Is there no solution? 2 SDRAM DIMM sticks and Windows XP

[rcmajovski]

After extensive searching, and finding surprisingly little information
on my problem, let alone a solution, a post to this group seemed
appropriate. I have 2 SDRAM DIMM 256 MB sticks. One is a PC100, the
other a PC100/PC133. By themselves, they both run fine on my older
Pentium III. Put them together, in either of the motherboard slots,
and WinXP Pro is unable to load. The black Windows XP Pro startup
screen with the scrolling blue bar comes up, then a DOSish screen
appears asking to try and start windows normally, or in safe mode, etc.
None of these options work. The BIOS recognizes 512 MB of RAM.
Though I am afraid this situation may be hopeless, someone else may
know a little bit more about this.

Thanks.

 

[Mike Hall - MS MVP Windows Shell/User]

Even though the BIOS doesn't seem to mind that the sticks are different, XP
obviously does.. try to get two matching sticks..

 

[Bruce Chambers]

After extensive searching, and finding surprisingly little information
on my problem, let alone a solution, a post to this group seemed
appropriate. I have 2 SDRAM DIMM 256 MB sticks. One is a PC100, the
other a PC100/PC133. By themselves, they both run fine on my older
Pentium III. Put them together, in either of the motherboard slots,
and WinXP Pro is unable to load. The black Windows XP Pro startup
screen with the scrolling blue bar comes up, then a DOSish screen
appears asking to try and start windows normally, or in safe mode, etc.
None of these options work. The BIOS recognizes 512 MB of RAM.
Though I am afraid this situation may be hopeless, someone else may
know a little bit more about this.

Thanks.

It is absolutely essential that any new RAM module(s) be fully
compatible with both the motherboard and/or any other RAM module(s)
already in the system. Additionally, there are sometimes jumper
switches on older motherboards that need to be reset for new RAM
configurations. Consult your motherboard's manual or the manufacturer's
web site for specific instructions and compatibility requirements.

If you cannot lay your hands upon the computer's manual and the
manufacturer doesn't provide a support web site, you can use these
utilities to help determine the correct type of RAM needed:

SiSoft's Sandra
http://www.sisoftware.co.uk/index.php?dir=&location=sware_dl&lang=en

Belarc Advisor
http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

Unlimited Possibilities' AIDA32
http://forum.aumha.org/overflow/aida32.zip

Lavalys' Everest Home
http://www.lavalys.com/products/overview.php?pid=1&lang=en

Also, Crucial Memory's web site (www.crucial.com) has a database
to help to find the right RAM for your specific make and model
computer and/or motherboard.



--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin

 

[paulmd]

After extensive searching, and finding surprisingly little information
on my problem, let alone a solution, a post to this group seemed
appropriate. I have 2 SDRAM DIMM 256 MB sticks. One is a PC100, the
other a PC100/PC133. By themselves, they both run fine on my older
Pentium III. Put them together, in either of the motherboard slots,
and WinXP Pro is unable to load. The black Windows XP Pro startup
screen with the scrolling blue bar comes up, then a DOSish screen
appears asking to try and start windows normally, or in safe mode, etc.
None of these options work. The BIOS recognizes 512 MB of RAM.
Though I am afraid this situation may be hopeless, someone else may
know a little bit more about this.

Thanks.

What is your motherboard and processor?

If your processor has a 133 Front side bus, it may be attempting to
overclock the PC100 stick when it sees the PC133.

 

[Peter Foldes]

What happens when you put them into slots 1 and 3 instead of slots 1and 2

 

[Guest]

That really should'nt be a problem,however you'll run at the lower PC100
speed.Simply power off computer,locate the CMOS jumper pin on the board,
it will be stamped near it,remove the battery,then move the jumper pin from
1-2 position to 2-3 position for .30 - .45 seconds or so,then back to
1-2,replace
battery,start computer.You'll need to reset date,time,etc in BIOS,and any
add ons you have.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

That really should'nt be a problem,however you'll run at the lower PC100
speed.

So you know exactly what motherboard the OP has, and exactly what sort
of memory configurations it supports? How? Psychic powers?

Simply power off computer,locate the CMOS jumper pin on the board,
it will be stamped near it,remove the battery,then move the jumper pin from
1-2 position to 2-3 position for .30 - .45 seconds or so,then back to
1-2,replace
battery,start computer.You'll need to reset date,time,etc in BIOS,and any
add ons you have.

Why do you persist in offering this nonsense? It will have no affect
on the OP's problem, and may well render the OP's computer unbootable,
if he doesn't get everythin set back the way it should be.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin

 

[Papa]

Mixing memory brands and/or memory types almost always leads to problems
like yours.

 

[paulmd]

Mixing memory brands and/or memory types almost always leads to problems
like yours.

Not "almost always", in fact You can usually get away with it. But
problems are frequent enough to avoid doing it if you can.