Windows XP rejecting additional RAM

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Can anyone help? I want to increase the system RAM on my newly acquired
computer bought under a well known brand. The pc was supplied with 256mb of
PC3200 DDR 184pin 400mhz. I want to double this with an additional DIMM
module of the same spec. but a different manufacturer. I have already tried
the install and found the operating system will not let me pass account
log-on stage. My hunch is the operating system will not allow the change
because it thinks the motherboard has changed. The pc is certified on the
chassis. Is there any way of getting round this problem e.g. registry change,
BIOS update etc. Any help much appreciated.
 
Adding RAM should not force the XP activation count to be zero. Make sure
that BOTH RAM modules are rated the same and that the BIOS can detect both
modules (Total memory should match total of both modules).
 
gordon said:
Can anyone help? I want to increase the system RAM on my newly
acquired computer bought under a well known brand. The pc was
supplied with 256mb of PC3200 DDR 184pin 400mhz. I want to double
this with an additional DIMM module of the same spec. but a different
manufacturer. I have already tried the install and found the
operating system will not let me pass account log-on stage. My hunch
is the operating system will not allow the change because it thinks
the motherboard has changed. The pc is certified on the chassis. Is
there any way of getting round this problem e.g. registry change,
BIOS update etc. Any help much appreciated.
Click to expand...


Two ways to be sure of getting *IDENTICAL* RAM.

1) www.crucial.com
2) Remove an existing module and note the part number and Google it. Works
every time. Only buy RAM of the SAME part number.
 
If it were a 'setup' issue in relation to the increased RAM size, then you
would find that Windows would 'fail' a lot earlier in the startup phase.

Again, research the Module's physical properties as to Make, Part Number etc
and do make sure that it's twin is inserted in the correct DIMM slot. To
check into which slot it is to be inserted, read the Mobo user guide or call
the 'well known brand's' tech support if this information isn't given in a
manual. Occasionally one finds that if there are more than two DIMM slots
the modules are not inserted in slots 1 and 2 but perhaps in slots 1 and 3 or
other combination.
 
BAR said:
If it were a 'setup' issue in relation to the increased RAM size,
then you would find that Windows would 'fail' a lot earlier in the
startup phase.

Again, research the Module's physical properties as to Make, Part
Number etc and do make sure that it's twin is inserted in the correct
DIMM slot. To check into which slot it is to be inserted, read the
Mobo user guide or call the 'well known brand's' tech support if this
information isn't given in a manual. Occasionally one finds that if
there are more than two DIMM slots the modules are not inserted in
slots 1 and 2 but perhaps in slots 1 and 3 or other combination.
Click to expand...

Why are you telling me this? Next time, try replying to the original poster.
 
gordon said:
Can anyone help? I want to increase the system RAM on my newly acquired
computer bought under a well known brand. The pc was supplied with 256mb of
PC3200 DDR 184pin 400mhz. I want to double this with an additional DIMM
module of the same spec. but a different manufacturer. I have already tried
the install and found the operating system will not let me pass account
log-on stage. My hunch is the operating system will not allow the change
because it thinks the motherboard has changed. The pc is certified on the
chassis. Is there any way of getting round this problem e.g. registry change,
BIOS update etc. Any help much appreciated.
Click to expand...

Uh, you listed some but not all of the specs for a RAM stick. To successfully
add another RAM stick, *all* of the specs should match. And, some MBs are
more picky than others.

XP has nothing to do with this problem.
 
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