Can RAM ever go bad?

Question

Ok, so my computer has been working fine for 2 years, then all of a sudden a few days ago it starts to run really slow.
Like, programs freeze, they open really slowly, I can't even play movies because it's acting like all of the memory is being used, but it's not.

I did 2 virus scans; it found nothing. I did a couple spyware scans and deleted what it found. (But I've had spyware before)
I defraged the hard drive too.

It's still doing it.

So what I'm basically wondering is: can RAM ever go bad or something along those lines? Would replacing the RAM help at all?

Answer 1

Yes, ram can burn out, but it is not something that happens allot. If you know how much ram is installed, go into the "Task Manager" and click the "Performance" tab. Check to see just how much Windows sees and how much it is using. Then check to see how much there is left to run your apps. You didn't mention how much memory you have installed, but these day, if you have XP updated with all of it's security updates, it will need about 128 megs or so just to run. Not to mention any add-ons that you may be running. Todays XP machine should have a minimum of 512 megs, but a gig is better.

By the way, if you find that just about all of your ram is being used, there "could" be some really nasty spyware/malware hiding someplace on your system.

One of the places that spyware/malware likes to hide is in "System Restore" points, and spyware cleaners do not look into these places. You must turn off System restore, reboot, do a spyware scan, reboot again, and then tune "Restor" back on. That will eliminate all of your Restore points. But don't worry, Windows will create a new Restore point when you turn Restore back on, and will then start to build an new list of Restore Dates.

Next, take a look at the "msconfig" utility to see just how many things are loading/booting with Windows. If you find that there are allot of programs that are starting at bootup, uncheck those that are not necessary. All you really need are your anti virus and your firewall, and any others that you may have installed that need to be running in the background.

Answer 2

Does Ram Go Bad

Answer 3

Yes RAM can go bad but in your case I don't think your RAM is the problem. Because if your RAM is malfunctioning your system would have crashed already.

It could be you installed/uninstalled too much programs on the system through time. Remember also that programs coming out nowadays are getting more and more complicated than 2 year ago so it's hogging up more of your system resources.

I suggest you buy additional RAM to speed up your computer say 1GB and reformat your computer to rid of all unused programs that's hogging your system. I usually reformat my computer at least once a year as part of spring cleaning and keep the system running in tip top form.

Do both of the above and your PC will be back in tip top shape again.

Good luck!

Answer 4

RAM does go bad and it is possible that your RAM has gone bad but highly unlikely. Typically when RAM does good bad your system has problems even POSTing (booting up).

If your system is running slow and becoming unresponsive it is likely due to spyware/virus even though you have run scans that show otherwise. If you have used file sharing programs like limewire, etc....you could very well have a sick computer. It is also possible that your hard drive has gone bad or is going bad even though your system still loads (you could have bad sectors on the drive).

If your hardware tests ok and you do have an infected system then you might just want to back up your data and reload the OS. Hope this helps. Good Luck Hommie.

Answer 5

Although replacing the RAM may help you overcome the problem , but it's not the best solution cos' if there is a problem with the RAM usually your computer will restart automatically or doesn't boot at all , I think there might be problem with your operating system , and also a common problem that all have is they don't know that if the antivirus isn't updated day-by-day it doesn't do it's best. So, i recommend you to update the antivirus application before doing anything else and check the system again.

Answer 6

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RE:
Can RAM ever go bad?
Ok, so my computer has been working fine for 2 years, then all of a sudden a few days ago it starts to run really slow.
Like, programs freeze, they open really slowly, I can't even play movies because it's acting like all of the memory is being used, but it's not.

I did 2 virus...

Answer 7

RAM does go bad. I've had a system, which memory detected fine, booted to OS fine, but when I ran a program it crashed. If you have two sticks installed, run with one at a time to see which is bad, doesn't hurt to try. Mostly your problem is software related. Consider a reformat and reinstall if your problem cannot be solved.

Answer 8

Try to reboot your computer in safe mode. You can do this by following the steps given below:
1) Shut down the PC.
2) Start the PC
3) press the F8 key.
4) Select the safe mode option and press the return key.
5) now if your computer still runs slow then it might be a HDD problem.
6) If not go ahead and take your XP CD and run the repair on your compter. It will delete all the OS files without deleting anything from the computer. The Os will get reinstalled.

Hopefully, this will resolve all the problems.

Answer 9

RAM can go bad, like any other component.

But that's not likely to be your problem. Sounds like you've caught a virus or trojan or spyware. Update your AV and re-scan. Also try scanning with a root kit or the offline scanner if you've got one.

Answer 10

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