Memory errors or issues can occur on a Windows machine for a variety of reasons, including virus infections, hardware problems, or simply because Windows has become corrupted. Fortunately, there are a few steps that you can take to troubleshoot and fix most memory errors.
1. Check your RAM: One of the most common causes of memory errors are physical RAM problems. The first step in troubleshooting memory errors should be to make sure that your RAM is seated correctly and not corrupted. To check your RAM, open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete, and then click on the Performance tab. In the Memory section, you will see information on your installed RAM. If you have any errors listed here, it’s likely that your RAM is the source of the memory errors. You should remove and re-install the RAM or replace it with new RAM if necessary.
2. Run a Disk Cleanup: Disk Cleanup is a built-in Windows tool that can help to free up disk space and improve system performance. It can also help to repair memory errors by removing temporary files and other junk from your system. To run Disk Cleanup, open the Start Menu and type ‘Disk Cleanup’ into the search box. Select the Disk Cleanup icon, then select the drive you want to clean, and choose the items you would like to delete. Finally, click ‘OK’ to start the cleaning process.
3. Scan for Viruses: Viruses are one of the most common causes of memory errors, as they can corrupt or damage important system files. Make sure to run a full system scan with a good antivirus software, such as Microsoft Security Essentials, to check for any viruses and remove them from your system.
4. Update Windows and Drivers: Outdated Windows or device drivers can cause a variety of system problems, including memory errors. To update Windows and drivers, open the Control Panel and go to System and Security > Windows Update to check for any available updates. Or, you can visit the website of your computer’s manufacturer and look for any available driver updates.
5. Check for Corrupted Files: Corrupted files are another potential cause of memory errors. To check for corrupted system files, open an elevated command prompt (click the Start Menu, type ‘cmd’, right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator). Then type ‘sfc /scannow’ into the command prompt and press Enter. This will check your system for any corrupted files and attempt to repair them.
6. Uninstall Unnecessary Programs: Too many programs running in the background can also cause memory errors. To free up some memory, try uninstalling any unnecessary or unused programs from your system. To do this, open the Control Panel and select Uninstall a Program. Then select the program you wish to uninstall and click ‘Uninstall’. Repeat this process for any other programs you wish to remove.
7. Disable Startup Programs: Every time Windows starts, it loads a number of programs in the background. These can use up RAM and cause memory errors. To disable these programs, open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc. Then click on the Startup tab and identify any programs that are not essential. Select the program and click ‘Disable’ to prevent it from loading at startup.
8. Use the Memory Diagnostics Tool: The Memory Diagnostics Tool is a useful feature in Windows that can help to detect any memory issues on your system. To run it, open the Start Menu and type ‘memory’ into the search box. Select the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool icon, then choose whether you want to restart the computer to test the memory or schedule a test for the next time you restart.
9. Clean the Fans: Overheating can damage your hardware, leading to memory errors. Make sure to clear the dust from your fans and keep your PC well-ventilated to reduce the risk of overheating. You can use compressed air to blow away any dust from the fans.
10. Reset Windows: If all else fails, you can try resetting Windows. Resetting will restore your computer to its factory settings, wiping out any software you installed and any changes you made to the system settings. To reset Windows, open the Start Menu and type ‘reset’ into the search box. Click the Reset this PC icon, then select Keep my files and follow the on-screen instructions to reset your computer.
These troubleshooting steps should help you get to the root of most memory errors in Windows. However, if the error persists and none of these solutions worked, you may need to repair the Windows installation itself. To do this, you should use the System Restore feature to revert the system to a point when it was working normally. If you still can’t fix the issue, you may need to reinstall Windows or consult an expert for further assistance.