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Asked: 2024-09-25T05:08:46+05:30 In:

How can I execute Memtest from the command line in Ubuntu?

I’ve been having some weird issues with my computer lately, and I’m starting to think it might be my RAM that’s causing the problems. I heard about this tool called Memtest86+ that can help check for memory issues, but I’m not really sure how to get it running on my Ubuntu system. I know there are ways to boot it directly from the GRUB menu, but I’d like to see if I can run it from the command line instead.

I’m not a total newbie when it comes to the command line, but I could use some guidance here. Do I need to install anything special to run Memtest? If so, what package do I need to grab? Also, are there specific commands I should be using, or does it have its own interface once I execute it?

I’ve done some digging and found a few tutorials, but they all seem to assume a level of knowledge that I’m not quite at. I just want to make sure I don’t mess anything up while trying to troubleshoot this issue. If anyone here could break down the process for me in simple terms, that would be amazing.

And, speaking of troubleshooting, if it turns out the RAM is fine, what other steps can I take to diagnose the rest of my hardware? I’ve kept my system pretty clean, but I worry about overheating or maybe a failing hard drive. Any additional tools or commands that would help me pinpoint the source of these issues would be super helpful.

It’s been frustrating dealing with random crashes and slow performance. I really want to get to the bottom of it, so if anyone has tips or personal experiences with this kind of thing, I’d love to hear them! I appreciate any help you can offer, even if it’s just a nudge in the right direction. Thanks in advance!

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    2 Answers

    1. To run Memtest86+ from the command line on your Ubuntu system, you first need to install it if it’s not already available. Install the ‘memtest86+’ package by executing the following command in the terminal: sudo apt install memtest86+. This package includes the necessary tools to run memory tests. Once it’s installed, you can configure it to run at boot or execute it directly. To run Memtest86+ from the command line, you’ll typically need to restart your system and use the GRUB boot menu, but since you’re looking for command-line options, you can also run the Memtest86+ binary directly if you prefer. After you reboot, it should appear in the GRUB menu as an option. You won’t need to interact with it via the command line once it’s running, as it will present its own interface for testing your RAM.

      If Memtest86+ indicates that your RAM is functioning correctly, you can further diagnose your hardware with other tools. For checking the health of your hard drive, use the smartctl command, which is part of the ‘smartmontools’ package; install it using sudo apt install smartmontools. After installation, run sudo smartctl -a /dev/sda (replace ‘/dev/sda’ with your actual hard drive identifier if different) to get a report on the drive’s status. For monitoring system temperatures and ensuring there’s no overheating, consider using lm-sensors by installing it with sudo apt install lm-sensors and running sensors to display the temperature readings of various components. This can help rule out overheating as a cause for your random crashes and slow performance. Adopting these tools should help you systematically identify and resolve any underlying issues with your system.



    2. Running Memtest86+ on Ubuntu


      How to Run Memtest86+ From the Command Line on Ubuntu

      If you’re looking to check your RAM with Memtest86+, you’re in the right place! Here’s a simple breakdown of how you can get it running from the command line.

      1. Install Memtest86+

      First off, you need to make sure Memtest86+ is installed. You can install it using the following command:

      sudo apt install memtest86+

      2. Running Memtest86+

      Once it’s installed, you won’t actually run it directly from your command line like a regular program. Memtest86+ is designed to run during the boot process. However, you can set it up to be available right from your GRUB menu.

      To do this, you need to update the GRUB configuration. Run this command:

      sudo update-grub

      After you’ve done that, restart your computer. When you boot up, you should see Memtest86+ as an option in the GRUB menu. Select it and it will start testing your RAM automatically.

      3. What If the RAM is Fine?

      If your RAM passes the test, but you’re still having issues, there are other things to check:

      • Check CPU Temperature: You can use the lm-sensors tool to monitor temperatures. Install it with sudo apt install lm-sensors and then run sensors to view temp readings.
      • Check Disk Health: For checking the status of your hard drive, you can use smartctl. Install it with sudo apt install smartmontools and check the drive with sudo smartctl -a /dev/sda (replace /dev/sda with your drive’s name).
      • System Logs: Look at the logs using journalctl -xe for any critical errors or warnings that might indicate hardware issues.

      Remember: It’s totally normal to feel a bit overwhelmed with this stuff. Just take it one step at a time, and you’ll figure it out! Good luck troubleshooting, and hope you get your computer back to its awesome self soon!


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