How to perform a MemTest86+ Test

For those running MemTest86, please follow this guide here.

Please note that MemTest86+ has not been updated for over two years and is now thought to be outdated. Please see the guide above.

MemTest86+ is an easy-to-use DOS test that can help determine whether or not your memory (RAM) is failing. This test will work on both desktops and notebooks and will test all types of memory. The following article will guide you through how to test your memory for any damages or issues that may encounter.

There are two methods of running MemTest86+; a blank CD or a blank USB device, both of which will be explained below.

Step 1: Make your way to this website: Memtest86+ – Advanced Memory Diagnostic Tool

Step 2: Once there, choose to download the bootable ISO .zip file.

Make sure to save the file to your desktop!

Step 3: Once the file is saved to your desktop extract the file by right-clicking on the folder and pressing Extract Now. Look below to find both the bootable CD and bootable USB methods.

The following section will show you how to run MemTest86+ from a CD. For USB instructions look further down.

Step 1: First you’ll need to download a program called IMGBurn from here: The Official ImgBurn Website

Step 2: Run the installer when asked and follow the onscreen installation guide.

Note: If asked to install any type of toolbar or any other software other than IMGBurn untick or decline the offer.

Step 3: Returning to your desktop, launch the IMGBurn software.

Step 4: In the menu of IMGBurn select Write Image file to Disk.

Step 5: Select the MemTest86+ .ISO file to be burned to your blank CD.

Step 6: Now we need to finish off by writing the file to the CD. Insert your blank CD into your CD ROM and press the Write to CD button and allow the process to begin.

Skip the next section and please read the Running MemTest86+ section of this article.

Step 1: Once you have finished creating your bootable device insert it into either a USB port found on the motherboard or your CD ROM.

Step 2: Reboot the PC. While it is booting repeatedly press F8 until you receive a menu on choosing a bootable device.

Step 3: Select either your USB device or CD ROM and MemTest86+ should appear.

Step 4: Once MemTest86+ is running and has found your memory it will automatically begin to run the test.

Step 5: Allow the test to run uninterrupted for at least 20 minutes. An ideal test would be to leave it for one hour.

Step 6: It is best to run MemTest86+ with one memory stick at a time. However, you may run with all memory sticks in the PC. You just will not be able to test which memory stick is failing until you perform a single test on each stick.

Step 5A: If posting on a forum be sure to provide a picture of the final result. To post a picture use an external camera such as a cell phone and upload it to the forum.

Step 5B: If you are preforming a normal check for yourself; typically any red errors indicate a failing memory stick and it should be replaced.

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