RAM goes from 384MB down to 132MB

[mikboc]

I just learned about this Newsgroup so if I do something stupid, please bear
with me. I try to learn.

I have an older Dell Dimension L550r that came with a 128MB RAM module. I
added a 256MB RAM module and generally everything works fine. Occasionally
the computer runs real slow. Takes forever just to type a few words. When
this happens, I right click on "my computer" and select properties. The RAM
is listed as 132MB. Task Manager shows the same. If I reboot the computer
I am still at the 132MB. If I turn the computer off for about 1/2 hour and
turn it back on, there is 384MB RAM back. This is physical RAM is it not?
Where does it go and how do I stop it from going there?

I have removed both RAM modules and plugged them back in - twice. I am
fairly certain the contacts are clean and they are seated properly. I also
cleaned the computer case when I did this. I cleared all the temp files,
ran Adaware, Spysweeper, Norton AV, defragged hard drive. I am running XP
Pro, Pentium III 500MH.

Mikboc

 

[Ken Blake]

In

I just learned about this Newsgroup so if I do something
stupid,
please bear with me. I try to learn.

I have an older Dell Dimension L550r that came with a 128MB RAM
module. I added a 256MB RAM module and generally everything
works
fine. Occasionally the computer runs real slow. Takes forever
just
to type a few words. When this happens, I right click on "my
computer" and select properties. The RAM is listed as 132MB.
Task
Manager shows the same. If I reboot the computer I am still at
the
132MB. If I turn the computer off for about 1/2 hour and turn
it
back on, there is 384MB RAM back. This is physical RAM is it
not?
Where does it go and how do I stop it from going there?

If rebooting doesn't show the other 256MB RAM, but waiting half
an hour and rebooting does, it would appear that your problem is
heat-related. The socket that the 256MB module (or the module
itself) is plugged into may expand and fail when it is warm.

 

[Z]

I have an older Dell Dimension L550r that came with a 128MB RAM module. I
added a 256MB RAM module and generally everything works fine. Occasionally
the computer runs real slow. Takes forever just to type a few words. When
this happens, I right click on "my computer" and select properties. The RAM
is listed as 132MB. Task Manager shows the same. If I reboot the computer
I am still at the 132MB. If I turn the computer off for about 1/2 hour and
turn it back on, there is 384MB RAM back. This is physical RAM is it not?
Where does it go and how do I stop it from going there?

Yes, it is physical RAM.

It sounds like you either have a faulty 256MB memory module or you used
one that's not the right kind (perhaps it's rated too slow and as it
heats up, it runs slower, then you have problems) for your system.

Under "faulty," perhaps, you have some contacts that are oxidized or
dirty. That could cause problems with temperature. Have you tried any
contact cleaner on the connectors and strips?

Where did you buy the memory and how did you choose the type?

 

[mikboc]

Thank you.

I haven't tried contact cleaner yet. I will. This problem occurs very
infrequently. Sometimes after the computer has been on for days without
being shut off. Other times after a couple of hours of operation.

I bought the RAM module at Micro Center here in Cincinnati. The guy there
matched this module with the type I had originally from Dell.

 

[mikboc]

Thanks.

It doesn't happen all the time. Sometimes after the computer has been on
for several days without being shut down and sometimes after the computer
has been on for a couple of hours. Very random.

 

[NotMe]

It's also possible the motherboard is failing.....

 

[Peter Foldes]

Heat!!!

--
Peter

Please Reply to Newsgroup for the benefit of others
Requests for assistance by email can not and will not be acknowledged.

Thanks.

It doesn't happen all the time. Sometimes after the computer has been on
for several days without being shut down and sometimes after the computer
has been on for a couple of hours. Very random.

 

[Stan]

if you have 128mb of ram the best thing to do is to match it equally with
128mb.
I did almost the same with my ram (originaly had 256mb and I added a 512mb
stick) got pretty much the same experience you are having now. hope this
helps
Stan