Memory Could Not be Read Error (Windows 10 & Previous)

The Memory could not be read error occurs when an application is under excessively heavy load. It may occur while opening an application, or sometimes during the shutdown process. The laptop will might also fail to shutdown properly due to this error.

This error may also indicate that one or more background processes are conflicting with the application. When the user sees this error flash on the screen, he has no option other than clicking OK to terminate the application. 1 better and easy way to deal with this problem is to clean junk from your computer. Use the ST Cleaner, made by our company Sorcim Technologies, to remove PC junk easily.

Add More RAM

Graphics, video editing, animation programs require higher RAM memory and this error occurs when a computer isn’t equipped with enough RAM to cope with such resource intensive applications.

Check the ReadMe > Minimum System Requirements of the malfunctioning program. And then upgrade the Random Access Memory and it should work out for you.

Increase Virtual Memory

When enabled, the Virtual Memory moves data from RAM memory to your HD storage. This process is known as swapping and is considered an essential feature in Windows operating system. Increase the virtual memory to bring some relief to the RAM.

  1. Right click This PC and choose Properties
  2. Click Advanced system settings
  3. Click Settings (under the Performance heading) from Advanced tab
  4. Open the Advanced tab
  5. Click Change…
  6. Uncheck the box that lets Windows automatically manage paging file size for all drives
  7. Select the drive on which the problematic program is installed. Set a custom size quite larger than the previous size
  8. Click Set to apply the changes
  9. Click OK (thrice)
  10. Restart the laptop for the changes to take effect

Turn Off Overclocking

Even though overclocking indeed provides faster system performance for gaming, but as a consequence you may have to deal with several problems including the memory could not be read error.

  1. Restart your laptop
  2. Press F2 or Delete repeatedly
  3. Use the keyboard arrow keys to go to the Exit menu
  4. Choose Restore default settings (or a very similar option)
  5. Now select Save changes and exit from the same Exit menu
  6. Your computer will restart (with Overclocking disabled)

Perform Memory Diagnostic

Here’s a quick guide to use Windows stand-alone memory diagnostic program:

  1. Type Memory in Search Box
  2. Open Windows Memory Diagnostic from the search results
  3. Click the Restart now and check for problems button
  4. Your computer will reboot and conduct several memory tests. Be patient and let them all complete successfully

Uninstall Audio/ Video Codecs

There are many audio/ video codecs that are known to cause the memory could not be read error. Uninstall them as follows:

  1. In the Search Box, type Settings
  2. Open it from the search results
  3. Click System icon
  4. Click Apps & Features tab
  5. Type Codec in the Type an app name textbox
  6. Click a codec from the search results and then click Uninstall
  7. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process
  8. Finally, reboot the system

Uninstall Non-Compatible Programs

Are you an ATI video card user? Yes? Check to see if any of these programs are installed, temporarily uninstall them and restart.

  • ATI-ACE
  • ATI-SMART
  • TrueForm

Turn Off VPU Recovery Feature

Catalyst AI turns on the VPU Recovery feature that causes incompatibility issues with some systems. Restoring all default values and then turning off the VPU Recovery feature can help to fix the memory could not be read error.

Vikas is a technology enthusiast who loves writing articles on computers and technology. He writes on various topics related to software, software reviews, troubleshooting and tips & tricks to make people's digital lives better.