Why does my pc not like my RAM?

Question

I bought a 1 gig stick i used crucial to make sure it ws compatible, it is ddr pc3200, the same as my 256 stick.
If I put it in on its own it comes up with an irql not less or equal error and wont do anything.
If I put it in with my 256 sticlk then the pc loads but when I start using or downloading data it gets corrupted.
Any solutions or do I just have to buy some different ram?

Crucial said i cud have up to 2gb in my pc

Answer 1

Download MemTest86 and boot to it (either floppy or CD). This will check the RAM for errors. Make sure that your new stick is the only one installed and boot to MemTest86...if any errors come up, get it replaced.

That's my guess on what it wrong.

Answer 2

The CRUCIAL MEMORY WEBSITE is excellent and a good starting point I use for all my memory upgrades on 3 Home desktops and 3 Home Notebook PCs.

If you bought from CRUCIAL website, you should be in GOOD HANDS bec GUARANTEED TO WORK! or I presume money back or replacement memory moldules exchanged.

Many try to cut corners in terms of saving $$ and in that case if you bought from retail store with receipt, I normally ask ahead if refundable due to incompatibility first. The same goes when I buy from indvidual or party on EBAY or Craigslist bec you never know if system will accept and register memory.

The Starting Point for a Novice like myself I use is to check out all the specifics on the Motherboard for whatever PC I am trying to upgrade at like the Dell or Gateway or Intel or Asus website bec such websites are good in terms of providing hopw many memory slots etc, capacity and chip specs

At the same time, I will open my case and copy line by line all the details. Also bec I buy mainly DELL and some GATEWAY, I will go to EBAY and search every memory module being sold or was bought bec Sellers provide such lien by line detail. Next I will solely concentrate on just the memory modules that match what existing chips my system is running.

Basically my intent is to eliminate all possible risks of failure/incompatibilty but one never knows... and yes, I once did have a failure but was able to return to Seller. Then I almost ready to trash 256K RAM Notebook until I happen like maybe a year later surpsrisingly came across RECYCLER and corrected the problem for $25. I forgot to mention meanwhile I bought a superfast DELL NOTEBOOK PC witha ll bells & whistles for over $1,000 and it was simple upgrading to 2GB with genuine DELL memory but I could have saved a lot if I found recycler earlier.

Best of Luck!

Answer 3

Depending on your PC it may not be able to accept as much as 1GB in 1 stick. Some pcs can only take up to 512mb per stick so you could have two 512mb sticks to give your pc 1Gb in total but you cant use a single 1gb stick. Its hard to tell what it takes but if you find out your motherboard model and type that into a search engine you'll see what it can take. It will say something like 2x512mb which means it can take a max of two 512 mb sticks.

Answer 4

Your PC will probably not accept a 1 GB stick. Check your specs. If you had 256, 512 is probably the max.

Answer 5

It could be because your RAM called your PC a big fat woofter. Give it a week and if they still haven't made up, you could try councelling.