Windows doesn't startup with 3 GB memory

[hkp]

Hello, I installed 3GB of RAM in my computer. Now Windows XP Home won't start
up.
I can startup in Safe mode and the full 3 GB is recognized. Linux (dualboot
with XP) has no problems with the 3 GB!
What could be the problem here? Thanks
Harry

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

You give zero info about your computer so how can anyone tell?

 

[hkp]

Sorry for that, but not completely zero...the problem is not the motherboard,
otherwise safe mode and Linux wouldn't work, I think...
But what information should I provide?

 

[John]

Does this help? http://support.microsoft.com/kb/328269

 

[hkp]

Thanks for your answer, but no, I have SP2 and do not use those switches. I
have tried them anyway, but then my computer doesn't boot anymore

 

[JS]

Try running Memtest86+, this runs from a boot disk or CD and should
eliminate or
confirm if the new memory you installed is good or bad.

Let it run for as long as you can, 2,4,6,8 or more hours,
if no errors by then your ram/memory is OK.
See: http://www.memtest.org/

JS

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

Computer make and model, type of ram, service pack level of the OS (some
folks are already using SP3), etc.

 

[Gerry]

hkp

One clue you have given. Sorry to state the obvious. Something which
does not load in safe mode but which loads in normal mode. A driver
perhaps?

Have you looked in the System log for an Event recording drivers not
loaded when you booted in safe mode?

You can access Event Viewer by selecting Start, Control Panel,
Administrative Tools, and Event Viewer.

A tip for posting copies of Error Reports! Run Event Viewer and double
click on the error you want to copy. In the window, which appears is a
button resembling two pages. Click the button and close Event
Viewer.Now start your message (email) and do a paste into the body of
the message. Make sure this is the first paste after exiting from
Event Viewer.

Try Start, Run, type "sigverif.exe" without quotes and hit OK. What
drivers are listed as unsigned? Disregard those which are not checked.

What actually happens when you try to boot in normal mode? Did the
computer fail to boot the first time you tried to boot after installing
the memory? What happens if you revert to the original memory?


--



Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

[John]

How far does it go when you switch on your PC? Does it get to Windows GUI at
all? If it does, is there anything in the event logs?

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Hello, I installed 3GB of RAM in my computer. Now Windows XP Home won't start
up.
I can startup in Safe mode and the full 3 GB is recognized. Linux (dualboot
with XP) has no problems with the 3 GB!
What could be the problem here? Thanks
Harry

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

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. (Incidentally, Crucial is the only company from
which I ever buy RAM. I've never been disappointed.)


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

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

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[hkp]

Here is a summary:
Processor
Model : Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 3.00GHz
Speed : 2.99GHz
Cores per Processor : 1 Unit(s)
Threads per Core : 2 Unit(s)
Internal Data Cache : 8kB, Synchronous, Write-Thru, 4-way, 64 byte line
size, 2 lines per sector
L2 On-board Cache : 512kB, ECC, Synchronous, ATC, 8-way, 64 byte line size,
2 lines per sector

System
System : MEDIONPC MS-7012
Mainboard : MICRO-STAR INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD MS-7012
Bus(es) : ISA AGP PCI IMB USB FireWire/1394 i2c/SMBus
Multi-Processor (MP) Support : 1 Processor(s)
Multi-Processor Advanced PIC (APIC) : Yes
System BIOS : Phoenix Technologies, LTD 6.00 PG
Total Memory : 2.00GB DDR

Chipset 1
Model : Intel 82865G/PE/P, 82848P DRAM Controller / Host-Hub Interface
Front Side Bus Speed : 4x 200MHz (800MHz)
Total Memory : 2GB DDR
Memory Bus Speed : 2x 200MHz (400MHz)

Power Management
Mains (AC) Line Status : On-Line

Operating System(s)
Windows System : Microsoft Windows XP (2002) Home 5.01.2600 (Service Pack 2)
Platform Compliance : Win32 x86

Network Services
Adapter : VIA Rhine III Fast Ethernet Adapter

I have checked the mainboard's manual and it can go up to 4 GB. All modules
work fine alone, or in other combinations like 1 GB + 2 x 512 MB, except 2 x
1GB +2 x 512 MB. I have tried Memtest '86 and no errors are reported.

 

[hkp]

I have done that, no errors...

Try running Memtest86+, this runs from a boot disk or CD and should
eliminate or
confirm if the new memory you installed is good or bad.

Let it run for as long as you can, 2,4,6,8 or more hours,
if no errors by then your ram/memory is OK.
See: http://www.memtest.org/

JS

 

[Bob I]

If it starts in Safe mode I would suspect one of the drivers is the
problem. What is the error message it throws up? Also what video?