Installed new RAM now problems when computer restarts

foo_fighter · 08-10-2008, 07:21 AM

Hello All

I have a Sony Vaio Laptop that I bought a few years ago (about 6) and after many years of dedicated service I thought I could squeeze a bit more life out of it by adding some more RAM.

So I replaced the RAM that originally came with it, 512MB (two sticks of 256MB DDR RAM) with two sticks of 512MB DDR RAM to give me a total of 1GB. I happily swapped the RAM over and turned my Computer on. I thought that everything had gone to plan as the computer loaded fully as usual. I started playing around to see if I saw any improved performance and to check that the computer recognized the new RAM, which it did.

I thought that everything was fine until I went to uninstall a program (Removed Windows Media Player as now use VLC) after uninstalling WMP the computer wanted to restart to complete the uninstall process so I restarted the computer. The computer turned itself off but then didin't turn back on again, I left it for 10 minutes then manually turned the computer off and on again using the power button. The computer refused to boot up.
Power seems to be getting to the computer the power light comes on but Windows does not boot up it just sits there with a blank screen and the fan spinning.
After this I removed the new RAM and replaced it with the old RAM and the computer booted up just fine.
I tried restarting the computer using the old RAM and it worked so I again put in my new sticks of RAM and the computer booted up just fine but when I went to restart it again it went back to not booting Windows.

Is this a problem that anybody has had before. If the computer didn't work at all I would say it was the RAM but it seems to work once then not at all.

I though I had been very careful in choosing the right RAM the only difference I can tell between the old and new sticks of RAM apart form the obvious size difference is the speed
Original RAM 133MHz
New RAM 333MHz
However I was under the impression that as long as both sticks of RAM are the same speed there should not be an issue.

If any body could point out the main culprit for this problem or even better a way to get around it I would really appreciate it.

P.S sorry to ramble on so much

**wrench97** · 08-10-2008, 07:46 AM

Can you give us the brand and part number for the ram you purchased?
And the model number of your Vaio ram should be matched to the computer using a configuration utility for best results, such as www.crucial.com

foo_fighter · 08-17-2008, 10:00 AM

The details of the RAM are as follows

Brand: Play.com
512MB PC2700 DDR
200pin SODIMM 333MHz
PLRAM - DV6464R
P Code: 38-16-17

foo_fighter · 08-17-2008, 10:12 AM

Also while discussing this with a friend he suggested enabling APM (advance Power Management through BIOS.

Would this hold any clues as to a cure for my problem

**wrench97** · 08-17-2008, 10:47 AM

ACPI, APM would make no difference with Ram compatibility.
And I still don't know the model of the laptop you are trying to put the ram in

08-10-2008, 07:21 AM	#1 (permalink)
foo_fighter Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 3 OS: Windows XP, SP2	Installed new RAM now problems when computer restarts Hello All I have a Sony Vaio Laptop that I bought a few years ago (about 6) and after many years of dedicated service I thought I could squeeze a bit more life out of it by adding some more RAM. So I replaced the RAM that originally came with it, 512MB (two sticks of 256MB DDR RAM) with two sticks of 512MB DDR RAM to give me a total of 1GB. I happily swapped the RAM over and turned my Computer on. I thought that everything had gone to plan as the computer loaded fully as usual. I started playing around to see if I saw any improved performance and to check that the computer recognized the new RAM, which it did. I thought that everything was fine until I went to uninstall a program (Removed Windows Media Player as now use VLC) after uninstalling WMP the computer wanted to restart to complete the uninstall process so I restarted the computer. The computer turned itself off but then didin't turn back on again, I left it for 10 minutes then manually turned the computer off and on again using the power button. The computer refused to boot up. Power seems to be getting to the computer the power light comes on but Windows does not boot up it just sits there with a blank screen and the fan spinning. After this I removed the new RAM and replaced it with the old RAM and the computer booted up just fine. I tried restarting the computer using the old RAM and it worked so I again put in my new sticks of RAM and the computer booted up just fine but when I went to restart it again it went back to not booting Windows. Is this a problem that anybody has had before. If the computer didn't work at all I would say it was the RAM but it seems to work once then not at all. I though I had been very careful in choosing the right RAM the only difference I can tell between the old and new sticks of RAM apart form the obvious size difference is the speed Original RAM 133MHz New RAM 333MHz However I was under the impression that as long as both sticks of RAM are the same speed there should not be an issue. If any body could point out the main culprit for this problem or even better a way to get around it I would really appreciate it. P.S sorry to ramble on so much

08-10-2008, 07:46 AM	#2 (permalink)
wrench97 Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania Posts: 18,661 OS: Win7	Re: Installed new RAM now problems when computer restarts Can you give us the brand and part number for the ram you purchased? And the model number of your Vaio ram should be matched to the computer using a configuration utility for best results, such as www.crucial.com __________________ Power Supply and Selection

08-17-2008, 10:00 AM	#3 (permalink)
foo_fighter Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 3 OS: Windows XP, SP2	Re: Installed new RAM now problems when computer restarts The details of the RAM are as follows Brand: Play.com 512MB PC2700 DDR 200pin SODIMM 333MHz PLRAM - DV6464R P Code: 38-16-17

08-17-2008, 10:12 AM	#4 (permalink)
foo_fighter Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 3 OS: Windows XP, SP2	Re: Installed new RAM now problems when computer restarts Also while discussing this with a friend he suggested enabling APM (advance Power Management through BIOS. Would this hold any clues as to a cure for my problem

08-17-2008, 10:47 AM	#5 (permalink)
wrench97 Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania Posts: 18,661 OS: Win7	Re: Installed new RAM now problems when computer restarts ACPI, APM would make no difference with Ram compatibility. And I still don't know the model of the laptop you are trying to put the ram in __________________ Power Supply and Selection