Memory

  • Thread starter Thread starter Keith
  • Start date Start date
K

Keith

When starting my computer, the system checks my memory.
Whileit is checking, it counts up to 512 then rolls over
and starts again, it does this 2 times and finally stops
on 524MB on the 3rd pass. Any suggestions or help is
greatly appreciated. I have 512MB of RAM, Athlon XP
2000+, Abit NV7M motherboard. Thanks
 
If your talking about the BIOS checking your memory when you first turn on the computer and it does a Power On Self Test, then that isn't Windows doing the counting. What you describe sounds like some of the computer memory you have installed in the system is being ignored by the BIOS because it fails the test as a bad section of physical memory.
 
-----Original Message-----
If your talking about the BIOS checking your memory when
Click to expand...
you first turn on the computer and it does a Power On Self
Test, then that isn't Windows doing the counting. What
you describe sounds like some of the computer memory you
have installed in the system is being ignored by the BIOS
because it fails the test as a bad section of physical
memory.
.
I would almost agree with you except for the fact the it
Click to expand...
ignores it 2 times then counts it all on the 3rd, then
boots as normal. Could it be that I need to update the
BIOS with the latest version?
 
Most BIOS memory checks make three runs before ending the test, it compares the 3 runs to come to the conclusion the memory is unusable.

BIOS flashes are not something to take lightly, don't do it unless it is recommend by the computer/motherboard vendor for the issue or all as a last resort. No one really wants to run the chance a bad flash unless they have to.

If that 512MB of memory is in the form of 2 DIMMs I would recommend testing them by booting up with only 1 at a time in the first memory socket. If one doesn't count up all the way you know which to replace. Should they both work fine the BIOS flash is an idea, but there also might be a problem with the motherboard's memory controller which could make a flash dangerous territory. If it is a single DIMM try it in another system as the sole memory module, if it checks out fine then your back with the BIOS or memory controller issue.
 
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