trying to install ram

conradstartin · 11-03-2009, 03:11 PM

im trying to install 1GB DDR400 PC3200 ddr ram into my base unit but the xp os won't display or the BIOS wont let me change the ram in its settings :(

i used an internet diagnostic from crucial.com to tell me what memory i needed, brought it online adhering to the specs that the diagnostic gave me, put it in the spare slot, turned the machine on and all that happened was the pc tried switching on several times til i turned it off myself.

i swapped over the slots so the old memory (256mb) was in the unused slot and the new was in the other slot, turned the machine on and it got to the log on screen then went blank.

it did the same thing when on its own too.

the BIOS wont let me change the memory status in itself and i now dont know what to do.

can anyone help?

**Tyree** · 11-03-2009, 03:37 PM

Is the new RAM identical (brand & specs) to the old RAM? Mixing RAM can cause issues. Try the new RAM by itself.

conradstartin · 11-04-2009, 01:54 AM

i have tried it on its own in both slots. it isnt the same brand as the 256mb one either :(

pc spec

hewlett-packard pavilion
intel celeron 2.54GHz
256Mb RAM
80G HDD

**louge1953** · 11-04-2009, 04:04 AM

generally the Bios should auto detect the change in Ram size. what is the make and model of the pc or if home built what is the mother board model..??

**Tyree** · 11-04-2009, 07:37 AM

Remove ALL the RAM, clear the CMOS, insert the old RAM and try to boot.

conradstartin · 11-05-2009, 05:25 AM

the motherboard is 'microstar ms6577 version 4.1
the specs are listed a bit further up

conradstartin · 11-05-2009, 05:27 AM

youll have to forgive me as its been nearly 15 years since i did my pc courses and have not had much to do with them since. how do i clear the cmos? is that what the watch battery is for? if i clear the cmos will it sort itself out when i switch the pc back on?

conradstartin · 11-05-2009, 05:29 AM

and its a shop brought one :)

**greenbrucelee** · 11-05-2009, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by conradstartin

youll have to forgive me as its been nearly 15 years since i did my pc courses and have not had much to do with them since. how do i clear the cmos? is that what the watch battery is for? if i clear the cmos will it sort itself out when i switch the pc back on?

yes its the coin battery

you remove it
change the jumpers to 2 & 3
after 20 mins put the battery back in
put jumpers back to 1 & 2
fire up the pc

11-03-2009, 03:11 PM	#1 (permalink)
conradstartin Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 5 OS: xp	trying to install ram im trying to install 1GB DDR400 PC3200 ddr ram into my base unit but the xp os won't display or the BIOS wont let me change the ram in its settings :( i used an internet diagnostic from crucial.com to tell me what memory i needed, brought it online adhering to the specs that the diagnostic gave me, put it in the spare slot, turned the machine on and all that happened was the pc tried switching on several times til i turned it off myself. i swapped over the slots so the old memory (256mb) was in the unused slot and the new was in the other slot, turned the machine on and it got to the log on screen then went blank. it did the same thing when on its own too. the BIOS wont let me change the memory status in itself and i now dont know what to do. can anyone help?

11-03-2009, 03:37 PM	#2 (permalink)
Tyree Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: May 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 5,528 OS: XP Pro-7RC-Mandriva My System	Re: trying to install ram Is the new RAM identical (brand & specs) to the old RAM? Mixing RAM can cause issues. Try the new RAM by itself. __________________ Posting your PC specs will help us to help you quicker and more efficiently.

11-04-2009, 01:54 AM	#3 (permalink)
conradstartin Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 5 OS: xp	Re: trying to install ram i have tried it on its own in both slots. it isnt the same brand as the 256mb one either :( pc spec hewlett-packard pavilion intel celeron 2.54GHz 256Mb RAM 80G HDD

11-04-2009, 04:04 AM	#4 (permalink)
louge1953 TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: texas Posts: 757 OS: xp	Re: trying to install ram generally the Bios should auto detect the change in Ram size. what is the make and model of the pc or if home built what is the mother board model..??

11-04-2009, 07:37 AM	#5 (permalink)
Tyree Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: May 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 5,528 OS: XP Pro-7RC-Mandriva My System	Re: trying to install ram Remove ALL the RAM, clear the CMOS, insert the old RAM and try to boot. __________________ Posting your PC specs will help us to help you quicker and more efficiently.

11-05-2009, 05:25 AM	#6 (permalink)
conradstartin Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 5 OS: xp	Re: trying to install ram the motherboard is 'microstar ms6577 version 4.1 the specs are listed a bit further up

11-05-2009, 05:27 AM	#7 (permalink)
conradstartin Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 5 OS: xp	Re: trying to install ram youll have to forgive me as its been nearly 15 years since i did my pc courses and have not had much to do with them since. how do i clear the cmos? is that what the watch battery is for? if i clear the cmos will it sort itself out when i switch the pc back on?

11-05-2009, 05:29 AM	#8 (permalink)
conradstartin Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 5 OS: xp	Re: trying to install ram and its a shop brought one :)