The Memory Diagnostic Tool (MDT) is a new device technology in Vista of which detects problems with memory in the computer. Memory problems can cause Windows to suddenly stop or lose information. Due to the nature of the tool, it cannot be run whilst Windows is running so it requires your computer to be restarted.

Simply save your work, and click the Start , go to Control Panel, then Administrative Tools, then click the Memory Diagnostic Tool. Select either the top option to start immediately, or the bottom option to load the tool on the next restart.

When the tool opens on startup, you’ll be presented with a blue screen and the tests immediately start. Press F1 to set the options - from here you can change the tests to either be Basic, Standard or Extended. Perform extended tests if you regularly get Blue Screen of Deaths or unexplained shutdowns.

Test results will be displayed for you when you logon and will give advice on what to do.