Notebook RAM issues

xxdavidxx · 07-30-2007, 12:28 PM

Hello all.

I just got a Compaq Presario 900 notebook computer from a buddy of mine that had a busted lcd screen. I replaced the screen and I am having a few issues..

First thing I did was run a game, and I noticed it was running a little slow, so I checked the RAM and realized it only had 256 MB (I'm running Windows XP Home). So I took a trip to best buy and picked up a generic 512 MB stick to add to it. (I made sure it was compatible via a website called Cruicial, and a program called Everest). I popped it in with the 256 stick already inside it, booted up, checked it out, and Windows is only recognizing 256 MB. So I thought maybe there was an issue with having two different size and brands of RAM, and I took out the 256 stick and replaced it with the 512, leaving the 512 where the 256 originally was. I turn on the laptop, and it won't boot at all, the lights come on but nothing at all shows up on my display.

I tried all different combinations of RAM, even leaving the original 256 in there alone, and it will not boot unless I have the 256 where it was originally WITH the 512 in there as well. The computer seems to run a tad bit faster (but maybe it's just my hopeful imagination), even though windows says I only have 256 MB.

By the way, the 256 stick and 512 stick both show up in Everest, although Everest contradicts itself by saying that my total physical memory is 256 MB.

Can anyone tell me what in the world is going on? I've never run into an issue installing RAM on a computer before, although I'm not at all experienced on laptops.

Thanks in advance

-David

**BCCOMP** · 08-01-2007, 02:55 AM

Hi David,
When you installed the RAM did you remove the power cord and the battery first? If not, do this and wait a few minutes (to release residual power). Install the RAM and see if it will boot up. If it does go into the BIOS and check to see if it detected it. If not I would run memtst 86 on the memory modules (one stick at a time) to see if the new 512 is faulty. It is possible the 512 stick is faulty (or damaged if you did not remove the battery or power supply). This laptop should handle up to 1GB 266mhz DDR SDRAM.
Hope this helps.
Thanks,
Bill

07-30-2007, 12:28 PM	#1 (permalink)
xxdavidxx Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Chicago Posts: 1 OS: Windows XP Home My System	Notebook RAM issues Hello all. I just got a Compaq Presario 900 notebook computer from a buddy of mine that had a busted lcd screen. I replaced the screen and I am having a few issues.. First thing I did was run a game, and I noticed it was running a little slow, so I checked the RAM and realized it only had 256 MB (I'm running Windows XP Home). So I took a trip to best buy and picked up a generic 512 MB stick to add to it. (I made sure it was compatible via a website called Cruicial, and a program called Everest). I popped it in with the 256 stick already inside it, booted up, checked it out, and Windows is only recognizing 256 MB. So I thought maybe there was an issue with having two different size and brands of RAM, and I took out the 256 stick and replaced it with the 512, leaving the 512 where the 256 originally was. I turn on the laptop, and it won't boot at all, the lights come on but nothing at all shows up on my display. I tried all different combinations of RAM, even leaving the original 256 in there alone, and it will not boot unless I have the 256 where it was originally WITH the 512 in there as well. The computer seems to run a tad bit faster (but maybe it's just my hopeful imagination), even though windows says I only have 256 MB. By the way, the 256 stick and 512 stick both show up in Everest, although Everest contradicts itself by saying that my total physical memory is 256 MB. Can anyone tell me what in the world is going on? I've never run into an issue installing RAM on a computer before, although I'm not at all experienced on laptops. Thanks in advance -David

08-01-2007, 02:55 AM	#2 (permalink)
BCCOMP Mod Hardware Team Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: New York Posts: 7,084 OS: Win XP SP3 / Windows 7 Beta / Open Suse My System	Re: Notebook RAM issues Hi David, When you installed the RAM did you remove the power cord and the battery first? If not, do this and wait a few minutes (to release residual power). Install the RAM and see if it will boot up. If it does go into the BIOS and check to see if it detected it. If not I would run memtst 86 on the memory modules (one stick at a time) to see if the new 512 is faulty. It is possible the 512 stick is faulty (or damaged if you did not remove the battery or power supply). This laptop should handle up to 1GB 266mhz DDR SDRAM. Hope this helps. Thanks, Bill