Help

Start a discussion
UNSOLVED

dleach

updated

22 years ago

Closed

D

dleach

9 Posts

0

7851

January 30th, 2005 16:00

Physical Memory

I have 2 memory modules installed (a 128MB and a 256MB).  When I go into system setup when starting the computer, it says I have 64KB with 383MB of extended memory.  When I run system information from the system tools menu it tells me the my Total Physical Memory is only 256MB.  Also when I run the current configuration program on the Dell Support site it also tells me I only have 256MB.  Why is the other 128MB not showing up in the system information and when I run current configuration?
 
I have an Inspiron 5000 running Windows XP SP2
 
Thanks for any help you can give
  • A

    Augie65

    1 Rookie

    •

    818 Posts

    487

    0

    Posted January 30th, 2005 17:00

    Did you install both memory chips? If you did, the 128MB may not be seated good. You might try resetting both chips again. Slot 1 with 128, Slot2 with 256. This is the recommended positions for the chips. Did this just happen or was both memory recognized at sometime?
  • D

    dleach

    9 Posts

    487

    0

    Posted January 30th, 2005 18:00

    Both memory modules have been installed (128MB in Slot 1, 256MB in Slot 2) and they are both in properly.   When I was running Windows 98, Windows recognized that I had 384MB of memory.  It was until I formatted the harddrive and installed Windows XP that Windows doesn't recognize the 384MB.  Also I just ran a program called Tweak RAM Idle and it recognizes that I 384MB.
  • E2

    enigma-2

    1 Rookie

    •

    238 Posts

    487

    0

    Posted January 31st, 2005 17:00

    Try removing one module and booting with one memory module at a time. See if either is defective.
  • D

    dleach

    9 Posts

    487

    0

    Posted January 31st, 2005 18:00

    I tried booting with each memory module by itself and it worked both times and the system information screen gave me the proper amount of phyiscal memory.  When I booted with both modules in, system information was still giving me only 256MB.  I right clicked on my computer and selected properties and it says there is 384MB. 
  • E2

    enigma-2

    1 Rookie

    •

    238 Posts

    487

    0

    Posted January 31st, 2005 21:00

    Very well could be a timing issue with the 128 module.
     
    Make certain by checking the spec in your owners manual. Is it at all possible that you are installing a slower module (front-side bus) than that required?
     
    Also, does YOUR system even accept a 128Mb module? (My Dell i8600 does not.)
  • A

    aussiegeek

    53 Posts

    487

    0

    Posted January 31st, 2005 21:00

    hmmm sounds strange. are both memory modules of the same type (i.e speed etc)? are they both the right type for your notebook?

    that's the only thing i can think of...

  • D

    dleach

    9 Posts

    487

    0

    Posted February 1st, 2005 02:00

    They were both working fine in Windows 98.  They worked fine when I removed the 128MB and booted with only the 256MB installed (and vice versa).  When I right click on my computer and click properties it shows my memory as 384MB.  In system information it shows 256MB. 

Dell Support Resources

Latest Solutions

View More