Yes. Dell was called to order the extra RAM. We used the service tag number to order the RAM. We asked questions about compatability between what was in the pc and what was being ordered.
Try installing the memory again, then on the first start, try resetting NVRAM. To do this boot to system setup by pressing F2 immediately after starting the computer. Turn on Caps Lock, Scroll Lock, Num Lock, then press Press ALT+E then ALT+F then ALT+B.
I'm not able to get into setup at startup. I press F2, but it keeps starting up. I tried holding down F2 and then tapping F2. I've rebooted three times, with no luck.
Cass
Message Edited by forensics on 02-27-2008 04:33 PM
That didn't work. We tricked it finally into letting us into setup using F2, but the choices are so different from XP. We pressed the keys you listed in the order listed.
Also, how do I determine if the pc came with the wireless card or if it is aftermarket?
Any more suggestions?
Message Edited by forensics on 02-27-2008 05:04 PM
It's definitely a problem with the RAM. With 1GB (two 512MB), it runs fine. With 2GB (two 1GB), it runs fine. With 3 GB (combining first four) or 4GB (four 1GB) we get that infamous Device Cannot Start Code 10. That's like saying it's broke with no defining data.
When all four slots of the RAM are filled, the network card fails. If only two slots are filled, the network card works. We purchased another network card that specifically read it was Vista compatable, but it resulted in the same error code.
The network card ran fine prior to installing the extra RAM. I submitted a ticket to Netgear to see if it has the answer.
Swapped the network card with the sound card. Still won't be recognized.
How can I determine if the network card was installed at purchase? I checked the service tag and the configuration online, but it's hard to determine what all the part numbers mean.
We purchased another netgear card with the same configuration and it didn't work, either.
I researched Code 10 on Microsoft's website, but that was fruitless.
Should we just buy another wireless network adapter from Dell?
I still think the problem is with the added RAM. Although I don't really trust Vista either. I doubt that the wireless adapter was purchased with the system, because when that model was being sold there were not options to add a wireless network adapter on desktop computers. If you are going to buy another card, make sure it is certified for Vista. You can find them a lot cheaper than what Dell would sell them for.
Netgear doesn't have a response, either. Dell Support will cost money. I told him to call Dell and tell them the the RAM ordered is NOT compatible and we want to return it.
Netgear still has not responded to my inquiry. It took at least three emails to get someone there to understand the problem. I had to "register" my hardware before I could even get someone to answer anything at all.
The last response was last week and it read that the person replying was passing it on to a higher being because it was too complicated.
We returned 2GB of RAM and Dell was understanding about it. We still want to run the pc with 3GB of RAM, but as long as all four slots for RAM are filled, the wireless card will not work.
Try getting memory from www.crucial.com They guarantee that their memory will work with your system if you use their memory finder to get it. I have never heard a complaint about memory purchased from Crucial.
It isn't the actual RAM. It's having all four RAM slots filled that affects the wireless card. If only two slots are filled, the card works fine. If we use all four slots, the wireless card fails.
This was the response I received from NetGear. Note that although I just purchased the product, in order to get "enhanced support needs" I should pay for support. I suppose asking why the network card doesn't work when all four RAM slots are filled needs enhanced support. :smileymad:
Maybe we should all take the survey. I am very unhappy with Dell, Microsoft, and Netgear because each is passing the buck on the issue and no one will explain how to repair it.
Hello Cass. My name is Brad from NETGEAR 2nd level Technical Support. I have reviewed the listed case notes.
Cass, I am sorry to have to tell you but there is nothing we can do for you in this issue. This is a known Windows Vista issue. See below.
Memory Limits for Windows Releases http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa366778.aspx
Windows Vista when the memory is upgraded beyond the suggest limits does not correctly handle where it loads different services and processes.
This can be verified by what you have already down. I.E. without the memory upgrade the adapter works with it does not. Windows has complete control where and what gets loaded and there is not setting or configuration that can be done to the adapter do address this or change this.
I do apologize for this information not being made known to you after your first post as it should have been.
Once again, I am sorry but there is nothing that we can suggest to address this issue other then to review the above listed Microsoft web site.
Thank you for choosing NETGEAR. We strive to provide the best possible customer service to all our customers and would appreciate your feedback regarding your most recent support experience with our 2nd Level Support Team.tp://www.Netgear-Support.com
Case No: #xxxxxxx Problem: Windows Vista memory issue. Adapter does not work after a memory upgrade (2 BG). Issue out of scope, not supported. PC/Vista error. Customer made award or OS limitations and refer to Microsoft. Closing case. Agent Name & ID: BradW. 4003
Please take a moment to complete this online survey to tell us how your recent case was handled by our 2nd Level Support Team. Your participation will greatly help us in providing the best support possible. Your responses will be kept strictly confidential.
Please click here to access the survey. http://my.netgear-support.com/myNETGEAR/Survey.asp?s=4C30B353-CD19-4CBF-BCA6-3B6F457EB0D7
For future enhanced support needs, you may want to utilize the NETGEAR fee-based Premium Networking Support Service. This service is for advanced feature setup and other non NETGEAR specific networking issues.
If you would like to learn more about our fee-based Premium Networking Support Service click here. http://kbserver.netgear.com/kb_web_files/n101262.asp
Thank You for choosing NETGEAR,
Brad, W. Second Level Escalation NETGEAR, Inc.
Message Edited by forensics on 03-09-2008 09:51 AM
When I clicked the link from the email message to take a survey, the result was a page with a message that the survey had already been taken. Since I have not taken the survey, I can only surmise that this is a trick on the part of NetGear to assuage my increasing dissatisfaction with it.
I followed the link for the information and discovered that the limit to memory (RAM) is 4MB. Since that is the most we placed into the Dell there is no reason for the network card to malfunction. We were using only 3MB, but tried making all the RAM the same for all four cards with no success in getting the network card to work.
Netgear is simply placing the blame on everyone else.
Message Edited by forensics on 03-09-2008 10:16 AM
volcano11
2 Intern
•
28K Posts
0
February 26th, 2008 15:00
Are you sure that all of the memory is compatible with your system. Dell computers are very picky about memory.
Steve
forensics
47 Posts
0
February 27th, 2008 12:00
Yes. Dell was called to order the extra RAM. We used the service tag number to order the RAM. We asked questions about compatability between what was in the pc and what was being ordered.
volcano11
2 Intern
•
28K Posts
0
February 27th, 2008 13:00
Try installing the memory again, then on the first start, try resetting NVRAM. To do this boot to system setup by pressing F2 immediately after starting the computer. Turn on Caps Lock, Scroll Lock, Num Lock, then press Press ALT+E then ALT+F then ALT+B.
Steve
forensics
47 Posts
0
February 27th, 2008 13:00
I'm not able to get into setup at startup. I press F2, but it keeps starting up. I tried holding down F2 and then tapping F2. I've rebooted three times, with no luck.
Cass
forensics
47 Posts
0
February 27th, 2008 20:00
That didn't work. We tricked it finally into letting us into setup using F2, but the choices are so different from XP. We pressed the keys you listed in the order listed.
Also, how do I determine if the pc came with the wireless card or if it is aftermarket?
Any more suggestions?
forensics
47 Posts
0
February 27th, 2008 21:00
It's definitely a problem with the RAM. With 1GB (two 512MB), it runs fine. With 2GB (two 1GB), it runs fine. With 3 GB (combining first four) or 4GB (four 1GB) we get that infamous Device Cannot Start Code 10. That's like saying it's broke with no defining data.
When all four slots of the RAM are filled, the network card fails. If only two slots are filled, the network card works. We purchased another network card that specifically read it was Vista compatable, but it resulted in the same error code.
The network card ran fine prior to installing the extra RAM. I submitted a ticket to Netgear to see if it has the answer.
Lordy, I have a headache.
volcano11
2 Intern
•
28K Posts
0
February 27th, 2008 21:00
Try swapping the wireless card and other PCI cards around in the PCI slots.
Steve
forensics
47 Posts
0
February 27th, 2008 21:00
Swapped the network card with the sound card. Still won't be recognized.
How can I determine if the network card was installed at purchase? I checked the service tag and the configuration online, but it's hard to determine what all the part numbers mean.
We purchased another netgear card with the same configuration and it didn't work, either.
I researched Code 10 on Microsoft's website, but that was fruitless.
Should we just buy another wireless network adapter from Dell?
volcano11
2 Intern
•
28K Posts
0
February 27th, 2008 21:00
I still think the problem is with the added RAM. Although I don't really trust Vista either. I doubt that the wireless adapter was purchased with the system, because when that model was being sold there were not options to add a wireless network adapter on desktop computers. If you are going to buy another card, make sure it is certified for Vista. You can find them a lot cheaper than what Dell would sell them for.
Steve
forensics
47 Posts
0
February 28th, 2008 10:00
Netgear doesn't have a response, either. Dell Support will cost money. I told him to call Dell and tell them the the RAM ordered is NOT compatible and we want to return it.
:smileysad:
forensics
47 Posts
0
March 7th, 2008 00:00
Netgear still has not responded to my inquiry. It took at least three emails to get someone there to understand the problem. I had to "register" my hardware before I could even get someone to answer anything at all.
The last response was last week and it read that the person replying was passing it on to a higher being because it was too complicated.
We returned 2GB of RAM and Dell was understanding about it. We still want to run the pc with 3GB of RAM, but as long as all four slots for RAM are filled, the wireless card will not work.
volcano11
2 Intern
•
28K Posts
0
March 7th, 2008 01:00
Try getting memory from www.crucial.com They guarantee that their memory will work with your system if you use their memory finder to get it. I have never heard a complaint about memory purchased from Crucial.
Steve
forensics
47 Posts
0
March 7th, 2008 09:00
It isn't the actual RAM. It's having all four RAM slots filled that affects the wireless card. If only two slots are filled, the card works fine. If we use all four slots, the wireless card fails.
I guess I didn't explain myself.
Cass
forensics
47 Posts
0
March 9th, 2008 13:00
Maybe we should all take the survey. I am very unhappy with Dell, Microsoft, and Netgear because each is passing the buck on the issue and no one will explain how to repair it.
Hello Cass.
My name is Brad from NETGEAR 2nd level Technical Support. I have reviewed the listed case notes.
Cass, I am sorry to have to tell you but there is nothing we can do for you in this issue. This is a known Windows Vista issue. See below.
Memory Limits for Windows Releases http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa366778.aspx
Windows Vista when the memory is upgraded beyond the suggest limits does not correctly handle where it loads different services and processes.
This can be verified by what you have already down. I.E. without the memory upgrade the adapter works with it does not. Windows has complete control where and what gets loaded and there is not setting or configuration that can be done to the adapter do address this or change this.
I do apologize for this information not being made known to you after your first post as it should have been.
Once again, I am sorry but there is nothing that we can suggest to address this issue other then to review the above listed Microsoft web site.
Thank you for choosing NETGEAR. We strive to provide the best possible customer service to all our customers and would appreciate your feedback regarding your most recent support experience with our 2nd Level Support Team.tp://www.Netgear-Support.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Your last case:
Case No: #xxxxxxx
Problem: Windows Vista memory issue. Adapter does not work after a memory upgrade (2 BG). Issue out of scope, not supported. PC/Vista error. Customer made award or OS limitations and refer to Microsoft. Closing case. Agent Name & ID: BradW. 4003
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Please take a moment to complete this online survey to tell us how your recent case was handled by our 2nd Level Support Team. Your participation will greatly help us in providing the best support possible. Your responses will be kept strictly confidential.
Please click here to access the survey. http://my.netgear-support.com/myNETGEAR/Survey.asp?s=4C30B353-CD19-4CBF-BCA6-3B6F457EB0D7
For future enhanced support needs, you may want to utilize the NETGEAR fee-based Premium Networking Support Service. This service is for advanced feature setup and other non NETGEAR specific networking issues.
If you would like to learn more about our fee-based Premium Networking Support Service click here. http://kbserver.netgear.com/kb_web_files/n101262.asp
Thank You for choosing NETGEAR,
Brad, W.
Second Level Escalation
NETGEAR, Inc.
forensics
47 Posts
0
March 9th, 2008 14:00
I followed the link for the information and discovered that the limit to memory (RAM) is 4MB. Since that is the most we placed into the Dell there is no reason for the network card to malfunction. We were using only 3MB, but tried making all the RAM the same for all four cards with no success in getting the network card to work.
Netgear is simply placing the blame on everyone else.