RAM problem after format

neilthewolf · 05-23-2009, 02:24 PM

Hi, i recently had to format my drive and re-install my OS after with your help i identified a 'virut' in my system.

About 2-3 years ago i upgraded my RAM to 1.5G.
initially i remember when i installed the upgrade my pc would'nt recognise or use the new memory. I found some advice somewhere i cant remember telling me to change something at startup so that the pc would use more memory.
After i did this all was well.

Since my re-install i have the same problem, the pc is obviously slow and although in 'memory' in setup it states i have 1.5G of RAM everywhere else states i only have 512k.
I even installed tune-up utility which recognised the RAM last time but this time IT tells me i don't have enough memory (only 512k)

I know its a strange request but can you tell me what i might have done to solve this problem last time and i will do that again.

I have a Dell dimension 4600 running xp home.

Thanks

Neil

**Tyree** · 05-23-2009, 03:29 PM

Is all the RAM the same brand and speed?
Try installing one stick of RAM, see if it works, remove that stick and repeat the process with all other sticks.
You can also run Memtest86.

Riskyone101 · 05-23-2009, 04:40 PM

Heres what to do:

Im assuming you took care of the virut virus, in virus help forums as you had said in your post?

Just have 1 stick in the pc when performing a clean install of the operating system.

Now please follow these instructions here:

How to successfully start a fresh install of windows:

1. Enter bios, by pressing F1, F2, F10, delete upon booting up, depending on pc you have,
Go to boot devices
floppy
cd/drive rom
harddrive
other deices (optional) varies on different pc`s.

2. Get a harddrive utility for the HD.
http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=287
Try seatools - works for other harddrives also.

If there isnt one for your harddrive then get one of these to use:

dban - http://www.dban.org/download
killdisc - http://www.killdisk.com/downloadfree.htm

3. Run a harddrive test.
4. Run a full erase.
5. Remove cd disc utility
6. turn off pc
7. turn on pc and let it boot you should get a disc error (this is good)or missing OS.
8. Put your cd disc of windows in and reboot pc and press enter to boot from your windows disc.
9. Install drivers
10. Install protection
11. Update windows

The reason for erasing harddrive with a HD utility program first is that it will erase
everything on HD, as formatting only prepares drive for installation of windows, doesnt
necessarily wipe out harddrive from information.

Note: Its always good to perform the harddrive test, saves alot of time in future and
takes the guess work out of the problems you may incur in installing windows.

Please mark post solved under thread tools if this fixes your problem, ty.

05-23-2009, 02:24 PM	#1 (permalink)
neilthewolf Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 28 OS: xp home	RAM problem after format Hi, i recently had to format my drive and re-install my OS after with your help i identified a 'virut' in my system. About 2-3 years ago i upgraded my RAM to 1.5G. initially i remember when i installed the upgrade my pc would'nt recognise or use the new memory. I found some advice somewhere i cant remember telling me to change something at startup so that the pc would use more memory. After i did this all was well. Since my re-install i have the same problem, the pc is obviously slow and although in 'memory' in setup it states i have 1.5G of RAM everywhere else states i only have 512k. I even installed tune-up utility which recognised the RAM last time but this time IT tells me i don't have enough memory (only 512k) I know its a strange request but can you tell me what i might have done to solve this problem last time and i will do that again. I have a Dell dimension 4600 running xp home. Thanks Neil

05-23-2009, 03:29 PM	#2 (permalink)
Tyree Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: May 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 5,719 OS: XP Pro-7RC-Mandriva My System	Re: RAM problem after format Is all the RAM the same brand and speed? Try installing one stick of RAM, see if it works, remove that stick and repeat the process with all other sticks. You can also run Memtest86. __________________ Posting your PC specs will help us to help you quicker and more efficiently.

05-23-2009, 04:40 PM	#3 (permalink)
Riskyone101 Tech Hardware Team Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Chicago, IL. Posts: 3,777 OS: XP Pro SP3, MCE 2005 sp3, Vista Ultimate SP2, Windows 7 Ultimate My System	Re: RAM problem after format Heres what to do: Im assuming you took care of the virut virus, in virus help forums as you had said in your post? Just have 1 stick in the pc when performing a clean install of the operating system. Now please follow these instructions here: How to successfully start a fresh install of windows: 1. Enter bios, by pressing F1, F2, F10, delete upon booting up, depending on pc you have, Go to boot devices floppy cd/drive rom harddrive other deices (optional) varies on different pc`s. 2. Get a harddrive utility for the HD. http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=287 Try seatools - works for other harddrives also. If there isnt one for your harddrive then get one of these to use: dban - http://www.dban.org/download killdisc - http://www.killdisk.com/downloadfree.htm 3. Run a harddrive test. 4. Run a full erase. 5. Remove cd disc utility 6. turn off pc 7. turn on pc and let it boot you should get a disc error (this is good)or missing OS. 8. Put your cd disc of windows in and reboot pc and press enter to boot from your windows disc. 9. Install drivers 10. Install protection 11. Update windows The reason for erasing harddrive with a HD utility program first is that it will erase everything on HD, as formatting only prepares drive for installation of windows, doesnt necessarily wipe out harddrive from information. Note: Its always good to perform the harddrive test, saves alot of time in future and takes the guess work out of the problems you may incur in installing windows. Please mark post solved under thread tools if this fixes your problem, ty. __________________