Start Up and Memory BIOS Test Failed

[Alexandra73]

I followed the steps, but when I rebooted, It went straight to the hard drive, not the cd drive.

[AttackofZaq]

It is quite easy to make the BIOS changes and not save them. Personally, I have done this many times.

So, go back to the boot order section of the BIOS and verify that the boot order is correct. Then you have to navigate to the "Exit" section and make sure to select "Exit saving changes."

If it was set to the proper boot device, did you see anything on the screen prior to it booting into Windows? I will try to locate another application for you to use in the meantime.

Also, I went to look up this product and it pulled up a Pavilion desktop PC. Is this correct?

[Alexandra73]

The only thing that came up before the windows logo was the hp logo. And it isnt a desktop, its a notebook. The correct product number is LW342UA#ABA.

[AttackofZaq]

Did you verify that the boot order settings were saved?

I think you should try a different test for right now. While this test will not test the full RAM because Windows will be using some. Try using this test.

However, keep in mind that this test isn't as reliable as the Memtest86+ bootable CD or the built in HP test due to some of the RAM being used by the notebook. The bad sectors of the RAM may even be in use by the operating system and not tested.

I really appreciate your patience while working with me today; I will await the result. 🙂

[Alexandra73]

I used the test, but I didn't get to complete it, because I wanted to inform you of the results so far. I got 33 errors in about 10% of the RAM tested. I assumed I would get many more errors, so I went to their website as they recommended to fix the problem. It suggested overheating, incorrect configuration, and bad RAM. And is the built in HP test the same as the BIOS advanced configuration test?

[AttackofZaq]

Where do you see this "advanced BIOS configuration test?" I'm either unsure of what that refers to or am used to it being called a different name.

You can rule out incorrect configuration as the notebook was pre-built by HP. This would generally refer to having mismatched/incorrect RAM installed. Overheating is always a possibility but if the notebook was overheating you'd notice as it would get very hot and shut off. While I don't think this is the cause either it is a good time to plug some preventative maintenance, this document covers reducing heat buildup in the notebook.

This really only leaves bad RAM as the cause and 33 errors with only 10% of the RAM tested is significant. I think this is pretty conclusive that you need to replace some of the RAM ASAP. It shouldn't kill your computer or anything when it dies but until you either remove or replace the bad RAM it will give you more and more problems and eventually stop turning on at all while the bad RAM is installed.

At this point you need to figure out exactly which parts you'll need to resolve the issue. Replacing the RAM is a very simple repair so if you're out of warranty you can certainly do it yourself. This is what I suggest that you do.

1. Follow the directions on page 53 of the Maintenance and Service Guide to remove one of the memory modules. 
2. With one of the memory modules removed reassemble the notebook.
3. Boot into the BIOS and run the memory test.
4. Take note of the result and set the memory to the side. (note the part number)
5. Disassemble notebook again and remove the RAM which was left in the notebook. Install the previously removed RAM.
6. Reassemble the notebook and boot into the BIOS.
7. Test this RAM and note the result.
8. Install all RAM into notebook and reassemble.
9. Post the results.

Basically what you do here is determine if one or both of the sticks of RAM are bad/going bad. This way you know if you what you'll need to replace. I will await the result of this test and provide you with further instructions.

Have a great day!

AFTERTHOUGHT: I'd like to point you to another post of mine with some notebook maintenance tips you may find useful in the future.  Here is a link. 

[Alexandra73]

I just want to let you know I got Memtest86+ to run, so I'm going to let that go overnight before I open the back of the notebook. I will post the results in the morning.

[AttackofZaq]

That is good news as Memtest86+ will be able to test all of the memory on the system and may even be able to tell you which sticks are bad.  Let me know the result before you open the back of the notebook if you need any help deciphering the results.

I will keep an eye out for another reply; I hope you have a good weekend!

[Alexandra73]

Alright, the test is done. I let it run for three passes. It came up with about 955 errors. And yes, I would like help with the results. 955 errors probably mean that the sticks are bad, right?

[AttackofZaq]

That definitely matches with the findings of the other two tests. Nine hundred errors is a lot!

I posted the instructions for determining which stick was bad above. Follow those instructions and let me know whether one or both (assuming you have two sticks) of the memory modules has gone bad. Either the built in HP memory test or the Memtest86+ boot CD that you have will be acceptable to test the individual memory modules.

I will await the results of this and continue keeping an eye on the thread. Have a great weekend Alexandra!