upgrading RAM problem

edccmu22 · 05-02-2005, 05:42 PM

I'm trying to install more RAM on my old Dell machine, but I'm getting a weird problem.

It currently has 128mb and I'm adding a 256mb (pc133) stick in the second slot. When I boot up the machine the first time, it gets to the "windows loading" screen, but then I suddenly get the blue screen of death. If I enter BIOS before the windows screen, I see that it registers the new stick since it says 384mb RAM. If I try rebooting anymore it just gets stuck on the DELL screen.

My computer is a Dell Dimension L667r. The manual says I need pc100 ram but I thought that pc133 would run anyway, just at a slower speed. The fact that the BIOS recognized the ram sort of confirms this for me. It's possible it's defective RAM, but I'd like to know for sure before I try and order another stick.

Any ideas/suggestions would be appreciated. Let me know if you need any more info.

Thanks a lot.

**Cromewell** · 05-02-2005, 05:45 PM

Yes it's probably bad ram, try running memtest86 on it, if it passes the tests something else is wrong.

edccmu22 · 05-02-2005, 05:53 PM

Thanks a lot.

Could you give me any more info on how to use memtest86 (never heard of it before)? What commands/tests should I run once I boot from the floppy?

Thanks again.

**Cromewell** · 05-02-2005, 06:06 PM

at the memtest webpage there are commands listed but allowing it to run defaults will cover everythign that is needed, memtest will run all tests indefinitely but after a few passes it's probably enough

[-0MEGA-] · 05-02-2005, 07:11 PM

is the ram the same kind as what you have now?

edccmu22 · 05-02-2005, 07:29 PM

The RAM currently installed (the 128mb stick) is pc100. My new 256mb stick is pc133. I'm not sure what brand the old one is; the new one is Viking. All other specs are the same.

s_m_w_d · 05-02-2005, 10:50 PM

i have a dell dimension 4600 and i think the way you are suppost to do it when sticking more ram is that what ever ram cards you have in it that they have to match.
so if you have 1 x 256mb you have to stick in another 256mb well thats what i was told!

**Praetor** · 05-04-2005, 09:27 PM

Quote:

so if you have 1 x 256mb you have to stick in another 256mb well thats what I was told

Only if yer looking to use Dual Channel (and dont have a i945+)

05-02-2005, 05:42 PM	#1 (permalink)
edccmu22 New Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 16	upgrading RAM problem I'm trying to install more RAM on my old Dell machine, but I'm getting a weird problem. It currently has 128mb and I'm adding a 256mb (pc133) stick in the second slot. When I boot up the machine the first time, it gets to the "windows loading" screen, but then I suddenly get the blue screen of death. If I enter BIOS before the windows screen, I see that it registers the new stick since it says 384mb RAM. If I try rebooting anymore it just gets stuck on the DELL screen. My computer is a Dell Dimension L667r. The manual says I need pc100 ram but I thought that pc133 would run anyway, just at a slower speed. The fact that the BIOS recognized the ram sort of confirms this for me. It's possible it's defective RAM, but I'd like to know for sure before I try and order another stick. Any ideas/suggestions would be appreciated. Let me know if you need any more info. Thanks a lot.

05-02-2005, 05:45 PM	#2 (permalink)
Cromewell Moderator Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Canada Age: 25 Posts: 10,209	Yes it's probably bad ram, try running memtest86 on it, if it passes the tests something else is wrong. __________________ You know what the chain of command is? It's the chain I go get and beat you with 'til ya understand who's in ruttin' command here. I must plug a couple comics because they are good :D: www.ctrlaltdel-online.com www.userfriendly.org

05-02-2005, 06:06 PM	#4 (permalink)
Cromewell Moderator Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Canada Age: 25 Posts: 10,209	at the memtest webpage there are commands listed but allowing it to run defaults will cover everythign that is needed, memtest will run all tests indefinitely but after a few passes it's probably enough __________________ You know what the chain of command is? It's the chain I go get and beat you with 'til ya understand who's in ruttin' command here. I must plug a couple comics because they are good :D: www.ctrlaltdel-online.com www.userfriendly.org

05-02-2005, 07:11 PM	#5 (permalink)
[-0MEGA-] Diamond Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Concord, NH Age: 20 Posts: 27,082	is the ram the same kind as what you have now? __________________ Desktop // Laptop Core 2 Quad Q9550 @ 4.0GHz // Core 2 Duo P8400 2.26GHz Asus Rampage Formula X48 // Intel PM45 ATI 4870X2 2GB GDDR5 // 512MB GDDR3 9800M GTS 4GB (2x 2GB) DDR2 940 // 4GB DDR3 800 750GB SATAII w/32MB // 200GB SATAII 7200RPM Creative SB X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty SilverStone 750W +12V@60A 3DMark06: 21391 // 9179

05-02-2005, 10:50 PM	#7 (permalink)
s_m_w_d Platinum Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Ireland Age: 21 Posts: 934	i have a dell dimension 4600 and i think the way you are suppost to do it when sticking more ram is that what ever ram cards you have in it that they have to match. so if you have 1 x 256mb you have to stick in another 256mb well thats what i was told! __________________ Nzxt Apollo chassis Intel Core 2 Duo @ 2.66 2x Crucial 1GB @1066MHz EVEA nForce 680i SLI BFG 8800 GTX @ 768 MB 20" Samsung LCD " @ 1680 x 1050 60Hz 3DMARK05:12133 Comming in 2008 my computer but better

05-02-2005, 05:53 PM	#3 (permalink)
edccmu22 New Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 16	Thanks a lot. Could you give me any more info on how to use memtest86 (never heard of it before)? What commands/tests should I run once I boot from the floppy? Thanks again.

05-02-2005, 07:29 PM	#6 (permalink)
edccmu22 New Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 16	The RAM currently installed (the 128mb stick) is pc100. My new 256mb stick is pc133. I'm not sure what brand the old one is; the new one is Viking. All other specs are the same.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode