NationStates Jolt Archive

I would like to ask my fellow NSers to for help about my RAM on my computer.

First off, I have a Dell Inspiron 1200, with Windows XP. I have had only 256 MB ram on there for a while, so today I went out and bought 256 more, from a brand called PNY technologies. However, while using one of my favourite games, Guild Wars, I began to run into some problems. I have started to get blue screen errors. The computer is shut down, and it says something about a memory error. Now I know my computer recognizes that it has RAM, and I know I probably have to get both of my sticks of RAM to match up at the same speed or something. The question is, how do i accomplish that? and is that even the real problem?

Might I need to update drivers?

I don't know what technical specs that particular computer has, but yes, it can be a problem.

If your computer has four memory slots arranged in pairs, try moving the second memory stick to the second pair. It could also be that you bought a memory stick that's too slow for your computer (possible if you were cheap) and maybe you have to introduce wait states through the bios.

The shop were you bought it from should be able to sort you out if you gave them the specs for your computer. They should have some kind of return policy and the stick is surely under warranty.

Post here your computer specs and the numbers on the memory stick and I'm sure one of us will be able to give you a hand.

Just to be on the safe side, google MemTest86. It's a program that runs from floppy at boot time and will test your memory.

EDIT: Just try to be patient, because the persons who can help you may not be online at the time.

Perhaps you installed it incorrectly?

Take the RAM out, and put them back in again.

I'd be suprised if that actually worked, but it's something that should be done fairly early on anyways.

Bump.

I don't know what technical specs that particular computer has, but yes, it can be a problem.

If your computer has four memory slots arranged in pairs, try moving the second memory stick to the second pair. It could also be that you bought a memory stick that's too slow for your computer (possible if you were cheap) and maybe you have to introduce wait states through the bios.

The shop were you bought it from should be able to sort you out if you gave them the specs for your computer. They should have some kind of return policy and the stick is surely under warranty.

Post here your computer specs and the numbers on the memory stick and I'm sure one of us will be able to give you a hand.

Just to be on the safe side, google MemTest86. It's a program that runs from floppy at boot time and will test your memory.

EDIT: Just try to be patient, because the persons who can help you may not be online at the time.

Well all of the specs I know of is that its a Dell Inspiron 1200 notebook. It has a 1.3 ghz processor, (as of now) 512mb RAM, 30Gig of storage, and thats about all i really know. the stick itself is from the PNY tech. I bought it for like 50 bucks,(im a poor college kid!) It says the RAM is compatible with DDR PC2700(333MHz Bus) or DDR PC2100(266MHz Bus) Notebooks. As far as the slots, there is only one, on the bottom of the computer, so I placed it in there. I mean, I know how to install RAM, its not that hard, ya? But this is the first time I have ever come across this problem.

Oooh, a notebook. That changes things somewhat because your options are more limited and therefore it's harder to buy the wrong kind of memory.

If taking the memory out and back again (just to make sure it's sitting properly, you wouldn't believe how many times you are sure it's ok and it isn't) doesn't work, ask for an exchange in the shop.

There really isn't much you can do, the memory should be working and it isn't. It's got nothing to do with drivers or corrupt OS and don't let the shop tell you otherwise. Just try not to copy any big files on your hard drive while the bad memory stick is in there.

Google for memtest.

Oooh, a notebook. That changes things somewhat because your options are more limited and therefore it's harder to buy the wrong kind of memory.

If taking the memory out and back again (just to make sure it's sitting properly, you wouldn't believe how many times you are sure it's ok and it isn't) doesn't work, ask for an exchange in the shop.

There really isn't much you can do, the memory should be working and it isn't. It's got nothing to do with drivers or corrupt OS and don't let the shop tell you otherwise. Just try not to copy any big files on your hard drive while the bad memory stick is in there.


Ok.. i think I am just going to take it out for now... and work on it in the morning. Thanks for the help :)

put up the system specs, and make sure it does see all 512 mgs of memory.

Well, I'm going to go ahead and ask in here, rather than create a new thread: How can I tell if my computer uses single or double...cards...or whatever type of RAM? This is something I knew once long ago and have since forgotten, and am only asking as, while I intended to build a new computer, I won't be able to afford all the parts for some time, so I plan on upgrading the memory in the one I've got to 512 Mb, but need to know what kind it uses first.

Well, I'm going to go ahead and ask in here, rather than create a new thread: How can I tell if my computer uses single or double...cards...or whatever type of RAM? This is something I knew once long ago and have since forgotten, and am only asking as, while I intended to build a new computer, I won't be able to afford all the parts for some time, so I plan on upgrading the memory in the one I've got to 512 Mb, but need to know what kind it uses first.

Do you mean Dual Channel memory slots by any chance?

If so, your motherboard manual should tell you if it can take advantage of installing two identical sticks. Dual Channel doesn't mean that you have to install two identical sticks, it's just faster if you do.

Well, I'm going to go ahead and ask in here, rather than create a new thread: How can I tell if my computer uses single or double...cards...or whatever type of RAM? This is something I knew once long ago and have since forgotten, and am only asking as, while I intended to build a new computer, I won't be able to afford all the parts for some time, so I plan on upgrading the memory in the one I've got to 512 Mb, but need to know what kind it uses first.

The kind of RAM you need will depend upon what motherboard and processor and chipset you have.

Its very important wich motherboard you have, and all of the good brands have websites that will have a memory finder on them.
In fact, most website stores (Newegg, Tigerdirect etc..) will also have this program.

Chances are if its a fairly new board ( like within 1-4 years) it can use pc3200, or pc2700 ddr RAM.

If its very new, it may even use the newer DDR2 (OR DDR3) but these are usually for the newer boards with PCI-ex graphics slots.

Remember:

When buying RAM, you often get what you pay for, so buying the "house brand" isnt always a good idea.

Always get it tested first, as sometimes it can be a hassle to return RAM bought from a website.

Click here (http://www.memtest86.com/) & follow the instructions. It sounds like faulty RAM, but it doesn't take all that long to make certain so you might as well do it, before you take it back.