. Meanwhile I make due. Like the
PC/ethernet card which bypasses the burnt NIC (sigh). Kinda reminds me of the
old cars like Fords, where everything but the engine and the wheels had
failed...they smoked and clancked, but still rolled.

 

[Ace]

Thanks Ace. Since I have an HP notebook, it probably won't be possible
to repair the slot; But diagnosis still would help clear up the
mystery (I don't like unknowns!). There are two slots and it might be
possible to get a 1GB chip (instead of the two 512GB I had). Truth so
say I have never noticed much difference in performance with 512 vs
1GB anyway. Probably because I generally avoid having many things open
at any one time anyway. One of the major aspects is that the problem
seems intermittent...basically that is not what one expects of
machines. I did have a lightening strike wipe out my modem and NIC
card about a year or so ago and that might have eventually contributed
to the memory problem even though it took awhile to show up. This
notebook is about six years old so I am probably lucky it still works
at all. When I can afford it, I will get a custom PC. Meanwhile I make
due. Like the PC/ethernet card which bypasses the burnt NIC (sigh).
Kinda reminds me of the old cars like Fords, where everything but the
engine and the wheels had failed...they smoked and clancked, but still
rolled. --
Thank you, Raymond

Hi Raymond,

You may unfortunately be right about the lightning strike's delayed
effects.
When you get around to trying Memtest86+, make sure you test each module
individually in each slot for at least an hour (short testing times can
hide thermal problems, for example, low runtime = less heat)
Then move onto testing both modules at the same time, and you may try
reversing which slot you put them in (module A from slot A into slot B,
module B from slot B into slot A, you get the idea.)
If there is indeed a memory problem, Memtest86+ will show it, and you
will be able to at least isolate which slot/module is giving trouble if
so.