Windows Boot Problems

Every time Windows starts up, a number of programs are run automatically. Most of the application that you install using default installation like a virus scanner or an instant messenger application, also load when the Windows boots up. These applications use the system memory and take time to get going, leaving little portion of the memory for other programs to open. Some programs sneak into the list of programs that are loaded during start ups.

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Windows Memory Problems


The complexity of the Windows registry and the fact that it controls the entire operation of your PC makes it the most critical component of your computer. If your are facing weird error messages or your system takes a lot of time to start, you are most likely having a clogged system registrAll the information necessary for the operation of the computer is stored in the memory slots and therefore computer memory is the one of most important factors in the functioning of your computer. As a result of improper maintenance, old files are not cleared and it leads to a stage where the Windows starts memory dump. Sometimes the system is not able to recognize the installed memory.

Memory problems can range from Blue Screen and other serious errors to system crash and the system failing to recognize the installed memory. Every time you turn your PC on, the BIOS checks the system memory and therefore severe memory problems can be found quickly as they would render your PC unbootable or your screen may go blank. Following are some of the memory failures:

  • System emitting beep sound consistently while starting
  • Blue screen of Death
  • System hangs up or reboots while running a large program
  • System fails to install win3.1, Win95, Win98 and Windows NT
  • Unstable Windows programs
  • Continuous ram count while starting up
  • System fails to boot-up
  • HIMEM.SYS does not load
  • No video display
  • System hanging or rebooting after prolonged usage

Troubleshooting

Some of the techniques adopted to isolate possible memory problems are as follows:

One of the most common methods of isolating an erring memory module is moving the modules and swapping them between slots on the motherboard. If your motherboard uses "SIMM" modules, the slots must be filled in pairs. If your motherboard has "DIMM" memory modules, and you have 2, then you can remove one, run the tests and then swap it for the one removed.

In this manner you would be able to do away with the bad module quickly. Take note of modules that pass or fail and then switch that one with the other.
In case if you have two memory modules, you can swap and rotate modules to determine the defective one. You should change the location of two modules one at a time and run the diagnostic test. When the failing data bit or address changes, you are able to find out that one of the modules you have swapped recently is failing. If you are able to start up the system successfully with the first combination, and after swapping the PC does not boot, then the module in slot zero is the defective one. Thus by using combinations of module swapping, you can find out the defective ones.

If the above methods do not help to pinpoint the defective modules, you can either swap them with known good modules or send them to a testing facility. You can use known good modules and replace one module at a time to pinpoint the memory failure.

In case of older systems, dust or oxidation may result into poor contact in the SIMM/DIMM slot. You should clean the gold or tin contact by removing the module. Ensure that you are not reversing the module while reinserting into SIMM/DIMM slot after cleaning.
BIOS emit beeping sound from built in speaker on the motherboard to inform you about the problems that your system is having.