Advanced Pattern Test Failed WMEO2 IGT

Advanced Pattern Test

I believe that's a RAM (memory) test. Reboot and press F12 before Windows starts to load. Go to Utilities partition and run the memory tests.

You can try reseating RAM modules in their slots (always power off and unplug first), but you may have to replace a pair of RAM modules. If PC is under warranty, contact Dell Tech Support for replacements.

Sadly, my PC is no longer under warranty. How do I go about replacing my RAM modules? Can I go to a Best Buy and buy them there? Or do I need to order them off the internet? And how do I found out what model my Ram Modules are? Is there somewhere on the computer that has the exact specifications listed that way I know what to order?  I'm sorry, I know I'm asking a lot of questions. I'm just not sure what to do and it seems to be running alright aside from that Advanced Pattern Test failed. I'm not saying that I'm ignoring the problem, just when do I start seeing signs that something is wrong? I'm kinda strapped for cash at the moment. 

You don't have to apologize for asking questions. That's the way to learn.

Did you run the RAM diagnostics from the Utilities partition? You should do an independent test to make sure the results you previously got are correct. No point spending any $ if you don't have to... :emotion-5:

If you need it, a good place to buy RAM for Dell PCs is www.crucial.com. Use their tool to find your PC model and they'll recommend the right RAM. And Crucial will take it back if it doesn't work. Lots of people on this forum -including me- buy RAM from Crucial.

I suppose you don't have to do anything unless you start seeing BSOD crashes or performance issues, even if the RAM has really failed that test.

No, I have not. And for the most part I'm a complete novice when it comes to computers. So after I hit F12 will something that says diagnostics pop up for me to click?

When you hit F12, there'll be a menu of options. If it doesn't list Diagnostics, the one you want will probably be Utilities partition.

Use arrow keys to select that option and press Enter, and then look for diagnostics on next screen.

Don't worry about selecting the wrong options on the F12 menu, because it won't hurt the PC. And you can always press/hold the power button to turn PC off and then just reboot normally.

I finally ran the test and everything came back green. Apparently there's nothing wrong with my hardware. Should I just ignore it?

That's good news.

If you want to be complete, you could run the free memtest86+ after downloading this zipped file which should allow you to create bootable USB stick. Open the zipped file on your hard drive and run the .exe file.

You'll probably need an empty USB stick because this might erase any files on it, so make sure those files are backed up elsewhere first.

Otherwise, you might just ignore the error unless/until you start having BSOD problems.