1. A method for performing memory diagnostics comprising: based upon examination of program termination data, initiating memory diagnostics from a first program having user level privileges; locking a portion of physical memory to be tested using functionality included in an operating system by a second program having system level privileges, the system level privileges provide for a privileged execution state in comparison to the first program having user level privileges, wherein said second program is a system service that can only be executed from an account having administrative privileges; executing at least one memory diagnostic test on said portion locked by the second program having system privileges producing a result by the second program; and determining, in accordance with said result, whether a memory problem exists for said portion by the second program.