2GB Memory problem with Windows XP

[Bill]

Hi,

I spent more than 7 hours already on this problem. I hope
someone here can help.

I bought the following parts:
- Intel processor 3.2GHz with HT & 800MHz bus speed.
- Intel motherboard with built-in sound & 64MB video card.
- 4x512MB DDR 400MHz (total 2GB RAM).

I added a perfectly working HDD & CD-ROM to this
configuration. The problem is that whenever i format and
install a fresh copy of WinXP Pro I can get over 10+ error
messages at a random stage in the setup. Examples of
errors:
- The blue screen indicating hardware problem.
- Inablility to read from CD-ROM [i tried 2 drives]
- Random restarts and lockups.
- Corrupted files.
- not being able to change admin password during setup.
- I noticed that the 4 memory modules become a bit hot.

I tested each memory module alone and I could install
Windows XP without any problems and without overheating. I
then tested combinations of 2 memory modules and
everything runs fine. My tests indicated that all memory
slots and all memory modules are working perfectly.

I updated the BIOS already and I still face the same
problems when I use all 4 memory modules together. I'm
wondering what could be the problem, and I want to know if
there's a memory limit for Windows XP?

Thank you.

 

[Guest]

It seems to be a big problem.
Did you have give alook to all switches, bridges etc an mother board ?

Good luck

 

[Bill]

The motherboard doesn't require any changes to jumpers or
BIOS settings.

All my testing so far indicates an overheating issue on
the memory modules. If that's true, then I have no idea
how to cool those memory modules

I honestly never experieniced memory overheating before.

 

[Guest]

Are you sure that memory modules are fully compatible with your motherboard ?
I have idea of an hardware problem.

 

[Steve McLellan]

Hi,

When you're installing, take out all but one of the memory modules. Windows
setup's always been crap with memory compatibility, likes it's waiting for
an excuse to fall over. Stick them back in once it's installed and it'll be
fine. Incidentally, sometimes the slot you use matters - if it still fails
with only 1 module in, try changing the slot. If this STILL doesn't work,
try doing it with any old memory you've got hanging around that the M/B will
take - the slower the better. After setup you can slap your lovely new
memory back in, and it'll all be OK.

HTH,

Steve

 

[Plato]

I honestly never experieniced memory overheating before.

If it is indeed overheating, then perhaps your case is just not up to
the new hardware. Can you add an additional case fan?

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

In

I spent more than 7 hours already on this problem. I hope
someone here can help.

I bought the following parts:
- Intel processor 3.2GHz with HT & 800MHz bus speed.
- Intel motherboard with built-in sound & 64MB video card.
- 4x512MB DDR 400MHz (total 2GB RAM).

I added a perfectly working HDD & CD-ROM to this
configuration. The problem is that whenever i format and
install a fresh copy of WinXP Pro I can get over 10+ error
messages at a random stage in the setup. Examples of
errors:
- The blue screen indicating hardware problem.
- Inablility to read from CD-ROM [i tried 2 drives]
- Random restarts and lockups.
- Corrupted files.
- not being able to change admin password during setup.
- I noticed that the 4 memory modules become a bit hot.

I tested each memory module alone and I could install
Windows XP without any problems and without overheating. I
then tested combinations of 2 memory modules and
everything runs fine. My tests indicated that all memory
slots and all memory modules are working perfectly.

I updated the BIOS already and I still face the same
problems when I use all 4 memory modules together. I'm
wondering what could be the problem, and I want to know if
there's a memory limit for Windows XP?

Yes, there's a memory limit (all operating systems have a memory
limit), but you're not at it. It's 4GB, so that's not your
problem.

Are these completely *identical* memory modules? Same brand,
specs, etc? If not, that could be the problem.

Another thought: the extra memory modules draw more power. What
is your power supply? Could you be short of power when they are
all installed?

 

[J.C. Hornbeck [MSFT]]

They also sell heat sinks or heat spreaders that attach to the DIMMs to help
dissipate the heat. You might give that a try and see if it makes a
difference.

--
J.C. Hornbeck, MCSE
Microsoft Product Support

NOTE: Please reply to the newsgroup and not directly to me. This allows
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[Russell Styles]

In

I spent more than 7 hours already on this problem. I hope
someone here can help.

I bought the following parts:
- Intel processor 3.2GHz with HT & 800MHz bus speed.
- Intel motherboard with built-in sound & 64MB video card.
- 4x512MB DDR 400MHz (total 2GB RAM).

I added a perfectly working HDD & CD-ROM to this
configuration. The problem is that whenever i format and
install a fresh copy of WinXP Pro I can get over 10+ error
messages at a random stage in the setup. Examples of
errors:
- The blue screen indicating hardware problem.
- Inablility to read from CD-ROM [i tried 2 drives]
- Random restarts and lockups.
- Corrupted files.
- not being able to change admin password during setup.
- I noticed that the 4 memory modules become a bit hot.

I tested each memory module alone and I could install
Windows XP without any problems and without overheating. I
then tested combinations of 2 memory modules and
everything runs fine. My tests indicated that all memory
slots and all memory modules are working perfectly.

I updated the BIOS already and I still face the same
problems when I use all 4 memory modules together. I'm
wondering what could be the problem, and I want to know if
there's a memory limit for Windows XP?

Yes, there's a memory limit (all operating systems have a memory
limit), but you're not at it. It's 4GB, so that's not your
problem.

Are these completely *identical* memory modules? Same brand,
specs, etc? If not, that could be the problem.

Another thought: the extra memory modules draw more power. What
is your power supply? Could you be short of power when they are
all installed?

A too small power supply can cause all sorts of odd problems. I had a
pc that would cease to work if I set the cpu clock over a certain figure.
At 75% speed, it worked. At 100% it did not.

A good power supply can work wonders.

Ignore the "watts" figure, and compare the number of Amps your power
supply delivers with the figures recommended on AMD or Intel web site.

Try slowing your CPU down to 3/4 speed, and see if it works. This will
draw much less power for the CPU, leaving more for the memory. It will not
be definitive, but it will tell you something.

 

[Bob Knowlden]

Not all DDR memory is created equal.

I don't have an Intel board, but Asus lists compatible memory for my P4P800
mainboard (Intel 965PE chipset). Some DDR is certified as usable with 4
sticks, some only with 2. (I'd give you a link, but the Asus web sites that
I usually visit all seem to be inaccessible at the moment. www.ass.com.tw is
the main site.) I suppose that a 100% Intel mainboard might be as sensitive.

Intel may list memory tested with your board. For example, for the 875BZ,

http://www.intel.com/design/motherbd/bz/bz_mem.htm

If your RAM isn't on the tested lists, maybe using something from the lists
would help.

Good luck.

Address altered. Replace nkbob with bobkn.