Is Windows Memory Dianostic Tool Reliable?

[pmeade]

I have a Dell 5150 that BSODs constantly, but with completely different
errors each time. The memory diagnostic tool says I have LRAND errors
in both my 256MB stick. Dell insists that it is simply a software
problem because the Dell diagnostic tool says everything is ok
(including the memory).

I tried installing new memory and it got the exact same errors, but
this time on four 512 MB Sticks. I think this is pretty suspicious, but
my problem is does it mean:

a) point to an underlying problem with the motherboard?
-or-
b) Is Dell right and the problem is software.

Does anyone know of false positives from the Windows Memory Diagnostic
Tool

And while I'm asking for help, does anyone know the secret phrase to
get Dell tech support to actually help me and not just tell me I must
be having a software problem (whch of course the warrenty doesn't
cover).

Thanks

 

[Shenan Stanley]

I have a Dell 5150 that BSODs constantly, but with completely
different errors each time. The memory diagnostic tool says I have
LRAND errors in both my 256MB stick. Dell insists that it is simply
a software problem because the Dell diagnostic tool says everything
is ok (including the memory).

I tried installing new memory and it got the exact same errors, but
this time on four 512 MB Sticks. I think this is pretty suspicious,
but my problem is does it mean:

a) point to an underlying problem with the motherboard?
-or-
b) Is Dell right and the problem is software.

Does anyone know of false positives from the Windows Memory
Diagnostic Tool

And while I'm asking for help, does anyone know the secret phrase to
get Dell tech support to actually help me and not just tell me I
must be having a software problem (whch of course the warrenty
doesn't cover).

Try this tester:
http://www.hcidesign.com/memtest/

And this one:
http://www.memtest86.com/

See if they tell you the same as the Microsoft tester.

Getting the errors with completely different RAM does unfortunately point in
another direction (for errors.)

If it was me - I would likely make an image of the entire system, install
Windows from scratch and see if the new install gives me the same trouble..
If the problem occurs again - it is doubtful it is a Windows issue. If it
doesn't occur in the clean install then you do have an issue in your
install.. Then I would restore my backup image and troubleshoot.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Shenan;
You boot to the Microsoft tool on CD or floppy.
The OS is never involved so that is not a possible issue.
My guess may be hardware-motherboard since it happens with other memory.
But the other tools you listed should help narrow it down.

 

[pmeade]

I ran memtest86 overnight, and it also finds errors in 'Test 7 --
Assigning Random Values'. The problem now is that Dell's tests don't
find anything wrong, and of course they only trust their tests. Any
ideas how I can narrow down/ prove the hardware problem to Dell?

 

[Al Dykes]

I ran memtest86 overnight, and it also finds errors in 'Test 7 --
Assigning Random Values'. The problem now is that Dell's tests don't
find anything wrong, and of course they only trust their tests. Any
ideas how I can narrow down/ prove the hardware problem to Dell?

FWIW, download a run-from-CD version of Linux and run memtest86.

Finnix (http://www.finnix.org/) is a small distro and memtest is a
boot-time option if you hit F2 when prompted.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Have you reseated the memory a few times?
Try with one stick, then the other.
Try with one slot empty, then the other slot empty.

Find a computer that will use that memory.
Run at least two of the tests to verify it is OK then swap you bad memory to
the computer and run the tests again.
Try other memory in your computer.

If further tests show the memory or motherboard, insist on a supervisor so
you can get to a resolution.
Hopefully the supervisor knows not even the Dell memory test is perfect.