Hi,

I've upgraded the ram on my Dell Dimension 4300 from 512 (2x256) to 1GB (2x512) and now Windows XP crashes as soon as it gets to the login stage. If I remove a card (just use 1x512 ram) it works fine, and if I use 1x512 and 1x256 it works fine, it seems to only happen when it's 1GB (2x256).

Do I need to change some bios or windows setting to make it work? (the bios seems to recognise 1gb fine)

Will reinstalling windows xp with 1gb memory installed make it work?

Thanks :)

cheers,
Dan

Perhaps (first) clarify:

original 512 + (2 x new 256) = crash?

original 512 + (1 x new 256) = OK?

In the latter case is it OK with either 256 + original 512?

Hi,

There are only two slots, so it's...

Original 2x256 (512 total) = fine

Original 1x256 + New 1x512 (768 total) = fine

New 2x512 (1gb total) = crash :(

cheers,
Dan

Ignore my previous post; got slightly mixed up on what you had and what you added in.. So to start again…

Incidentally - I think you have a typo at the end - viz: 1Gig (2x256) ought to be 1Gig (2x512)?

You had 2 x 256; replaced it with 2 x 512 – and the system crashes; but with a 512 + 256 it’s OK?

Presumably this happens regardless of which slot has either RAM stick?

According to the info here:

http://support.euro.dell.com/suppor...

the max memory for this model = 512Meg?

Thus if you are starting with an original 256 and add a new 512 (in second slot) likely you are still only seeing 512 overall - with either stick (in the second slot); and the MoBo is perhaps tolerant at this stage?

But putting in 2 x 512 may well be causing the problem; the MoBo cannot handle/address the excess stick/RAM (512 in slot-2) – which is why the OS crashes as a result at/on boot/logon stage?

Not, at any time, having installed RAM in excess of what a given MoBo will support… my suggestions are purely theoretical and may be way out in left field; but then they may not be?

Test the 512MB sticks individually using memtest86+. One of them *may* be defective. If no errors are found when tested separately, run the test with both sticks installed & see what happens.

Well, it might be because that computer can only hold or max out the memory at 512 mb..http://www.edgetechcorp.com/memory/upgrade.asp?cid=18644

"Each memory slot can hold SDRAM, PC133 with a maximum of 512MB per slot"

http://www.crucial.com/store/listpa...

mmm - That's interesting... Dell say it's a max of 512 overall?

The Kingston site also shows max 1GB using a pair of 512MB modules. Here is a method to use for testing that I would try and run memtest after each change

1 - Install both 256MB (you indicate that they worked)(this is a baseline for normal operation)
2 - Install one 512MB in slot 1, retest
3 - Install same stick in slot 2, retest
4 - repeat steps 2 and 3 with the second 512MB stick
5 - If all previous steps are good then insert both 512MB sticks and retest.

What is being checked is that the systemboard slots are both good and trying to determine if one of the sticks does not work in a slot. The baseline determines the basic hardware is working correctly. You are not exceeding the specs for the system so what needs to be verified is that both new sticks are good. I have seen new sticks fail intermittently out of the package and that is why stress/break-in testing is helpful.

Richard

Thanks everyone,

I have tried all possible slot combinations, and what puzzles me is:

Dell say the max memory is 512, but 1x512 and 1x256 (total = 768) works fine

Both newer 512 sticks work fine on their own (or together with an original 256 stick) but both together (or when it totals 1GB) crash when windows xp starts (dos runs great! :)

I think it is a problem with windows xp recoginsing 1GB of ram somehow...

cheers,
Dan

When you have 256 + 512... and it boots OK... how much installed RAM does the system show (MyComputer\Properties - main page/tab)?

Possibly although you may have in excess of 512 installed... the system may only actually recognise and use 512 in all; and the MoBo can handle the overload - but not use it and not crash either...

But upping the installed RAM to 1Gig may be the issue; with the second slot holding 512 as well you may simply be pushing the MoBo over its limits/tolerance - and thus your OS crashes/fails?

I'd be inclined to go with the Dell figures overall. They made the system - from assorted kit true - but they know(?) the specs best?

XP doesn't have any issues with 1Gig RAM - nor 2Gig either; and I think it will go to 3Gig - before it says "enough... I can't recognise/use any more..."

Thanks Trvlr,

I think that's what is happening...

Is there any quick, cheap fix to the MoBo that I can do to salvage the use of $100 worth of ram I just purchased?

Also, would going back to windows 98 make any difference? I know it sounds crazy, but the machine runs fine in dos with both 512 chips installed and I somehow have this nagging feeling that it is windows xp (...maybe it draws more on the MoBo?) that is making it crash :)

cheers,
Dan

That is a odd problem. Well as a last resort you could use 768 megs which is better than 512. I don’t see any real solution to your problem, you seem to have checked all possibilities.
You might check with Dell for a bios upgrade that might increase your ram capacity. Just be careful when flashing your bios.
I have a hunch that reinstalling XP wont help. Though you could try a repair install which will keep your programs and settings intact as opposed to doing a fresh install.
Upgrading Memory with some of the older motherboards can be problematic.
I run XP with a gig of ram and have never had a problem, but my motherboard supports up to 4 gigs.
Good Luck

Don't think RAM capability is resolveable via a bios update... (but who knows?).

Also again just what does the system report (MyComputer\Properties) as RAM actually detected/installed?

In the "olde " days... one could buy/install a card that allowed one to add more RAM (installed on that card) that way... Not at all sure if they still exist; and if they do are the viable in your situation. Never having used one can't comment further on that item.

I suspect you is "stuck wiv wot you've got..."?

Even reverting to '98 will not alter (or circumvent) the capacity of the MoBo...; if it's designed to max out a 512... then that's it.

512 was once considered "excessive" to some extent for RAM.... Times change and with Vista even 2-4Gig is not considered much more than adequate?

"Is there any quick, cheap fix to the MoBo that I can do to salvage the use of $100 worth of ram I just purchased?"

The only place you will find an old S478 board that supports PC100/133 RAM is on eBay. I highly doubt you'll find a store or online vendor that carries such old hardware. Even if you do find such a board, it *may* not fit in your Dell case & even if it does, you will have to reinstall XP due to the hardware change. And the Dell version of XP will NOT work with a non-Dell motherboard so you would have to get a retail copy of XP.

It's not worth the hassle or the "investment". Buying or building a new system would make more sense.

i just updated my dell dimension 8100 from 1GB = (2)512 to 2GB = (2)512 + (1)1GB and I'm having a problem with my system randomly crashing any ideas???