Hello,

First you need to tell us your model number.

But until then, unplug the system. (and remove the battery if this is a laptop) Remove and replace the memory chips. Restart the system, when/if you get the memory changed message, go to setup. Look through it until you see the memory information. Make a note of what is says, compare what it says to what you think you have and also tell us.

I have a Dell desktop Dimension521. Should I remove memory chips myself? And how do I do that? do I replace them with new ones or just clean and put them back in and see if that works. I didn't know what to do when I got the memory change message so I just hit continue. Thanks for your response.

Hello again,

Yes, if you feel comfortable working inside your computer, remove the memory chips. Before you open the system unplug it from the wall.

Here is a page that shows what to do. You are going to put the same chips right back into the same slots. The idea behind this is to make sure that the memory is fully seated and by removing and replace them, the contacts will be cleaned by the friction of the act.

The prompt that appears with the memory changed message mentions going to "setup". That is the option to choose.

I have a Dell desktop Dimension521. Should I remove memory chips myself? And how do I do that? do I replace them with new ones or just clean and put them back in and see if that works. I didn't know what to do when I got the memory change message so I just hit continue. Thanks for your response.

Hello, You might try to enter the BIOS and do a hardware diagnostic memory check to verify that there are no errors in the memory module(s).

Thanks for your reply. How do I enter the BIOS and how do I do a hardware diagnotic memory check?

Hello again,

Here is the BIOS information you need.

You should be able to run diagnostics by tapping the F12 key while the system is starting.

Hello

I got the memory change message again today, so following your instructions, I went to setup and jotted down this info under memory:

Installed memory: 1.0 GB

memory speed: 667 mhz

memory channel mode single

memory tech. DDR2 SDRAM

Memory slot

DIMM 1 512 MB

DIMM 2 512 MB

This all looks to me like what was on computer when I got it.

Next I went to the page you suggested telling me how to remove & replace memory modules and I did that. I was nervous and had to lure my cat away by feeding her, but it turned out to be pretty easy.

Now my computer is up and running again and I'll see how things go. Seems to be running faster but that may be wishful thinking. I'm very grateful for your help. thanks so much.

And since you are so knowledgable, maybe you could tell me what to do about my Dell AIO photo 926 printer. It's spitting out pages with one line of print and the rest blank.

... Now my computer is up and running again and I'll see how things go. Seems to be running faster but that may be wishful thinking. I'm very grateful for your help. thanks so much. And since you are so knowledgeable, maybe you could tell me what to do about my Dell AIO photo 926 printer. It's spitting out pages with one line of print and the rest blank.

Hello again,

Lets hope that resetting the chips will do the trick. Report back if you still get that message.

Printer? What is a Printer? :emotion-13:

Sure, Just ask here and they will set you up. Good luck.

Thank you very much for direction to printer forum; I have no idea how to navigate this maze, it's just too confusing.