RAMexam -- Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a limit to the amount of memory RAMexam tests? It appears that it tests up to 64 MB of my system memory.

The amount of memory that RAMexam can test is determined by how much memory the BIOS reports. If you are using a computer with more than 64 MB of RAM, it is possible that RAMexam (as well as other programs in your system) may detect only the first 64 MB. This is based on how the system BIOS reports the amount of memory that is available. It is possible that the BIOS may correctly display the memory available at boot time, but not report it properly to other programs. A BIOS upgrade may allow RAMexam and other programs to see and use the full amount of memory on the system.

Another possibility is to install a recent version of HIMEM.SYS which might see more extended memory.  In this context, RAMexam allocates memory through the XMS interface and will test all of the extended memory it allocates.

My system locks during RAMexam testing. How can I prevent this?

A system lockup while RAMexam is testing memory is rare. However, if a lockup does occur, try one of the options listed below to resolve the problem.

/K

Upon occasion, rapid keystrokes may cause a keyboard lockup during RAMexam testing. This problem may occur in a system that does not have a memory manager loaded. Using /K may stabilize keyboard activity in these cases.

/V

Some 486 machines equipped with VLSI chipsets (82C480) with the Level 2 external cache may lock or reboot when RAMexam is executed. This option disables the external cache and allows RAMexam to run to completion.

What do I do if I get a memory error?

When RAMexam encounters defective RAM, testing halts and a red warning box appears with all of the known information about the error. The first thing you should do is see if the error is reproducible. If it happens only once, it may be nothing to worry about. The error may have been caused by alpha particle radiation and likely will not recur. If it is reproducible, you should take your system to a qualified repair facility. Diagnosis of memory errors, beyond that offered by RAMexam, requires hands-on interaction with the system and frequently required special equipment. Unless you are qualified, do not attempt to replace the RAM on your system.

Can I use DOS 6 MultiConfig support with RAMexam?

If you have DOS 6 MultiConfig and configure RAMexam to run in ALL sections, RSETUP will install RAMexam at the beginning of AUTOEXEC.BAT.  At this point, you cannot reconfigure RAMexam to run in specific MultiConfig sections unless you remove the reference to RAMexam in AUTOEXEC.BAT. After removing RAMexam from AUTOEXEC.BAT, rerun RSETUP /R to select individual MultiConfig sections.

Does RAMexam run on Apple Macintosh computers, or just PCs?

RAMexam is a PC only product written entirely in Intel 386 Assembly Language.

[Products] [Orders] [Technical Support] [Registration] [Downloads]

About Qualitas  Return to Home Page