'system memory has changed, press F1 or F2...'

Question

Hello and thank you.   I have an Inspiron 8500 with 512MB (system memory). Two days ago I turned it on and a message in my black screen appeared: 'System memory has changed, press F1 to continue or F2 to Setup Menu'. I have investigated a little and I have discovered that the system is recognizing just 256MB of system memory, instead of 512. I opened the memory box and the memories are right. In fact, when I turn the computer on there are times that recognizes 512 and times that recognize 256. What can I do? Can someone help me, please? Thanks a lot.   -- Saúl.

ejn63 · Answer

You either have a failing DIMM or a failing memory socket. Run the Dell diagnostics. Identify the faulty one, and then move it to the other socket. Re-run. If the problem transfers, it's the DIMM. If it does not, it's the socket.

Isaron · Answer

I have a similar problem with my Inspiron 5100

I have made a post yesterday and made a reply after doing my diagnostics, but since its all the way down by now, I hope you dont mind if I post it again here:

I tried removing the memory modules and inserting them back to the same place, it hasn't helped but now every time I turn on the computer it sais "system memory has changed" and I can't do anything, so I have to restart it, and then it sais:

"Memory write/read failure at 1FFD0004, read FD02FD12 expecting FD2FD12
Memory address line failure at 1FFD0000, read FD12FD12 expecting 02020202
Memory write/read failure at 1000 2FBC, read 00FF00EF expecting 00EF00EF

Decreasing avilable memory

System memory has changed.
Press F1 to continue, F2 to setup."

And in the system properties in windows it still shows 256 instead of 512

I ran the dignostics for the memory and for the board, and all the tests passed and showed no errors.

I did not yet try to switch the modules, but I think it is pointless since the diagnostic did not report any errors at all.

The only think I am left with is taking the laptop to the nearest computer fixing shop, since the warranty is over.

Or is there anything else I can do?

riversandlakes · Answer

Almost definitely a dead or incompatible DIMM...

saulinspiron850 · Answer

You're right, dimmA dead. Solution = new motherboard.. Thanks all.

riversandlakes · Answer

:O Dead DIMM killed mobo too? Or mobo killed DIMM?

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"system memory has changed, press F1 or F2..."

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