Memory test fail????

Question

So my crappy computer has 2 sticks of 512mb memory. Out of nowhere, when i have both inserted, the computer go's nuts and doesnt run, it has an error saying memory test fail. But when i took one out, and only had 512 mb it runs normally. I want 1 gb of memory, is there anyway i can have it running with both sticks in? this is kinda weird, why would it accept 512mb and not 1gb? lol btw im running windows xp

Answer 1

You CANNOT use either DDR or DDR2 ram unless the mboard has slots for BOTH types - most mboards DO NOT. There is NO SUCH THING as a ram slot that can be used for both types!

If you have both types of ram slots, you must install the modules in the right slots, and both types cannot be installed at the same time.

The modules are the same physical length, but DDR2 has more contacts, uses a lower voltage, and the notch in the bottoms of the two types of modules, and the bump in the bottom of the two types of slots it is supposed to line up with, are in different places.

You cannot get the module all the way down in the wrong type of slot and have the latches at the ends of the slot both latch nto the module without physically forcing it down!

If you have installed ram in the wrong type of slot, the circuits for that slot and the ram are probably fried and will never work again!

Assuming you didn't do that, you probably have a ram compatibility problem....

Ram that works in another mboard, or any ram you buy or have lying around, may not work properly, or sometimes, not at all - even if it physically fits and is the right overall type (e.g. SDram, DDR, DDR2, etc.; PCxxxx, xxx mhz) for your mboard. In the worst cases of incompatibilty your mboard WILL NOT BOOT with it installed, and the mboard may not even beep - the ram has to be compatible with the mboard and it's chipset.

Answer 2

Make sure that the 2 RAM sticks you are using are compatible with each other. if they are different types of RAM there is a chance they will not work when connected at the same time

Answer 3

i'd propose you attempt to re-seat the reminiscence in it is sockets, and then reboot. Open the case. you will see the reminiscence chips of their sockers on the motherboard. they are going to be approximately 4 inches long, and an inch or so intense, with a plastic clip at each and every end and ic chips soldered onto them.. do no longer touch THEM without FIRST TOUCHING THE steel physique interior the workstation.!! After grounding your self to the case, gently yet firmly press down on the clip at each and every end of the reminiscence chip. you will see it carry particularly because it pops out of the socket. as quickly as the two ends are unfastened. gently rock the chip lower back and forth a tiny volume and then press it right this moment backtrack into the socket, intill each and every end clip locks in place. this would have re-seated the chips to make specific you have a solid connection to the motherboard. To clean the CMOS / BIOS, you may desire to look for the CMOS battery. it's going to be a silver button battery, an 8th of an inch thick and approximately an inch in diameter. there'll be a clip keeping it into its socket. gently yet firmly press lower back the clip till the sting of the battery could be lifted out of the socket. evaluate which element is down. circulate away the battery out for no less than 5 minutes, to make specific the CMOS clears. Then re-insert the battery into it is socket. % up the case and skill up the gadget. you will could enter the BIOS application to reload the settings. this would merely require you to maintain the settings that the workstation detects at initiate-up. it particularly is particularly useful to evaluate the quantity of reminiscence that the BIOS says it particularly is seeing. it is going to show on the main exhibit screen, decrease element. If the BIOS isn't reporting a similar volume of reminiscence as you're able to have, their would be a issue with quite a number of of the reminiscence chips. If it starts off up into residing house windows ok, then you definitely could be effective. If much less reminiscence is declared than that put in, or if it won't initiate - evaluate what occurs, and ask for followup right here.

Answer 4

some memory sticks clash with each other if there not the same make there's not much you can do but buy the same brand of memory