How do I add more MB to an old PC, Im at 55mb and need 128mb for installing broadband?

Question

Trying to install broadband onto my Sister's old PC. She has XP installed but the memory only has 55mb and I need 128mb for the installation of broadband to work. How do I increase the memory without buying a new PC?

Answer 1

Bring it to a computer shop and ask them to install some more RAM. Alternatively, you could purchase the new RAM from wherever you like, such as a shop or Ebay, and install it yourself, or have a friend, etc. install it for you.

Answer 2

Memory banks come in standard sizes, and since you're talking about an old PC, I'll include old memory sizes:

1 MB
2 MB
4 MB
8 MB
16 MB
32 MB
64 MB
128 MB
etc, etc.

If your sister's PC says it has 55, it must have more than that, but usually some memory is reserved for the graphics card, so I suppose your sister has 64 MB - now the thing is to check if it is either 2 x 32 or 1 x 64 MB - if it is one bank of 64 MB, it's simple, you can just add the same size of the same type of memory.

If it is 2 x 32 MB (usually only leaving one free bank), it's better to first find out if the mainboard supports 64 MB RAM modules. No use buying 64 MB if it doesn't work. If it does support 64 MB RAM modules, have the 2 modules of 32 MB replaced by 2 of 64 MB - if it supports 128 MB modules, might as well get 2 of 128 MB, shouldn't cost too much, especially if you trade in the old memory banks.

Best to go to a secondhand computer store with it and have them look at it. Since no way you're going to find memory like that in regular computer stores.

Answer 3

You probably actually have 64MB total but you're sharing about 8MB with the video adapter.

First you need to open the computer's case to see if you have available RAM slots. But to be honest with you, I wouldn't install broadband on a machine that old. Even with broadband it will be really slow because the slow processor will be a bottleneck.

I'm pretty sure you're running Windows 98 or Me which is not supported by Microsoft anymore. If I were you I would spend an extra $300 bucks on a cheap Dell which will be way faster. Anyway, try crucial.com to see if you can still find extra memory for your PC.

Answer 4

well to strart the ram is probably slit off to the video card so you probably have 64 mb However If the computer has only 64 mb it is likely that you are running something like a 566 mhz processor. while increasing the ram will allow you to install dsl you will not get the full benifit of the speed with a slow processor.
You may want to check out some local computer shops for a refurbised system

Answer 5

Installing it is easy. But first, you need to find out if you can add any and if so, what type. Go to a shop and tell them what kind of PC you have and they'll be able to tell you what kind and how much it can take. Then, open up the machine and look to see if there is a second slot. Usually, the greater memory stick needs to go in the first slot. Need more details, e-mail me.

Answer 6

55MB of RAM is a little strange to have.

You probably need to open up your computer and check what type of RAM it uses. Then go to a store that sells computer parts and buy a 128MB RAM of that type. Go home and replace the RAM.

On second thought, maybe it's best that you take your whole computer and carry it to the computer store so they can help you with it.

Good luck. Hope this helps.

Answer 7

Why are you bothering?
Even if you increase the memory, when you install application its going to run slow, and you will curse the machine. Even the cheapest laptop will out perform what you have now!

Do your sister and yourself a favour and get a descent machine, there are some really good deals available because dealers want to off load their stock ready for the forth coming disaster known as Vista. ( Believe me you don't want Vista until service pack 1 is released for it, and that will be early 2008 )

Answer 8

Hey, first the memory cannot be 55mb.It must be 64 mb.So u need to install 64 mb ram. Check ur computer RAM which is already installed on slot. The new one shuld be of similar kind.

Answer 9

Would you connect a DVD player to an old black & white TV? I'd seriously consider getting a 21st century machine!

Answer 10

Run this www.belarc. to find out exactly what youve got, then follow the first answer