3.7.6 Practice Questions

There are critical times when memory problems often manifest themselves. Match each critical time on the left with the corresponding cause of the memory problems on the right. This event can require more memory and can cause problems if there is not enough memory when it occurs.

--Software installation Memory is not properly seated, is missing, or the motherboard is defective. --First boot of a new computer Memory is not properly seated, is missing, or the motherboard is defective. --Hardware installation or removal Incompletely or improperly doing this can cause errors that appear to be memory-related. --Memory upgrade The memory is incompatible and was not installed and configured properly. Explanation At the critical times listed below, memory problems can manifest themselves. First boot of a new computer - memory is not properly seated, is missing, or the motherboard is defective. After a memory upgrade - memory is incompatible and was not installed and configured properly. After software installation - can cause problems if there is not enough memory for the software. After hardware installation or removal - incompletely or improperly installed hardware can cause errors that appear to be memory-related.

Which type of software-generated problems can indicate that a software bug is causing a memory error? (Select three.) answerCorrect Answer: Exception error Correct Answer: Page fault Correct Answer: General-protection fault Incorrect answer: Memory mismatch Parity interrupt Incorrect answer: Incorrect memory count

Explanation --Software-generated memory problems include the following: --Exception error --General-protection fault --Page fault Memory mismatch display an error indicate that usually indicates discrepancies between new and old memory. Parity interrupt usually indicates a failing module or discrepancies between new and old memory. An incorrect memory count can happen with incompatible memory installation. Remember to avoid combining dual-bank memory with single-bank memory.

You are attempting to boot a new system. The boot fails, and the system sounds a beep code. Which of the following describes the MOST likely cause of this error? answer The new memory is not compatible and was not installed and configured properly. Incorrect answer: Either a card/memory module is not seated properly or the system includes unsupported memory. The POST failed to recognize all of the memory. Correct Answer: Either no memory is installed or the memory was not detected.

Explanation If the system boot fails and sounds a beep code, the most likely cause is that either no memory is installed or the memory was not detected. If a card or memory module is not seated properly or the system includes unsupported memory, the system will boot, but the display will remain blank. If POST fails to recognize all of the memory, the system will boot, but the memory count will be incorrect.

As a computer technician, you are troubleshooting a client's computer that is experiencing intermittent crashes and sudden reboots. The client reports that these issues started happening after a recent memory upgrade. You have already confirmed that the new memory modules are compatible with the system and are properly installed. What would be the next BEST step to diagnose the issue? answer Run a memory diagnostic tool to check for any memory errors. Check the system's power supply for any fluctuations. Check the system for any software bugs. Install a new operating system on the computer.

Explanation Running a memory diagnostic tool to check for any memory errors is the correct answer. Running a memory diagnostic tool can help John identify if there are any issues with the new memory, such as errors that only occur under certain conditions (i.e., intermittent errors).

Which of the following are critical times when memory problems manifest themselves? (Select two.) answerAfter you reconfigure the BIOS/UEFI After you remove or install hardware After cleaning the dust from inside your computer On the first boot of a new computer After installing new drivers on your computer

Explanation The following are critical times when memory problems manifest themselves: --On the first boot of a new computer --After you remove or install the hardware If done properly, cleaning the dust from inside your computer is not a likely cause of memory problems. While reconfiguring the BIOS/UEFI might cause memory problems, you will rarely (if ever) change settings that cause memory problems with your computer. Installing new drivers might impact computer hardware such as printers, DVD drives, and graphics cards, but the process rarely impacts your computer memory.

After installing a new RAM module, you boot your 64-bit system, but the display remains blank. What is the MOST likely cause of this issue? answer You have installed a 32-bit memory module. The Registry is configured to write to faulty sections of RAM. Correct Answer: You have installed a non-parity RAM on an ECC system. The POST failed to recognize the new memory.

Explanation You have installed a non-parity RAM on an ECC system. Non-parity (or non-ECC) memory is incompatible with an ECC system, which is the mostly likely cause of the blank screen. Memory modules are not configured as 32-bit or 64-bit modules. When parts of the Registry are written to faulty sections of RAM, you a dealing with a software-generated memory problem, which is not likely to be the issue in this scenario. If the POST fails to recognize the new memory, the system will still boot, but your memory count will be incorrect.

Which of the following are the MOST likely signs that your computer might need more memory? (Select two.) answer Your hard drive light on the system case is on for long periods of time. Your hard drive is constantly operating as you work. You system boots, but the display remains blank. You receive an exception error when running a software program. Your system boots, but the memory count is incorrect.

Explanation You may need to add more physical memory to your computer if: You hear the hard drive constantly operating as you work. The hard drive light on the front of the system case stays illuminated for long periods of time. If your system boots, but the display remains blank, it could be that a card is not seated properly or you have unsupported memory. It is not a likely sign that you need more memory. An exception error is normally caused by a software bug, not a lack of memory. If your memory count is incorrect, it is likely that the POST failed to recognize all of your installed memory due to an unseated or incompatible memory problem. This is not normally an indication that you need more memory.

You have installed a new computer with a quad-core 64-bit processor, 6 GB of memory, and a PCIe video card with 512 MB of memory. After installing the operating system, you see less than 4 GB of memory showing as available in Windows. Which of the following actions would MOST likely correct this issue? Install a 64-bit version of the operating system. Update the memory controller driver in Device Manager. Disable the AGP aperture in the BIOS. Flash the BIOS.

In this scenario, the most likely cause is that the operating system is a 32-bit operating system. You must use a 64-bit operating system to use memory above 4 GB.

After installing two memory modules, you power on the system to check for errors. You find that the BIOS program recognizes only one of the memory modules. Which of the following is BEST to try first when troubleshooting this issue? answerIncorrect answer: -Reboot the computer and run memory diagnostic tests. -Scan for new devices in Device Manager and enable any disabled memory modules. -Change the memory timings in the BIOS to a slower (higher) setting. -Make sure that both modules are seated properly in their slots. Return both modules for a replacement.

Make sure that both modules are seated properly in their slots. Explanation In this scenario, you should first check to make sure that you installed the memory correctly, such as making sure that the modules are seated properly in their slots. Most BIOS programs include a memory count that displays the total amount of system memory. After the memory is installed correctly, if it is still not recognized, try removing one module to identify which module has the problem. Move the modules to different motherboard slots to see if you can get the system to detect the memory. In most cases, you will not need to change the memory timings. When you do, it is typically because the system is unstable or crashes. Device Manager will not find new memory that the BIOS does not recognize. Returning both modules for a replacement is one of the last steps you should take to resolve the issue. Testing memory helps you identify when specific memory storage locations are going bad.

You are in the process of configuring a new computer. The motherboard has four memory slots and supports dual-channel memory. You install two memory modules. When you boot the computer, the BIOS recognizes both modules, but the memory is not configured to run in dual-channel mode. What should you do to resolve the issue? answer Replace the memory with dual-channel capable memory. Change the CAS latency to a higher setting. Move the modules to the correct motherboard slots. Add continuity modules to unused memory slots.

Move the modules to the correct motherboard slots. Explanation: To use dual-channel memory, you need to install memory in the correct slots. Depending on the motherboard, the two slots might be next to each other or be alternating. Consult the motherboard documentation for the correct configuration. Continuity modules are used with Rambus RAM. If continuity modules were required on this system, none of the memory would have been detected. Dual-channel support is mainly a function of the motherboard, not the memory itself. The CAS latency is used for memory timing. You might modify the timing if the system is unstable at the current memory timing settings.