RAM problems

[archibaldcrane]

HP Dv7t laptop from 2011, when I try to start it up it gets to the Windows 7 logo, then has a flash of blue screen of death and reverts to asking if I want to Launch startup repair.

I've tried reverting to two different system restores, same problem. If i hit esc on startup, then f2 into system diagnostics, and run Memory Test, I get a failure. I've reseated both sticks of RAM, tried starting up with a single stick in either position, switched positions, same behavior regardless.

HP wants $259 to send it in for repair, I'm beyond my warranty by a month. I don't have any laptop ram laying around to test with.

Ideas?

[Tajin]

You tested both sticks alone yes?

[archibaldcrane]

Yeah.

[Krandor]

Unlikely you'd see both sticks shit the bed at the same time, so you're most likely looking at the slots/North Bridge itself going bad.

If you can get one it might be prudent to test your RAM in someone else's computer, since you can't verify the source of the problem, you cant know if putting new RAM in your computer would end up damaging it.

[Tajin]

Unlikely you'd see both sticks shit the bed at the same time, so you're most likely looking at the slots/North Bridge itself going bad.

If you can get one it might be prudent to test your RAM in someone else's computer, since you can't verify the source of the problem, you cant know if putting new RAM in your computer would end up damaging it.

Seconded.

Edit: If those $260 cover any kind of repairs for the laptop is not a bad deal, though you can probably get RAM sticks for much cheaper.

[archibaldcrane]

I just have 2x2 right now, could upgrade to 4x2 for $60, just don't want to if it's not going to solve my problem. Laptop was like $950 just over 2 years ago.

[Krandor]

If the RAM showed good in another computer, then you'd obviously know the problem is sitting on your mobo at that point. Unfortunately, if it tests as bad it's still not going to give you a conclusive answer since the RAM could have been damaged by the computer.

The only way to really know for sure would be to put known good RAM in, but since you don't have any lying around you'd be running the risk of damaging it and wasting money.

[archibaldcrane]

Actually just ran the memory test on each stick individually. Turns out i had one 4gb and one 2gb. The 4gb alone shows failure, but i swapped it (same slot) for the 2gb and that passed.

However, with just the 2gb in, I still get the same startup failure... Not sure what to do next.

[Melena]

I'd make a run to frys, buy laptop memory test, and return.

[Krandor]

I'd make a run to frys, buy laptop memory test, and return.

True dat, could claim it was DoA if it ends up getting fried.

I mean, unless Archie has morals.

[archibaldcrane]

I'm getting to the point life-wise where I feel like I should just throw money at my problems - not worth the time and worry to do otherwise...but then I feel wasteful...

[archibaldcrane]

But seriously, if the 2GB module tests fine, then in theory it's not the RAM right?

Shit i dunno

[Tajin]

I prefer that approach too.

If one stick passed the test but you still get errors I'd just send it over. They will probably just switch the mobo and you'll get some more warranty out of it.

[orinthia]

Do you have a hiren's boot cd on hand? You may want to go download one and see if you can boot off it, and try to use its mini windows xp mode. It won't do anything to your hdd, instead it will create a small ram drive. If the ram part is really bad, it will most likely shit itself attempting this. Also has some other diagnostic tools you could run if it starts fine.

If you have a spare laptop hdd and windows install disc, can see if a normal install works. Don't need to register it or anything since you just want to know if it can even run.

Could be your install got borked, though you'd have to see what the bluescreen's error code is to have some clue (I hate the default reboot behavior so much for this). Does safe mode work at all? If it does, you might be able to change the reboot on bluescreen behavior so you can see it, or check logs, etc.

[archibaldcrane]

Apparently it was caused by some sort of virus - the RAM was fine. Wife took it to some local computer repair shop, dude fixed it for $100 and chastized her for torrenting (we only use IPTorrents so who knows).

Oh well, better than sending it to HP for $260. Picking it up tomorrow morning.

[Totien]

To help if you have any issues in the future, f8 during startup and disable the restart after critical error. That'll keep the BsOD on the screen long enough that you can google the error code.