XP Will Not Load after adding memory

[Guest]

I have a Dell Dimension 4300s with 256MB RAM. I ordered an additional 256MB
direclty from Dell. When I add the additional card, the BIOS sees the
memory, it starts to load Windows , gets to the blue XP screen, then goes
balck - it will not go any further. Now, if I take that memory out, it
works fine. If I add the new memory by itself, it works fine. If both cards
are in, even if I reverse slots, Windows will not load. Now I did call Dell,
and they said to reinstall XP because XP is not recognizing the the
additional RAM. This sounded kind of strange to me, so before I go to all
that trouble and thought I'd see if anyone has any thoughts...TO me it sounds
like the 2 memory cards aren't compatible.

Any thoughts? ideas?
Thanks
Debbie

 

[Ted Zieglar]

When a technical support person says "reinstall XP" it usually means "I
don't know what to do."

If the memory is still under warranty, call Dell and exchange it. OTOH, if
you are still within your free return period, return the memory and save
yourself a nice chunk of money by buying memory from one of the top quality
vendors on the web, e.g., Crucial, Corsair, Viking, etc. Any of them have
RAM selectors which will identify the exact RAM that is compatible with your
computer.

 

[Malke]

I have a Dell Dimension 4300s with 256MB RAM. I ordered an additional
256MB
direclty from Dell. When I add the additional card, the BIOS sees the
memory, it starts to load Windows , gets to the blue XP screen, then
goes
balck - it will not go any further. Now, if I take that memory out,
it
works fine. If I add the new memory by itself, it works fine. If
both cards
are in, even if I reverse slots, Windows will not load. Now I did
call Dell, and they said to reinstall XP because XP is not recognizing
the the
additional RAM. This sounded kind of strange to me, so before I go to
all that trouble and thought I'd see if anyone has any thoughts...TO
me it sounds like the 2 memory cards aren't compatible.

Once again, bottom-tier Dell support comes through with complete crap
advice. Your instincts are correct - there is something wrong with the
new RAM and/or the motherboard. Reinstalling Windows will do squat.

Malke

 

[Guest]

Thanks for your replies! I din't think reinstalling XP would make a
difference.

Debbie

 

[Adam Leinss]

Thanks for your replies! I din't think reinstalling XP would make a
difference.

I'll echo the other person: order your memory from Crucial (division of
Micron). Best memory that is out there.

Adam

 

[clare]

hi,

if you are still under warranty, approach dell get ur memory card
replaced, tell them what is happening, they are obliged to help you
out. Verify the memory card specifications before you buy, and chek if
it is compatible. try the new memory in the old card slot and the old
card in the present slot. and try booting to xp. chek it with new
memory card alone, chek for any beep codes or change of light behind/in
front of the sytem. chek with the manual what it says.

all the best!!!!!!!!!