Added Memory...Won't Boot Up!

Just added 128mb of PNY Memory. Went to boot up machine and it would not. Tried
different combo's and it would only boot up showing 32 of original 64 megs of ram. (it had two 32 modules in it.)

Is PNY memory crap or is there a solution?

Will the new ram work by itsself?

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"When all else fails - read the instructions!"

What system/motherboard do you have? What are the specs on the old and new memory (SIMMS vs DIMMs, speed, etc)? When you say it won't boot up, do you mean it does not even get to the point of starting the bios POST operations?

Compatability issues could certainly exist between your old and new sticks. Or it could have something to do with the particular specs on the new stick in conjunction with your motherboard's need/requirements. But a little more info on what all you have would be helpfull.

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[This message has been edited by DrMDJ (edited 08-31-2001).]

PC will not work with just the new stick of memory. The machine is a Gateway and as far as motherboard specs, I am not real sure. This is a friends PC. The part number is (i think) E139761.


The memory is PNY PC 100.

The bios has password settings. Could this be the problem?

Well, if the new stick will not allow the PC to Post even when it's in there alone then either the stick is defective or it is incompatible in some way for that system/board.

Most memory manufacturers have online configurators which enable you to enter in the make and model of your motherboard or system and it will tell you what your memory options are.

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[This message has been edited by DrMDJ (edited 08-31-2001).]

Had to leave for a min. Here is more....

The specs on the memory are (from the packaging)...

PNY Technologies
64174ESEM-CS
SDRAM PC100,DIMM
394875

As far as his system. It says Gateway 2000 on the screen when booting up normally and in searching the part number on the net, I came up with at least one item that says it is an al440lx.

I also bought a stick of this memory and it installed without any problems, so far, in my Compaq 7588.

Back to his machine...The screen did not show any display what so ever with the new sitck in the first slot. Either by itself or with the others in slot 2 or 3. If I put old stick in slot 1 and new stick in slot 2, the screen came up and when starting to check memory stopped and indicated some type of memory error in slot 2 and tried to boot up into safe mode. We did no go any further at that time. Simply took out the new and put back the old and everything back to normal.

Again with the passwords and such. Could that be a problem?

Sorry for the long post but any and all help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Bill

According to PNY the Gateway 2000 systems compatible with that (new) stick are listed on this page.

With the old stick in slot 1 and the new in slot 2, can you get in to the bios setup screens? If so go in and look around for a setting to "Reset Configuration Data" (which may also refer to ESCD). If you find it, set it to Enabled. Whether you find it or not, then do a Save and Exit from bios setup. See if that changes anything.

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I will have to reset CMOS before I can make any changes to the bios. I will move the jumper, attempting to reset bios, and then try what you have suggested. I will also do my best to find out the exact system he has and check the compatability list.

Thanks again.

Just a thought,
Take the stick you are having trouble with and try it in your Compaq since you know the Compaq will operate with this type of memory.
If it does not work then you`ve got a dud stick. If it does work then at least
you know its good!

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It helps to be smarter than what you`re working on!

Thanks David. I had suggested that to him and we are gonna try it hopefully this weekend. Will keep you guys posted.

Busy weekend, sorry it took so long to get back.

Did not have a chance to try his memory in my PC. But another friend at work bought some for his 'puter and it did not work. He mentioned something about it possibly being "parity vs. non-parity". Could someone please bring me up to speed on this and other memory specs. This is bugging the crap out of me.

Thanks

Conclusion...

I had a 64meg stick in my PC that I took out when I had the new PNY 128. I put the 64 meg in his machine and it booted up fine.

I did not try his PNY 128 in my machine. He returned it and got his money back.

Thanks for all of your help.