how do i add more RAM to my Xp?

Question

im a grapghic designer and i dont have a mac, which i need. i need adobe illustrator for an assignment and i need more RAM to run the program. i have windows xp. anyone kno where i can get it for free? or how i can do it myself? i tried deleting files and programs that i thought were big, i even got rid of photoshop and it still dont work.

Answer 1

RAM is something physical you have to buy. You can go to http://www.crucial.com and use their tool to find out what kind of RAM (memory) your computer needs. They can even test your system and tell you what you need and have in the computer (each slot).

You can get cheap memory at http://www.newegg.com or http://www.tigerdirect.com

Answer 2

You are getting memory (RAM) mixed up with storage ( hard drive). The hard drive is where files are perminately stored until you need them again. Memory ( RAM ) is something the computer uses to run programs and get cleared everytime you turn the computer off.
Illistrator only requires 512 MB of ram to which if you are running XP chances are you have at least that but more is always helpful. You can check this by right-clicking on the "My Computer" icon and goto properties.
Illistrator does need 2 GB of space though on the hard drive. You already deleted some files that should have freed up enough space but double check the available space on you hard drive. You can do this by double-clicking the "My Computer" icon then single-click your "C:" drive.
If the RAM is less then 512 MB then you can do what the other person said about crucial.com. Ram has special slots and can only go in one way so you can do it yourself. If the hard drive is full, then I am guessing you have videos or music on there or just a Bunch of pictures. If that is the case I reccommend an external hard drive to hold your projects.

Answer 3

First you not give much as to your computer details. I work on computers mainly to stay on top of the technology. So, if anyone had free RAM they not know what you need.
If, you are a graphic designer, then you would need to learn some basics about computers, this your "Bread Box".
It easy to add RAM, odds are, it not going to be free. But, it an investment for you.
When we add programs they most times add themselves into startup as we usually do a default install. What this do, they do a simple program start so when we click on an icon the jump up and run faster. If, we go into something like; Start > Run "type" msconfig > "click" startup
We see all these programs and can check them "Off" to not start when we Boot.
This helps and is a simple for when we not know much.
If, you will go to this link and look on the left, you can find your XP and learn something how to do better than using msconfig.
http://www.blackviper.com/
Now, when you not know what you doing, and we all are at this point somewhere, "Write down what something was and what you change it to"!!!!! Then, if/when you have a problem, you know/remember how to change it back.

Answer 4

RAM means random access memory. When you delete files and programs you are removing them from your hard drive, which is storage space.
Picture RAM as a work desk. The bigger the desk is, the more projects you can work on at the same time. So with more RAM you can run programs like Adobe and Nero without any slow downs.
Cnet.com can teach you what you need to do to install the RAM and that can save you about $35 dollars from the Computer Rescue League.

http://help.cnet.com/install_more_ram/9602-12576_39-0.html?messageID=2505010&tag=tip-2505010&kw=install+more+ram

They mention http://crucial.com they can scan your computer and tell you exactly what to buy. Then of course shop around look for sale and/or rebates.

Answer 5

RAM is hardware, which you have to buy. You open your computer and you will see one to four (probably 2) sticks 1inch by 4 more or less inserted into the motherboard.

If you take one out you will see what type it is, then you can go to a store and buy a bigger ram stick. 2 gigs of ram is more then enough for adobe illustrator. you should be fine with 1, you probably have 512mb.

Answer 6

Ram (Ruh-ah-ahm): also know as: Random Access Memory

you can add memory chips (or cards) if your computer has more room for them. To check if your computer has the room for more, you can either open it up yourself, take it to a technical person, or tinker with it and just deal (that last one is a joke, haha!)

to opne one:
A. shut off, unplug all plugs, and turn the computer off in the back.

B. unscrew the side cover, the screws are in the back, then remove and set cover down.

C. look for a standing chip that looks like the one here: http://www.simulationexams.com/tutorials/aplus/core/images/pc-motherboard.gif
(look at the "8").

D. carefully remove the chip(s) that are inside, making sure you "un-do" the clips.

E. place chip(s) on a non-static surface and just place cover on the computer.

F. goto computer/Electronic store and ask for another chip, it may run you around $100 each, depending on the computer, and how much memory you want, and dont forget to show them the chip or write down the chip number, and take it in.

(hope this helps!)

Answer 7

xp is software. you can't add ram to software. your computer is hardware, as is ram. you can add ram to your computer if it doesn't already have the maximum it can address installed.

there is also something called virtual ram -- where the computer uses space on your harddrive to supplement the ram. but obviously access time to/from your harddrive is much slower than with actual ram. there is a setting where you can change how much virtual ram is allocated. rather than detailing the steps just use the windows help, it will tell you how to change virtual ram.

Answer 8

As far as adding RAM for free....that is probably not possible because you have to add it to the motherboard. RAM is part of the hard drive so it can be expensive depending on the size of RAM you need to run that program.

Answer 9

nicely it is plausible that some thing occurred to the ram. with you dealing with them lots, you have gotten injury one or the two certainly one of them. static electrical energy is extremely risky to ram or the different areas on your pc. your superb wager is to the two attempt a very diverse piece of ram and spot if it stops restarting. if it nevertheless restarts, then i might take it to a working laptop or pc save. sturdy success!

Answer 10

if u goto to any dedicated comptuer shop theyll hav the RAM there n install it for u, normally quite cheap