I'm trying to run a memory test on an old Compaq cq61 laptop, but it's being very difficult. I've faced several problems: newer versions of Memtest won't boot because the laptop doesn't support UEFI. Memtest86 version 4.3.7 gets to the test selection menu, but neither the internal keyboard nor a USB keyboard seems to work. I don't have a PS/2 option available. The latest version of Memtest86+ won't launch at all, and Hiren's BootCD doesn't work either, even though it claims to support BIOS. I also have a DDR2 Inspiron 6400, but it uses RAM for graphics, so I'm not sure if I can test the RAM fully with that one.
3 Answers
Have you tried swapping the RAM between the two laptops to see if the issues follow the sticks? You could also install Windows and use its memory diagnostic tool.
Do you have an OS installed? If you have Windows Vista or later, you could give the Windows Memory Diagnostic a shot. But, honestly, don't expect too much from a nearly 20-year-old laptop, haha.
Dell has Vista and Compaq has Win7, but I'm looking to run 8 full tests on each stick to make sure they're all good. I bought about 50 sticks in an online auction to upgrade my fleet since DDR2 is still cheap! I'm a collector.
I can check if I have an older version of Memtest86 that might work for you. Let me see what I can dig up!
Cheers!
About version 4.3.7, the keyboard not responding is a common Compaq issue. The Inspiron works fine with the keys, but because it has shared Intel graphics, I don't think I can test all the RAM with that one.