HELP!! Trying to install RAM on old computer.

Zoey256 · 08-12-2008, 12:16 AM

I have an older computer with Windows XP home. I tried to install a 512MB PC133 Kingston and my computer just beeped. (Yes, it was in all the way.) I was told by tech support that my RAM slots could only hold 256MB a peice so I bought two 256MB sticks instead. One is a Kingston PC133 and the other is an Edge. Again, they did the same thing. I called tech support again. This time one person told me that the brand name was not compatable and another person said it was compatable and then told me to buy a new one when I told her it didn't work and then refused to answer me! Please, please help, I don't know what to do!

garettrules · 08-12-2008, 12:29 AM

Hi and welcome to TFS

How many ram slots do you have? your slot is probaly corupted or something howmuch ram was in it before? and your just better off buying a new comeputer

Zoey256 · 08-12-2008, 12:38 AM

I have two slots. The slot I am using now is the one I tried it in. I took out the one I have in and put in the one I bought. I can't figure it out.

Zoey256 · 08-12-2008, 12:38 AM

There is 128MB in it now.

**Underclocker** · 08-12-2008, 07:37 AM

Have you tested each stick by itself in the first RAM slot? Also try a CMOS reset.

Zoey256 · 08-12-2008, 03:31 PM

Yes I tested each stick by itself in the first RAM slot. But I don't know what reset that is. How do I do it?

**Underclocker** · 08-12-2008, 09:59 PM

You'll need to find the CMOS reset jumpers first. Check your manual, or find it online on the manufacturer's website, for instructions.

Alternatively;

Unplug the computer from the wall.
Take out the coin battery on your motherboard.
Hit the power button a few times, then wait for a minute.
Reinsert the coin battery.
Plug the power back in and boot.

Make sure you install the RAM before you boot.

Zoey256 · 08-12-2008, 10:39 PM

Ok I am going to try that. Should I put both new sticks in at the same time, or just one new and my 128MB original one?

Zoey256 · 08-13-2008, 12:13 AM

I got instructions online on how to do the CMOS reset jumpers. It's way too complicated for me to do on my own, but I think I have someone who can help me. I did take out the coin battery though but I got the same result.

08-12-2008, 12:16 AM	#1 (permalink)
Zoey256 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 6 OS: win xp home	HELP!! Trying to install RAM on old computer. I have an older computer with Windows XP home. I tried to install a 512MB PC133 Kingston and my computer just beeped. (Yes, it was in all the way.) I was told by tech support that my RAM slots could only hold 256MB a peice so I bought two 256MB sticks instead. One is a Kingston PC133 and the other is an Edge. Again, they did the same thing. I called tech support again. This time one person told me that the brand name was not compatable and another person said it was compatable and then told me to buy a new one when I told her it didn't work and then refused to answer me! Please, please help, I don't know what to do! Last edited by Zoey256; 08-12-2008 at 12:18 AM.

08-12-2008, 12:29 AM	#2 (permalink)
garettrules Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Regina Posts: 94 OS: Vista home premium, Xp service pack 1-3	Re: HELP!! Trying to install RAM on old computer. Hi and welcome to TFS How many ram slots do you have? your slot is probaly corupted or something howmuch ram was in it before? and your just better off buying a new comeputer __________________ "One machine can do the work of fifty ordinary men. No machine can do the work of one extraordinary man". "Beware of computer programmers that carry screwdrivers." Last edited by garettrules; 08-12-2008 at 12:31 AM.

08-12-2008, 12:38 AM	#3 (permalink)
Zoey256 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 6 OS: win xp home	Re: HELP!! Trying to install RAM on old computer. I have two slots. The slot I am using now is the one I tried it in. I took out the one I have in and put in the one I bought. I can't figure it out.

08-12-2008, 12:38 AM	#4 (permalink)
Zoey256 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 6 OS: win xp home	Re: HELP!! Trying to install RAM on old computer. There is 128MB in it now.

08-12-2008, 07:37 AM	#5 (permalink)
Underclocker Just passing by. Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 824 OS: XP Pro SP3 x86 My System	Re: HELP!! Trying to install RAM on old computer. Have you tested each stick by itself in the first RAM slot? Also try a CMOS reset. __________________ Everest CPU-Z GPU-Z HWMonitor Real Temp Core Temp OCCT ORTHOS Memtest86+

08-12-2008, 03:31 PM	#6 (permalink)
Zoey256 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 6 OS: win xp home	Re: HELP!! Trying to install RAM on old computer. Yes I tested each stick by itself in the first RAM slot. But I don't know what reset that is. How do I do it?

08-12-2008, 09:59 PM	#7 (permalink)
Underclocker Just passing by. Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 824 OS: XP Pro SP3 x86 My System	Re: HELP!! Trying to install RAM on old computer. You'll need to find the CMOS reset jumpers first. Check your manual, or find it online on the manufacturer's website, for instructions. Alternatively; Unplug the computer from the wall. Take out the coin battery on your motherboard. Hit the power button a few times, then wait for a minute. Reinsert the coin battery. Plug the power back in and boot. Make sure you install the RAM before you boot. __________________ Everest CPU-Z GPU-Z HWMonitor Real Temp Core Temp OCCT ORTHOS Memtest86+

08-12-2008, 10:39 PM	#8 (permalink)
Zoey256 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 6 OS: win xp home	Re: HELP!! Trying to install RAM on old computer. Ok I am going to try that. Should I put both new sticks in at the same time, or just one new and my 128MB original one?

08-13-2008, 12:13 AM	#9 (permalink)
Zoey256 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 6 OS: win xp home	Re: HELP!! Trying to install RAM on old computer. I got instructions online on how to do the CMOS reset jumpers. It's way too complicated for me to do on my own, but I think I have someone who can help me. I did take out the coin battery though but I got the same result.