upgrading RAM problem

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edccmu22

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