Ram problem?

[Shelnutt2]

Ok guys here is what's happening,

MY parents computer today decided to error out with windows. I kept getting different programs on start-up would pop and error message about section of the ram were in-accessible or un-writable. I just tried to load a linux live cd (both Overclockix 3.9 and Mepis 3.3), both gave me kernel panics after they attempted to create a ram drive.

I will not be able to replace the ram until later tonight, but I wanted to know what your opinion was. Is it most likely the ram? Or is something else dieing?

Specs:
530J
Intel 915 chipset mobo (Intel brand)
Intergraded Graphics
2x512mb Kbyte ram (DDR400)
200 gig SATA Maxtor HDD

No Overclocking has been done.

 

[soulfly1448]

More than likely the ram. Doesn't really sound like anything else.

 

[Shelnutt2]

It was the ram. Replaced it with 2x256mb sticks and everything is dandy. Guess I'll be RMAing that ram.

 

[Shelnutt2]

I don't think it was the ram.

They are still having problems. When they turn it on 25% of the time windows freezes on the start-up screen. They say sometimes on loading different application (word, MSN Explorer, WMP10, etc.) the computer becomes slugish.

Hdd dieing?
Processor dieing?

Tonight I'll run p95 all night.

 

[soulfly1448]

Could actually still be the memory. When you install memory and the computer appears to be sluggish or "slower" than before, that's a sign of bad memory. Come across this very same issue at work all of the time.

 

[mage_x]

your bad ram could have corrupted the OS

 

[Shelnutt2]

your bad ram could have corrupted the OS

How likely? I don't mean to be rude but I'm just wondering, cause a re-install of XP isn't the most fun thing to do.