Is my RAM not compatible?

warren_1979 · 10 Mar 2006 at 19:18

Hi, I've got a ASROCK K8Upgrade-VM800 which came with a gig of unbranded RAM. I recently added a second gig of RAM (Crucial Value type, said it was compatible with my motherboard) and thought all was fine.

Now I'm getting ' firefox etc. has encountered a problem and needs to close' in various programs (Firefox, winamp, and cubase) at random times. I've tried reinstalling windows but I'm still getting the errors. Could it be my RAM thats the problem and whats the best free RAM checking program to get?

Regards,
Warren.

Jamie1984 · 10 Mar 2006 at 19:59

download memtest, that should show up any memory errors. might not harm you to note down the error the next time winamp or whatever closes and google that too.

warren_1979 · 10 Mar 2006 at 23:08

Hi, thanks for the reply.

I've noted one error that happened in Firefox but I couldn't find where it had stored it to. It says it stored it in this place on my PC: C:\DUCUME~1\Wozza\LOCALS~1\Temp\WER76.tmp.dir00\appcompat.txt
But I can't for the life of me find that place on my PC, I don't think it exists.

What I'm going to do tomorrow is download memtest and do a thorough test of each RAM stick. Anyone got any tips on how to test the modules best?

When I first got my PC it came with two rubish matrix brand modules (each 512MB) and when I was installing XP I was getting BSOD all the time. I managed to install XP by taking out one module. I swapped the 'duff' module with the guy I bought it off and it was doing the same thing and this happened another time as well. He sent me out a 1gig module instead and it was fine, anyway what I'm trying to say is could one of the MOBO slots be defective? I've heard a defective slot can harm RAM.

Its wierd because I can play Battlefield 2 and Pro evo soccer fine.

I'd appreciate any input.

Regards.

warren_1979 · 11 Mar 2006 at 17:53

Ok. I've run the latest memtest86+ in bootable floppy mode for about 3 and 1/2 hours (about 3 passes) and it didn't come up with any errors. I'm going to run again tomorrow for a few hours as I know it could be missed. Is this the best memory tester to use?

Also, I installed a soundcard recently (when my problems seemed to have started, although I can't be sure) and every windows xp driver I've tried with it has come up with a dialogue before installation, saying it might not work properly, and giving me the option of stopping installation or continuing). Could be be the source of the problem. I've got two partitions on my harddrive and I'm going to install xp again, but not the soundcard, and see if this could be the problem.

Regards.

IzaLearnin · 11 Mar 2006 at 21:03

To rule out the soundcard, remove it then use system restore to roll xp back to a point before installing the sound card drivers. See how this goes. If this removes the error's check the card manufacturer's website for an updated driver and re-install.

warren_1979 · 11 Mar 2006 at 21:40

I've checked the soundcards website and it says that sort of warning sign is normal. Heres what they say:

'M-Audio tests their drivers extensively to ensure full compatibility with Windows XP but does not currently participate in Microsoft's Driver Signing (Windows Logo Testing) program for all products.'

M-Audio is a top company that make high-end soundcards so I think I can rule the soundcard. I was going to install a second copy of win xp on my harddrive anyway, so when I do I will try it without the soundcard (use onboard) and see how it goes.

Mrchu_ · 13 Mar 2006 at 01:37

did you do test 5 and 8.they really test your ram.
and the warning is just an unsigned driver sign.makes most people a bit nervous