Dell automated scan. Memory problems

Question

Hi all,

I performed a Dell automated scan. All passed except memory. It failed on the memory address, memory bit low & memory checkerboard tests. All 3 failed though memory high test passed. The computer runs fine though (touch wood) I have run the test a couple of time with same results. Does anyone know what this means. I have 2 GB RAM running XP on a Inspiron 6400.:emotion-7:

Cheers....Brims

dgkpcon · Answer

Hello Brims,

Try removing one stick of memory at a time,and also switch them back and fourth between DIMM slots.It could be as simple as one of the sticks of ram are bad.And at the worst one DIMM slot could be bad,requiring a MOBO replacement.But start with the RAM first and work your way up.And it could also be as simple as something using memory that is not allocated for.

Brims · Answer

Hi dgkpcon

Thanks for the advice. You were quite correct as I couldn't start the computer tonight. I just got the A in what looks like a shopping bag & the down arrow in the shopping bag. Or should I say the scroll lock & the upper case function indicators flashing. Everything else was dead & wouldn't boot. I then took the memory out & put the old memory back in which are 2 banks of 1/2 G each to make 1 G. This worked ok. Anyway to cut a long story short. Each 1G module works on it's own but not together even swapping it round. I have now ordered 2 x1 G memory modules from Orca logic. With the 2 half Gig to make 1Gig, it loads faster than the 2Gig did starting up the computer.It also passes the Dell check which includes the memory test. So it was the faulty memory putting the brakes on things which finaly stopped the computer altogether.

At least the old original memory still works.

Cheers......Brims :emotion-2:

dgkpcon · Answer

Glad i could help.:emotion-5:

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Dell automated scan. Memory problems

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