Getting "Physical Memory Dump" Blue Screen

[larrytucaz]

I just purchased a computer from the "for sale" section, and I cannot get past the "physical memory dump" screen. It was doing this "out of box" about 5 minutes after coming to the Windows XP screen. I re-installed using the restore disc (included) and that was successful but it still hasn't fixed it. At first, the drivers wouldn't take, and eventually I'd get the error message. Trying to install my own "full" Windows XP CD would flame out while it was trying to copy a file. Then, the included restore disc started doing that, so I now am completely unable to install any OS at all.

I cannot get past this.

I've asked for a refund, since this wasn't mentioned, but if this is an extremely simple fix I'd be open to going that route. However, I get the sense this means I have a lemon, or would have to end up spending more money on it to get it going, which I don't want to do. I have a pretty good level of computer literacy and fix desktops all the time, but I'm not comfortable cracking open a laptop very much. And, if it's the hard drive (which I'm suspecting), I don't even see where you get to it. I'd just assume get a refund if that's the case.

Tips?

LRH

 

[RebateMonger]

It could be many things. I'd start with a basic overnight Memtest 86+ memory test and one or two disk maker's diagnostics tests.

I should mention that if you start tearing into things, it might good reason for the seller to refuse a refund. Have you told the seller about the problem? What does he/she say?

 

[larrytucaz]

(RebateMonger) I haven't torn into anything, as you stated, for that very reason. Yes I have told them & asked for a full refund, but haven't heard back yet (it is late at night).

I was asking here because, if it was a simple fix, I'd handle it myself, but if it's going to be something major and serious, I don't want to mess with it.

 

[larrytucaz]

The seller suggested I simply swap the memory chips' location--i.e., take chip 1 and put it where chip 2 was, and vice versa. (It has 2 memory chips, easily accessible.) My MIS guy at work actually concurred with that. I tried it, and sure enough--it runs just fine now.

Not complaining, but I sure am surprised it was that easy.

LRH

 

[mfenn]

The seller suggested I simply swap the memory chips' location--i.e., take chip 1 and put it where chip 2 was, and vice versa. (It has 2 memory chips, easily accessible.) My MIS guy at work actually concurred with that. I tried it, and sure enough--it runs just fine now.

Not complaining, but I sure am surprised it was that easy.

LRH

One of the memory sticks may have become dislodged in transit. Swapping them would have the effect of reseating the modules.