installing memory

Question

Can somebody give me step by step instruction to install ram in my Dimension 4100.  I ordered online from Dell and was sent a  128 mb 16m x 64 synch dram module dimm 133 mhz.  It is still in the sealed packet.  Anyway what is this static charge business about?  The paper they sent me says to leave my pc plugged in.  That confused me.  So, plug it in or not?  Do this where it is carpeted or no carpet.  Where do you do this in a normal home to reduce the static, then after the little thing is in and I boot up what comes next-- a BIOS menu-- or what do I do if I doesn't? As you can tell I don't know much about hardware only that I want more memory .  Thanks in advance. Linda

rickmktg · Answer

@lindapolovchik wrote:
Can somebody give me step by step instruction to install ram in my Dimension 4100. I ordered online from Dell and was sent a 128 mb 16m x 64 synch dram module dimm 133 mhz. It is still in the sealed packet. Anyway what is this static charge business about? The paper they sent me says to leave my pc plugged in. That confused me. So, plug it in or not? Do this where it is carpeted or no carpet. Where do you do this in a normal home to reduce the static, then after the little thing is in and I boot up what comes next-- a BIOS menu-- or what do I do if I doesn't? As you can tell I don't know much about hardware only that I want more memory . Thanks in advance. Linda

Hi,

You must have old instructions for installing memory.
Long ago, ( two years ) Dell wanted the system plugged in so that the ground from the power plug could bleed any static to ground and protect the system components.
Todays systems with suspend to RAM have power to the motherboard and memory even if the system is turn off. So if the computer is plugged in power is on the memory sockets and you could fry the motherboard, memory or yourself.
Unplug the system. Touch you metal case before you open the memory bag or work in the system.

But you do "not" need to take off your shoes and socks and stand barefoot on a table singing Danny boy.
That would be a bit much, don't you think ?

Mis Dos Centavos,
Darrell

Helping Dell talkers here since 1997
Memory upgrade information Find the -
"How much can my system hold"
"What kind is it", and other memory information.

Thereal-dbk4297 · Answer

@lindapolovchik wrote:
Can somebody give me step by step instruction to install ram in my Dimension 4100. I ordered online from Dell and was sent a 128 mb 16m x 64 synch dram module dimm 133 mhz. It is still in the sealed packet. Anyway what is this static charge business about? The paper they sent me says to leave my pc plugged in. That confused me. So, plug it in or not? Do this where it is carpeted or no carpet. Where do you do this in a normal home to reduce the static, then after the little thing is in and I boot up what comes next-- a BIOS menu-- or what do I do if I doesn't? As you can tell I don't know much about hardware only that I want more memory . Thanks in advance. Linda

Hi,

You must have old instructions for installing memory.
Long ago, ( two years ) Dell wanted the system plugged in so that the ground from the power plug could bleed any static to ground and protect the system components.
Todays systems with suspend to RAM have power to the motherboard and memory even if the system is turn off. So if the computer is plugged in power is on the memory sockets and you could fry the motherboard, memory or yourself.
Unplug the system. Touch you metal case before you open the memory bag or work in the system.

But you do "not" need to take off your shoes and socks and stand barefoot on a table singing Danny boy.
That would be a bit much, don't you think ?

Mis Dos Centavos,
Darrell

Helping Dell talkers here since 1997
Memory upgrade information Find the -
"How much can my system hold"
"What kind is it", and other memory information.

lindapolovchik · Answer

I was going to have my oldest son install it when he comes home for Christmas, but I don't think he will see the need to take off his shoes and socks, just unplug the computer, touch the back to remove static then press in on the power button.   I was just wondering if after booting up does the BIOS menu comes up and if it does what do I do next? ( I guess somebody just had a little fun at my expense)Thanks Linda

rickmktg · Answer

Actually, I was covering all bases. Maybe Darrell wears fuzzy slippers when he's around the house, didn't want the static charge to fry things...

BIOS won't come up. System will tell you it sees new memory and you push a key to continue. It's a 5 minute job including opening the case.

Message Edited by rickmktg on 12-04-2002 09:47 PM

Thereal-dbk4297 · Answer

@rickmktg wrote:

Actually, I was covering all bases. Maybe Darrell wears fuzzy slippers when he's around the house, didn't want the static charge to fry things...

Hi again,

So, who told you about my bunny slippers?
Sorry, but I just could not pass that one up.

But if the memory upgrade goes OK in that system you should not see any message or prompt. The system will just start as normal. Just check in system properties to make sure that the memory is seen OK.
BTW,
Do you even know the words to Danny Boy?

Mis Dos Centavos,
Darrell
Helping Dell talkers here since 1997
Memory upgrade information Find the -
"How much can my system hold"
"What kind is it", and other memory information.

lindapolovchik · Answer

Thanks very much for all the comments (they were enjoyed) and the advice (that was appreciated). Linda

rickmktg · Answer

http://www.contemplator.com/tunebook/irshmidi/dannyboy.htm

Thereal-dbk4297 · Answer

@rickmktg wrote:

http://www.contemplator.com/tunebook/irshmidi/dannyboy.htm

ROTFLMAO

Now we just need that picture of you installing your memory.

Mis Dos Centavos,
Darrell
Helping Dell talkers here since 1997
Memory upgrade information Find the -
"How much can my system hold"
"What kind is it", and other memory information.

Thereal-dbk4297 · Answer

@lindapolovchik wrote:
Thanks very much for all the comments (they were enjoyed) and the advice (that was appreciated). Linda

And sometimes we have fun too.

Must be something about the holiday season.

Mis Dos Centavos,
Darrell
Helping Dell talkers here since 1997
Memory upgrade information Find the -
"How much can my system hold"
"What kind is it", and other memory information.

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installing memory

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