The Windows Memory Diagnostics Tool is unable to advance due to a Cache Off issue and remains stuck at 00%.
The Windows Memory Diagnostics Tool is unable to advance due to a Cache Off issue and remains stuck at 00%.
I just discovered that my HP laptop's RAM isn't passing the Windows Memory Diagnostics Test in Windows 11. When I enable Cache On, it runs through the tests smoothly. However, turning it off causes all tests to fail because it gets stuck at 00% for both progress and overall status. I'm curious what might be causing this issue with my RAM.
The reason you're attempting to use the Windows memory diagnostic tool is to identify potential issues with your system's hardware. There may be a concern regarding the unit, and it could be related to a specific problem that needs clarification. A more effective approach would involve using Memtest86.
To access Memtest86, visit the Passmark website and download the free USB version. If necessary, you can also use an optical disc version. After obtaining the software, create a bootable media using the downloaded file. Then, adjust your BIOS settings to boot from the USB drive containing Memtest86 or the optical drive if applicable.
While Memtest86+ is available and has been recently updated, for this guide I suggest sticking with the Passmark version due to its reliability over the years. You might consider using Memtest86+ as a supplementary test alongside Memtest86, similar to how Windows memory diagnostics and Prime95 Blend are used for verification.
To download the Memtest86 USB package, follow the instructions provided.
Set up a bootable USB drive by following these steps:
1. Obtain the Windows MemTest86 USB image.
2. Use the right-click menu to select "Extract to Here," placing the file in your current directory.
3. Launch the included tool; it should automatically select the image and let you choose which USB drive to make bootable. Be aware this will erase all data on that drive.
For optimal results, ensure no memory fails during Memtest86 when running at its default configuration. This typically involves performing four full passes of all 11 tests with the system set to default settings. The paid version includes more tests (13), while the free version covers only tests 1-10 and test 13.
If you encounter any errors, it indicates instability in memory configuration. Adjusting the DRAM voltage slightly may help, or you might need to tweak primary timings. Few secondary or tertiary timing adjustments are advisable.
Should your memory fail at the default XMP settings, consider reverting to its standard JEDEC SPD (1333/2133mhz) and run Memtest86 again with the default configuration. If successful, proceed to Prime95 testing.
If it still fails after these steps, attempt a voltage increase within the manufacturer's limits and retest. Persistent failure suggests a physical defect in one or more memory modules. Running Memtest on each module individually may help isolate the faulty unit. It’s important to replace only the defective module rather than the entire set to avoid compatibility issues.
Keep in mind that performing Memtest86 under default settings helps distinguish between configuration errors and hardware faults.
I don’t have a USB drive or an optical drive. Windows was installed by default. That’s why I doubt I can run Memtest86.
I received an “Access Violation” message while programming, so I decided to check my laptop since it’s the only one available for testing.
It turns out my machine freezes completely when Cache Off is enabled during all tests. 100% of them freeze immediately. But with Cache On, everything passes perfectly.
It looks like there might be an issue with my RAM, though I’m not sure if the problem lies with my RAM or the system in general. I didn’t want to look into the code until I fixed the laptop problem. If the laptop gets repaired, I’ll reassess whether my program still triggers the “Access Violation” error.
Well if you believe that's the situation, then it's your decision. However, I often deal with memory issues and there are many factors that could lead to the problem you're experiencing, including potential issues or corruption within Windows itself. That's why we recommend running Memtest, as it operates outside of Windows and only tests the hardware. No Windows-related problem can cause Memtest86 to fail or slow down because it doesn't run inside Windows. I would suggest buying a cheap USB thumb drive—something almost everyone should own at least once, as optical drives are now very rare—and use Memtest86 in the way I described earlier. Otherwise, you might end up replacing memory that may not even be affected.
OCBASE/OCCT offers a comprehensive solution with free tools for stability, stress testing, benchmarking, and monitoring on your PC. It's the leading platform by OCCT for these purposes. Visit www.ocbase.com for more information.
OCCT memory test is another useful tool, but it doesn't fix possible Windows or driver problems.
I will attempt OCCT. I configured 15 passes of the Windows Memory Diagnostics Tool, and it finally stopped at pass 14 with 30% completion using Cache On. I suspect the cache might be masking an intermittent RAM issue. I plan to run OCCT again to see what it identifies.
Check the cache settings and consider trying the test outside the Windows system. Make sure to verify if there are any issues with OCCT when using a different environment.