Upgrading memory could be easier

[Guest]

Determining how to upgrade RAM still seems to be difficult for novice users.

In the Windows menu, "View basic Information about your computer" (Control
Panel\System and Maintenance\System), the total amount of RAM is displayed.

Basic details would help, including:
* Number of RAM chip slots (and how many are in use) on this computer.
* Type of RAM chip in use by this computer
(example: 1GB DDR2 SDRAM)

Extra credit for:
* Link to help topic, How to upgrade RAM.
Tips here would mention what to look for when upgrading RAM.
(Will any SDRAM chip do? Is it important that the speed matches? Do I
need to match the number of pins? Does it matter if I buy notebook vs
desktop DDR2RAM?)
* Link to hardware-specific webpage: What RAM upgrade is correct for my
computer?
* Recommendations.
Example:
Memory: 1GB.
Details: Slot 1: 1GB DDR2-533 240 Pin DIMM. Slot 2: <empty>
To upgrade to 2GB, add a 1GB DDR2-533 240 Pin DIMM chip to Slot 2.
To upgrade to 4GB, replace the memory chip(s) with two 2GB DDR2-533 240
Pin DIMM chips.


Yes, there are websites out there that can tell us what RAM we have and what
RAM we need. But often, they still require opening the case and physically
inspecting the computer. This is difficult to walk someone through on the
phone.

Ken

 

[Richard Urban]

You are writing about physical repairs/alterations to your computer. Why
would the operating system have anything to do with that. Any help in Vista
(or ANY other operating system) is for the operating system only - not for
how to physically alter your computer.

--

Regards,

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

 

[Mike Hall - MVP]

With all respect, one has to open up the computer in order to install the
memory.

It is even more difficult to walk somebody through the process as
manufacturer and accessory cases do not all open in the same way, and some
require removal of the power supply to gain easy access to the memory slots.

If you do not consider that you have the technical expertise to gain access
to the computer innards, take it to a repair shop.

 

[Rob]

Determining how to upgrade RAM still seems to be difficult for novice
users.

In the Windows menu, "View basic Information about your computer" (Control
Panel\System and Maintenance\System), the total amount of RAM is
displayed.

Basic details would help, including:
* Number of RAM chip slots (and how many are in use) on this computer.
* Type of RAM chip in use by this computer
(example: 1GB DDR2 SDRAM)

Extra credit for:
* Link to help topic, How to upgrade RAM.
Tips here would mention what to look for when upgrading RAM.
(Will any SDRAM chip do? Is it important that the speed matches? Do I
need to match the number of pins? Does it matter if I buy notebook vs
desktop DDR2RAM?)
* Link to hardware-specific webpage: What RAM upgrade is correct for my
computer?
* Recommendations.
Example:
Memory: 1GB.
Details: Slot 1: 1GB DDR2-533 240 Pin DIMM. Slot 2: <empty>
To upgrade to 2GB, add a 1GB DDR2-533 240 Pin DIMM chip to Slot 2.
To upgrade to 4GB, replace the memory chip(s) with two 2GB DDR2-533
240
Pin DIMM chips.


Yes, there are websites out there that can tell us what RAM we have and
what
RAM we need. But often, they still require opening the case and
physically
inspecting the computer. This is difficult to walk someone through on the
phone.

Ken

Go here:

http://www.crucial.com/uk/index.aspx?aid=5338677&pid=1264078

and use the crucial memory advisory tool

Rob

--
Red meat isn't bad for you....Blue, Green fuzzy meat is bad for you.

Dell Dimension 8300 Desktop
P4 3.0GHz
1GB RAM
Windows Vista Ultimate 32Bit
ATI Radeon 9800 XT
Creative SB Audigy 2

 

[Guest]

I agree, for experienced users, this is not a big project.
I'm just thinking there may be ways to make this task a bit more accessible
for novices.

The Crucial Memory Advisory Tool is excellent, I've used it in the past.
And Mike makes an excellent point, one does have to open up the computer
anyway to upgrade the RAM. In addition, the RAM chips are often labelled
with the information.

Perhaps that's all the push that some people would need: a link to this
website, or one like it, from the System page.

Ken

 

[Computer & Sound System Tech]

i tried the program from cruxiar it doesn't work properly it gave me the
information before i had done my upgrade i have two gig and it stills think
i have 1gig

--
New Licensed Boating Capt. Jonathan Perreault
http://www.AllAboutGames.BraveHost.com
- note: click continue, when it ask about security certificate -

Best Comments From Users:
Vista is satan's way to bring hell to earth.

A common mistake that people make when trying to design something completely
foolproof is to underestimate the ingenuity of complete fools.

No Matter The Problem Even With Linux, It's Microsoft's And Windows's Faults

Personnal Advice To You:
#1: Do Not Undermine Windows's Work, Or It'll Undermine You As A User.
#2: Torture Windows (Any) Now Before It Tortures You
#3: Windows Is Bad Enough In English, Why Get It In Another Language

 

[Rob]

i tried the program from cruxiar it doesn't work properly it gave me the
information before i had done my upgrade i have two gig and it stills
think i have 1gig

The Crucial system scanner doesn't run well in Vista, so the website
re-directs you a downloadable version instead. You can still use the online
scanner if you wish but it's in Beta so results may not be 100% correct.

Rob



Red meat isn't bad for you....Blue, Green fuzzy meat is bad for you.

Dell Dimension 8300 Desktop
P4 3.0GHz
1GB RAM
Windows Vista Ultimate 32Bit
ATI Radeon 9800 XT
Creative SB Audigy 2

 

[Computer & Sound System Tech]

right that's what happen to me i had to download it it gave me all the
correct details except for the fact it gave me the info of before i did my
upgrade to 2 gig

--
New Licensed Boating Capt. Jonathan Perreault
http://www.AllAboutGames.BraveHost.com
- note: click continue, when it ask about security certificate -

Best Comments From Users:
Vista is satan's way to bring hell to earth.

A common mistake that people make when trying to design something completely
foolproof is to underestimate the ingenuity of complete fools.

No Matter The Problem Even With Linux, It's Microsoft's And Windows's Faults

Personnal Advice To You:
#1: Do Not Undermine Windows's Work, Or It'll Undermine You As A User.
#2: Torture Windows (Any) Now Before It Tortures You
#3: Windows Is Bad Enough In English, Why Get It In Another Language

 

[Rob]

right that's what happen to me i had to download it it gave me all the
correct details except for the fact it gave me the info of before i did my
upgrade to 2 gig

Hmm unusual for the scanner to be so way off the mark on that occasion. Did
it recognise your original (pre upgrade) memory modules or the new ones?

Rob

--
Red meat isn't bad for you....Blue, Green fuzzy meat is bad for you.

Dell Dimension 8300 Desktop
P4 3.0GHz
1GB RAM
Windows Vista Ultimate 32Bit
ATI Radeon 9800 XT
Creative SB Audigy 2

 

[Computer & Sound System Tech]

only the preupgrade not the after upgrade, which beats the purpose what if i
wanted to upgrade again i would get had by this, if i was a newbie.
fortunatly i don't need an upgrade because i have more ram than vista needs
i never use 50% or more of my ram unless i use virtual pc. but it's a
moderatly sized flaw in the programing

--
New Licensed Boating Capt. Jonathan Perreault
http://www.AllAboutGames.BraveHost.com
- note: click continue, when it ask about security certificate -

Best Comments From Users:
Vista is satan's way to bring hell to earth.

A common mistake that people make when trying to design something completely
foolproof is to underestimate the ingenuity of complete fools.

No Matter The Problem Even With Linux, It's Microsoft's And Windows's Faults

Personnal Advice To You:
#1: Do Not Undermine Windows's Work, Or It'll Undermine You As A User.
#2: Torture Windows (Any) Now Before It Tortures You
#3: Windows Is Bad Enough In English, Why Get It In Another Language

 

[Rob]

only the preupgrade not the after upgrade, which beats the purpose what if
i wanted to upgrade again i would get had by this, if i was a newbie.
fortunatly i don't need an upgrade because i have more ram than vista
needs i never use 50% or more of my ram unless i use virtual pc. but it's
a moderatly sized flaw in the programing

Is it just the crucial scanner that does this or have you tried others? The
new memory modules, are they of the same spec as the originals?

Rob
--
Red meat isn't bad for you....Blue, Green fuzzy meat is bad for you.

Dell Dimension 8300 Desktop
P4 3.0GHz
1GB RAM
Windows Vista Ultimate 32Bit
ATI Radeon 9800 XT
Creative SB Audigy 2