[TAG] segmentation fault

[Mike Orr]

J.Bakshi wrote:

>>>*memtest86+* shows *Memory 128MB*, but *memtest all* can't be executed as
>>>mlock fails due to page allocation problem though *memtest 100m * running
>>>fine.
>>>      
>>>
>>That may be the fundamental problem there.  Is there any reason not to
>>believe there's a dead memory circuit between 100 MB and 128 MB?
>>
>>    
>>
>Quite possible. but how can one confirm it ? any such S/W ?
>  
>


The most effective way is to buy a new memory chip and see if it 
disappears.  If it does, put the old chip in the unused slot and see if 
it comes back.  If not, you've doubled your memory, no big problem.  If 
the error remains with the other chip, it's time for another CPU and 
motherboard.  You can get all this for under $200.   Fixing hardware 
problems with computers is a matter of replacing each pieces one by one 
until you isolate the problem.  You probably can't fix it, whatever it 
is, so you just have to replace it.  It helps to have a supply of spare 
parts on hand from previous projects.  Even an old something can prove 
everything else works. 

Memory is a pain because there's so many subtle incompatibilities 
between the speed/type of memory and the motherboard's capacity.  So you 
have to take the existing memory chip or motherboard manual to the shop, 
to make sure you get the identical kind.  Look for places with a 
lifetime warranty on memory; that way, in a predicament like your 
current one, you can get it replaced for free.  Memory is like forty 
bucks for 512 MB, so it's no big deal anymore.  Unless you have some 
ultra-old type that isn't made anymore.  In that case you could go 
through the bins of $1 used memory at a PC recycling shop (RE-PC, etc), 
but with the subtle incompatibilities, it's much easier to just get a 
new motherboard and memory.