Need memory help with an old Compaq

[Kentucky Fisherman]

Folks, I'm trying to help a friend upgrade the RAM on what she says is a Compaq Presario 1525. She bought 32 megs, but is having trouble getting the system to "see" all of it. Please take a look at her note to me and see if you have any suggestions/ideas. Thanks!

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While you were writing to me about my memory, I happened to be at Staples, purchasing 32 meg of memory. I came home and installed it. Bought it at 4, had it installed by 5.

From the factory, I had 16 meg on my system board and 8 meg on the first DIMM slot. The system said it was expandable up to 80 meg.

So I bought a 32 meg memory card and put it in the empty DIMM slot.

When I put the computer back together and booted up, it recognized that I had added new memory and said it would automatically upgrade my system. Well, the thing is, it didn't recognize all 32 meg of new memory...it recognized only 8 meg of new memory.

So, instead of showing that I now have 56 meg of memory on computer, it says that I have 32 TOTAL: 16 on the system board and 8 in each DIMM slot.

I shut back down, took out the original 8 meg board and switched it with the new 32 meg board, rebooted and nothing....it wouldn't reboot. So I switched them back again, and it booted up, but still recognized only 8 meg in each DIMM slot.

Do you have any idea how I might be able to get my system to recognize the full 32 meg of new memory in the second slot? Do you have any ideas why it wouldn't reboot at all when I switched the two DIMM cards?

I looked on the COmpaq site through all the FAQs and discussion boards, but didn't find any help there. They tell how to upgrade my specific computer, and I followed all the instructions to the letter. Anyway, I wrote the Compaq tech center and gave them my situation, so I hope to hear back soon.

Of the questions you asked, the only thing I know about my system is that is is not parity capable, or however you would say that.

 

[Shack70]

Umm...how old is this machine? Are you sure it takes DIMMS and not SIMMS? I am guessing this is a pentuim I based system. It porb. doesn't support 32 meg chips...try 2 16s or another 8

 

[Kentucky Fisherman]

Hmmmm, I'm pretty sure you're right, Black Flag. It supposedly has a P-166 CPU, so the RAM probably is in the form of SIMMs. Thanks for the tip about trying two 16s rather than a single 32.

 

[Slikkster]

I could be wrong, but it appears the Compaq 1525 is a Monitor model, not the desktop itself. If she were to look somewhere on the tower or the desktop box itself it would be more specific about the actual model number, then you could look up the specs/manual at the compaq site and find out exactly what kind/size memory can go in each slot.

 

[Scott Newton]

Remove the original memory and install only the new. See what happens. i have seen memory not work with other brands.... Rare but it does happen.

 

[HotWire]

I believe they are most likely simms your right there as to the memory that depends on the model of the desktop and maybe in the 4000 series based on the P166. Some of those models came with built in memory on board.....16 Mgs to be precise and if total ram in this case 80 was tops that means you could add 64Mgs or 32 + 32 to reach your top limit or if your friend has 16 on board and 16Mgs or 8 + 8 in the simm slots that would equal 32Mgs.In which case you would have to remove the (2) 8Mg sticks and replace them with (2) 32Mg sticks again assuming and trying to recall those old board specs which I believe only have (2) slots for memory. Remember the old systems you had to double up the ram in equal sizes!

Hope this helps

 

[Kentucky Fisherman]

Ah, Slikkster, I think you've solve one part of the puzzle for me. I had already been poking around on the web sites for Compaq, Crucial Memory, Kingston Memory, etc. and couldn't for the life of me find a Presario 1525. I bet you're exactly right. I'll call her and try to find out the REAL model number of the box, not the monitor. Thanks!

 

[Kentucky Fisherman]

I haven't actually been able to lay eyes on the mobo, but I've got a hunch you're getting close to exactly right, HotWire. Thanks!

 

[HotWire]

But for some reason the # 2200 keeps coming back to me that might be the model #

Good Luck