Hi there, I need help diagnosing a problem with my PC. It either doesn't starts up or if it does it would sometimes crash or gove me the blue screen thing, I think it might be a RAM problem but not sure. I have 192MB of SD RAM one 128MB module and the other a 64MB. Anyway these are the problems that occur( in no particular order), I hope you can help me sort it out. 1)When started, screeen flickers but nothing happens. 2)When started nothing happens but there is a beeping sound. 3)Computer begins to start, but pauses on the RAM counting process 4)Computer will be working fine but would crash all of a sudden 5)Computer is working fine but all of a sudden gives the blue STOP screen Sometimes when the computer doesn't start, I open it up and fiddle with the RAM modules (i.e. take them out and then put them back in, sometimes I think this helps to make it start up. P.S. If it is indeed a RAM probelm, I will buy some new RAM but how do I know how much RAM my system can take, for example the maximum RAM or the biggest RAM module, like 256MB in one slot. Thanks alot in advance

The beeping sound is very important, how many beeps? are they long beeps or short? how long are the pauses between beeps? http://www.pcguide.com/ts/x/sys/beep/index-i.htm Some people are like Slinkies™, not really good for anything, but you still can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs...

Thanks for the reply Hooner, there has been the occasion where it's just one long beep, otherwise it's several short beeps.

Yep, sounds like you have some memory problems. I am not so sure as to whether it is bad memory or bad sockets from what you explained. While the sockets are made for removal/installation of the ram they sometimes get loose and won't allow the contacts to be tight enough or they get so nasty they can't be cleaned properly. But try to clean the sockets with some compressed air really really well. then add your sticks in to see if that helped. The best way to see what your system uses is to contact the manufacture's website and serch for the specs of your mothorboard then go to the mobo manufacture's site and see what they say about ram installation for that board. They should also tell you as to what BRAND of memory is compatable with that board (especially older systems). But before buying memory and all that you might just go to looking for a new system or complete upgrade to newer mobo and memory as they are all really cheap for a decent board and upgrades. you can still use your old case and all to save some money that way. Self-reverence Self-knowledge Self-control These three alone LEAD to SUCCESS -Alfred Lord Tennyson