system show less memory than installed

[klyap]

hi

i just put in a new 128mb slot but system (windows 98) does not show this extra 128mb. i went to the setup utility (F1 when computer boots up), it also does not show it.

the ibm tech support site said that my autoexec.bat should have smartdrv to show this but it doesn't have smartdrv.

what should i do?

thanks for all your help!

mike

 

[DaiShan]

Did you put it in the right DIMM? RAM must populate the memory banks in a certain order, you can't just put it in anywhere, put it right next to the one that was already installed. Make sure it clicks into place as well. Is the RAM counted on startup?

 

[zepper00]

You didn't mention what kind/age of system you have. If it's an older one, you might need a BIOS update to recognize types of RAM that were not commonly avaiable when your mobo was first designed. Also, make sure both of your memory modules are plugged into the right sockets (SIMM 0/1/2 etc.) also try changing the order of modules in sockets and make sure that they are well seated. Try these things first as updating your BIOS is always a potentially dangerous venture (could leave your computer useless if the process doesn't go right--read and follow mobo mfr's BIOS update procedure carefully).
.bh.

 

[jbritt1234]

Try ONLY the new RAM and see if it will boot. Take out the stick you had in already.

 

[corkyg]

I tried putting in a pair of 512 MB DIMMs, but it would only read 256 in WinXP Pro and the POST. I checked the BIOS, and it was the latest. Then I read the mobo manual carefull and it made me blush. There are 3 DIMM slots - and each can take a maximum of 256 MB for a total of 784. That is why each 512 stick was read as 256. The fix was easy - I swapped the 512s for 256s. and have been very happy with 784 for over a year.