NMI: Parity Check / Memory Parity Error

Question

I have a new (1 month old) Inspiron 9400
I keep getting the following error:

*** Hardware Malfunction
Call your hardware vendor for support
NMI: Parity Check / Memory Parity Error
*** The system has halted ***

BSOD

The error seems to happen after the system has been idle.

Steps I have taken to fix the error:
Reseat the memory modules
Replace the memory modules
Reinstall the system’s device drivers
Run the Dell Diag Utilities (no errors)
Update XP Pro

Tried every solution offered in these forums.

Have the entire system replaced (except the HDD which I switched because i have this one setup the way I wanted)

This means in the last two months I have had two New Dell Inspiron 9400 portables and have the same error.

DELL NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE, I am not the only one having this problem.

Inspiron 9400

2GB Ram

Intel Core 2 Dual (2GHz)

WD 120 GB HDD

BigBrother · Answer

deleteriousone,   The error message that you are getting points to failing or flaky system RAM.  When you say that you have replaced the memory modules, have you purchased new memory and installed it in place of the RAM that came with the system?    Have you tested with only one stick of RAM in the system to see if the error message re-appears?    Memory is finicky stuff.  Even if it is failing, it will often pass a RAM test.  It should be tested over 8-12 hours of continuously running memory diagnostic program.  There are good (and not so good) memory diagnostic programs available.  Microsoft has a memory diagnostic program available on their support site which seems to be pretty good at finding failures.  It is also free to download and use.   Steve

deleteriousone · Answer

Buy replacing the memory I am sayying that t his is the third set of ram modules that Dell has set to me.   I will try the Microsoft program.

BigBrother · Answer

d-1,   Run the diagnostics for CPU -- both L1 and L2 cache if possible.  The CPU also contains memory and if that memory is failing, it can easily cause memory errors.   Steve

deleteriousone · Answer

I have not been able to find the MS program, however I did run the full Dell memory diag without error.

Chuck Dunn · Answer

Had this problem for months after buying my 9400.  First went thru swapping and bpulling RAM, then got replacement RAM, then new RAM and Motherboard finally new RAM, Motherboard, Hard Drive and Video.  That finally fixed it and it only took 4 1/2 months.  Works great now.   Chuck. Message Edited by Chuck Dunn on 12-05-200602:34 PM

BigBrother · Answer

d-1,   Check this link for the memory diagnostic software from MS:   http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp   Steve

deleteriousone · Answer

Thank you, I downloaded the app and ran it. The test found no errors.

BigBrother · Answer

d-1,   When running a memory diagnostic, it is important that the test be done for an extended time.  8-12 hours is a good time frame to start with.  Just a few passes will often not detect failing memory.   Steve

deleteriousone · Answer

I have now let the Microsoft memory test run for a few hours, still it tests okay

BigBrother · Answer

d-1,   If it passes a 12 hour test, then you should test other areas of your system which have RAM including the CPU cache.    Steve

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NMI: Parity Check / Memory Parity Error

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