Notes:
The steps to create CD/USB bootable media were originally posted by admin Tekno Venus.
I expanded them and then added also other users' experiences.
Follow the instructions below for running MemTest86+ from either a USB stick or CD/DVD (i.e., you don't need both).
Download MemTest86+ and burn it onto a USB stick (Recommended)
Simple steps
Read More:
Get a 256MB USB stick, or larger.
Go to MemTest86+ download webpage (click), click the latest version of the Auto-installer for USB Key (Win 9x/2k/xp/7), save the file and extract/unzip it.
Plug in your USB stick.
Launch Memtest86+ USB Installer.exe and follow the instructions.
Detailed steps
Read More:
Get a 256MB USB stick, or larger.
A USB stick is also known as "flash drive", "pen drive", "thumb drive", "jump drive", "memory stick" and so forth.
It doesn’t matter what size the stick is because the MemTest86+ file is only 180KB big. Tekno Venus wrote "I have installed it on a 128MB USB stick with no issues". Note: The files/folders present in it will be DELETED. If you need them, copy them to another safe place (i.e., create a backup).
Click the latest version of the Auto-installer for USB Key (Win 9x/2k/xp/7) to download it.
(Optional) Scan the new downloaded file with your default antivirus.
You can scan the file with other tools (as examples: MalwareBytes 3 free, SuperAntiSpyware free, virustotal.com, metadefender.com, jotti.org, virscan.org).
Extract/unzip it to your preferred place (directly in the download folder, on the desktop, a new folder, an existing folder... It's your choice).
As an example, I "unzipped" it directly in the download folder.
Windows should be able to unzip the folder on its own (after some actions/clicks made by you).
If this won't be the case, you can download/install 7-zip, open source and free, latest stable version from 7-zip.org or sourceforge.net.
Plug in your USB stick.
Launch the included application: Memtest86+ USB Installer.exe.
Check/tick the option to format the drive to reduce the risk of any install issues. Notes:
This will erase all data on the USB stick.
If you'll get the following error:
Read More:
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Memtest86+ 5.01 USB Installer Setup (Title)
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An error (1) occurred while executing syslinux. (Content/Body)
Your USB stick won't be bootable...
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OK (Button)
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You'll have to either clean (with diskpart or other tools) and re-format the USB stick or you'll must use another USB stick, even if the usb installer application will say it will work (when its procedure will be finished).
Once the installer finishes, the drive is ready.
Download MemTest86+ and burn it onto a CD/DVD
Simple steps
Read More:
Get a rewritable CD/DVD.
Go to MemTest86+ download webpage (click), click the latest version of the Pre-Compiled Bootable ISO (.zip), save the file and extract/unzip it.
Put the CD in your CD/DVD drive.
Burn the MemTest86+ ISO image in your CD/DVD with your preferred burning software.
Detailed steps
Read More:
Get a rewritable CD/DVD. Note: The files/folders present in it will be DELETED. If you need them, copy them to another safe place (i.e., create a backup).
Click the latest version of the Pre-Compiled Bootable ISO (.zip) and save the file in your PC.
(Optional) Scan the new downloaded file with your default antivirus.
You can scan the file with other tools (as examples: MalwareBytes 3 free, SuperAntiSpyware free, virustotal.com, metadefender.com, jotti.org, virscan.org).
Extract/unzip it to your preferred place (directly in the download folder, on the desktop, a new folder, an existing folder... It's your choice).
As an example, I "unzipped" it directly in the download folder.
Windows should be able to unzip the folder on its own (after some actions/clicks made by you).
If this won't be the case, you can download/install 7-zip, open source and free, latest stable version from 7-zip.org or sourceforge.net.
Put the CD/DVD in your CD/DVD drive.
Right click the unzipped file memtest86+-5.01.iso and choose Open With -> Windows Disk Burner
If Windows Disk Burner shouldn't be available, you can use your preferred CD/DVD burner program (like imgburner, cdburnerxp, ashampoo burning studio 2017, and so forth).
Example with cdburnerxp free:
Read More:
Open cdburnerxp
Double click Burn ISO image (or one click to select, click ok to open the "burn iso image" interface)
Select ISO image to burn: type (or copy/paste) the complete path to the iso image memtest86+-5.01.iso or click the browse button to find and locate it.
Target device: your cd/dvd drive should be already selected, change the speed. 1x for best results.
Burn method: DAO16 (or DAO96)
Click burn disc
[*]
Example with imgburn free:
Read More:
Open imgburn.
Click write image file to disc.
Source: click the browse button to find and locate the iso image memtest86+-5.01.iso.
Write speed: 1x for best results.
Click the write picture (cd on a paper, right arrow, cd image).
[*]
Example with ashampoo burning studio 2017 free:
Read More:
Open ashampoo burning studio 2017.
Disc image, burn image.
Disc image path: type (or copy/paste) the complete path to the iso image memtest86+-5.01.iso or click the browse button to find and locate it.
Click next.
It chooses the write speed on its own and it isn't editable (at least when I tried it on my system).
Click write cd (or write dvd).
[*]
Leave the USB stick, or CD/DVD, inserted.
The USB stick should be able to boot on any computer in old BIOS/CSM Mode or in modern UEFI 32/64 bits.
Memtest86+ DOES NOT (actually) supports Secure Boot.
If enabled, Secure Boot must be temporarily disabled before trying to boot on this USB Key.
If Secure Boot is enabled, disable it and save the settings.
(Be prepared to press the applicable key to access the boot menu. You can find it like the one for bios/uefi settings)
Exit from the BIOS/UEFI settings.
Press the applicable key to access the boot menu.
Select the USB stick, or the CD/DVD disc, with MemTest86+on it.
As an example, DEL is usually the key for the bios/uefi settings on ASROCK motherboards.
If the program won't start after a few of seconds, and you'll be redirected to the boot menu, you'll have to enable the CSM (Compatibility Support Module) in your BIOS settings.
This is also known as Launch CSM or boot: legacy (instead of boot: uefi).
If you can't find CSM, it could be necessary to disable the Fast boot feature (in your BIOS settings).
Wait a few of seconds and MemTest86+ will be available on your screen.
You can use the letters between parenthesis to access its menus.
Note:
In version 5.01, Multi-Core (SMT) testing was introduced.
This is a feature designed to speed up test times.
To enable this feature, press the F2 key within a few seconds of booting into MemTest86+.
BTW, it seems there is a bug linked to this new feature, hence I do not recommend it.
Available menus:
Esc key: to exit the program
F1 key: to enter in configuration
Read More:
<F1> Test selection
Read More:
<F1> Clear selection
<F2> Remove one test
<F3> Add one test
<F4> Add test range
<F5> Add all tests
<F10> Exit menu
Current selection: 0-.-----------10
*.*********
Available tests:
Address test, own address in window
Address test, own address + window
Moving inversions, 1s & 0s
Moving inversions, 8 bit pattern
Moving inversions, random pattern
Moving inversions, 32 bit pattern
Block move
Random number sequence
Modulo 20, random pattern
Bit fade test, 2 patterns
<F2> Address range
<F3> CPU sequencing mode
<F4> Error reporting mode
Read More:
<F1> Error counts only
<F2> Error summary
<F3> Individual errors (default)
<F4> BadRAM patterns
<F10> Exit menu
<F5> Skip current test
<F10> Exit menu
Space: scroll lock or scroll unlock (???)
Wait until it reaches at least 8 passes or until an error appears.
This test could take few hours.
Added by Philc43: as an example, on some systems with 32GB RAM could take 1-2 days.
In this case it can be an advantage to breakdown the testing into steps of one or two modules at a time and run the tests overnight.
Added by Philc43: when errors are found with a single stick, it is also worth testing that stick in other slots to check that the errors are not due to a MB slot problem.
Follow the instructions here (click) (after the warning) to know how to manually switch memory modules.
Thanks for this updated version. Could I also suggest you add a comment about the length of time it takes? For example a 32GB system could take 1-2 days on some systems. In this case it can be an advantage to breakdown the testing into steps of one or two modules at a time and run the tests overnight.
Also note that when errors are found with a single stick it is also worth testing that stick in other slots to check that the errors are not due to a MB slot problem.
Nice guide.
The only thing I would add is every live CD/DVD which is created by Linux will have included the Memtest86.
I love the fact you have explained the booting sequences that is something most people might miss when they trying to boot.
Again great work I love the guide. :thumbs_up:
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