Can't upgrade RAM in Vista Ultimate

[Guest]

Hey guys,
I upgraded from XP to Vista a while back on a Dell 9300 that came with 2x256
DDR2 PC4200 sticks of RAM. I recently purchased 2x512 DDR2 PC4200 GSkill RAM
from Newegg with the hopes of upgrading. However when I install the new RAM,
following all the protocols of installing new RAM of course, the computer
refuses to boot. I've tried using one of each of the sticks in slot 1 and
both sticks, switching out which one was in slot 1 to see if that was an
issue. Both sticks were brand new. Unfortunately I can't test them with
another laptop since I don't have another available. Whatever configuration
I try the computer will not boot with the new RAM. When I replace the old
sticks everything boots just fine and the computer runs as normal. Any
thoughts? Thx!

 

[David Vair]

Go to crucial.com and run the memory configurator to be sure you can actually use the memory sizes
you bought.

 

[Guest]

Hi David,
Yes, I checked Crucial first and although I purchased GSkill RAM, the size
and speed of the RAM is supported by my Dell laptop. The only thing I can
think of right now is to return the RAM to Newegg and purchase Crucial
branded RAM of the same size. I've never had a problem with GSkill in the
past and all the reviews are great for this RAM on Newegg. Any other
thoughts?

 

[Robert Moir]

Hi David,
Yes, I checked Crucial first and although I purchased GSkill RAM, the size
and speed of the RAM is supported by my Dell laptop. The only thing I can
think of right now is to return the RAM to Newegg and purchase Crucial
branded RAM of the same size. I've never had a problem with GSkill in the
past and all the reviews are great for this RAM on Newegg. Any other
thoughts?

I'm kinda with David on this one. On first read of your posts I'd say either
the memory is faulty (doesn't seem likely if both sticks won't work by
themselves, but don't dismiss it completely) or the type isn't quite right
for your machine.

What actually happens when it 'refuses to boot'? If you go into the BIOS and
check memory timings (not sure if Dell bioses expose this, especially on a
laptop but for now lets assume they do) what do you see? Is the speed and
amount of memory what you would expect? If it allows you full access to the
memory timings it is trying to use for the memory, are *all* of these
*exactly* what you would expect for the type of ram you have?

 

[mikeyhsd]

you might check with dell to insure your motherboard is upgradeable in memory.



(e-mail address removed)



Hey guys,
I upgraded from XP to Vista a while back on a Dell 9300 that came with 2x256
DDR2 PC4200 sticks of RAM. I recently purchased 2x512 DDR2 PC4200 GSkill RAM
from Newegg with the hopes of upgrading. However when I install the new RAM,
following all the protocols of installing new RAM of course, the computer
refuses to boot. I've tried using one of each of the sticks in slot 1 and
both sticks, switching out which one was in slot 1 to see if that was an
issue. Both sticks were brand new. Unfortunately I can't test them with
another laptop since I don't have another available. Whatever configuration
I try the computer will not boot with the new RAM. When I replace the old
sticks everything boots just fine and the computer runs as normal. Any
thoughts? Thx!

 

[Richard Urban]

All RAM is not equal, even though the specs may indicate so.

Buy RAM from someone who "guarantees" it, such as Crucial or Corsair. As
long as you get the RAM recommended by their memory configurator you have
100% return privileges.

Now, if you free lance and get RAM that they don't recommend - you may be on
your own.

--


Regards,

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User
(For email, remove the obvious from my address)

Quote from George Ankner:
If you knew as much as you think you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!