How does one upgrade their ram?

Question

In order for me to install Windows Live Care they say first I must upgrade ram to 256. Is there a download that will take care of this?

Answer 1

If your pc has less than 256M of RAM is has to be pretty old. It is probably not really worth the cost of updating it. The older RAM cards are pretty expensive and simply upgrading to 256M isn't really a worthwhile upgrade for the software applications of todays world.
Here's a thought. Take a look at a new PC. Dell sells entry level pc's for about $350 dollars that will do quite well with most tasks other than fairly high level gaming. Since you already have a monitor, you can normally elect not to include a monitor in the package and get some $$ off the price.
Check around, you may find an entry level PC is the better option than spending money on a real old PC.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Your machine should have at least 512 MB of RAM (Random Access Memory). To upgrade RAM, you'll need to open up the machine and replace some components. No soldering is required, but you need some mechanical aptitude.

The RAM is located on the main board (motherboard) of the machine. Look for some circuit boards about 4" long by 1" high sticking out of the motherboard. See link below for picture and good article.

To determine the exact type and maximum amount of memory your machine can take you can run msinfo32.exe from the Start menu.

Click Start
Click Run
enter msinfo32.exe
Click OK

Look for how much Total Physical Memory you have.
It's near the bottom of the list.
To run Windows XP, you should have at least 512 MB.

Then go to http://www.crucial.com
Type in your computer's make and model to find out exactly what type of memory module you need. If you don't know the make and model, you can usually get the motherboard model and enter that instead.
You can choose to buy it there or search elsewhere on the web and buy it on line.

Once you get the memory. You can install it yourself. Unplug the machine and remove the cover so you can see the motherboard. Pry apart the retainer clips at each end of the module and it will pop out. Install the new module by pushing it in to the socket until the clips snap back th the vertical position. Start with socket labeled DIMM 0.

IMPORTANT: Avoid static damage while touching the internal components of the PC. Before touching any internal component, touch any the metal chassis or enclosure to get rid of any static on your body. Do this each time after you leave the area as walking around will build up static charge.

After you have replaced the memory module, connect power and all the cables to the machine and turn it on. The machine may complain the memory has changed, but should allow you to proceed after that.

The above assumes that you are doing this on a desktop machine. If you have a laptop, click the bottom link in the references section below.

I hope this helps.

Answer 3

You upgrade your RAM by buying RAM memory chips. Get the system specifications of your computer as well as your operating system and go to an electronics/computer store and you can purchase it. If you don't know how to or don't want the hassle of installing it on your own you can get Geek Squad at Best Buy to install it for you for a small fee.

Answer 4

hi Barbara N. your complaint is bout hardware not for software. hear u have to purchase the RAM. Before purchasing that at least u know u r hardware configuration, i mean u r processor, mother board RAM type all those things. why because hear we are having different type of latest technologies are available in the market. suppose u r having old configuration system those technologies are not compatible with u r system. So if u don't know anything about that just go for hardware technician support...

Answer 5

Wow you have a really old computer. No RAM is actually hardware for your computer. You will probally need a newmoitherboard to upgrade the RAM because your computer is so old. Also you need to check and see if anywhere even sells the RAM that is compatiable with your syste (DDR RAM, SD RAM.....)

Answer 6

ram is whats called hardware as oposed to software you can download. go to a local tech and have him order what your pc needs, not just any card you can buy on the web will work. also i would try to get at least 512mb of ram. xp or any pc will run better. its the gas that makes yer car or in this case pc go.

Answer 7

first i take the old 1 out back and let him do his thing a few weeks later we have a young ram then i take the old 1 out back again "he thinks he's gettin lucky " and i hit him in the head with an axe. the young ram takes over and i upgraded

Answer 8

You need to buy RAM at any computer store. I bought mine at best buy or you can order one online. Make sure to look up which type of RAM your PC takes.

Answer 9

No.
Ram has to be physically added to the system.

You'll have to find out what speed your system supports.