Probs adding RAM

[JayE]

Hi,

I've just bought another RAM chip for my laptop, Samsung VM7000 series - it has 64MB and I bought a 128MB one to make it much faster.

When I installed the chip, it recognised in the BIOS but then the PC won't load into Windows, it comes up with the Startup menu, but whatever option I choose the PC reboots - and the same thing recurs continually - until you shut down the PC.

Removing the chip restores the PC to normal working order.

The supplier said I should switch the 64MB and 128MB chip around, but then nothing shows on the display at all, so I don't know whether anything else is happening !

Is this definitely the wrong RAM chip I've been sold? or is it a problem with the BIOS on my laptop?

I eagerly await your response.

Regards,
Jay/UK

 

[SESaskDFC]

Howdy:

What speed did you get - PC133??

As per the Samsung FAQ's..

What type of memory do I need to upgrade my VM7000?
The entire range is designed to accept PC100 (100Mhz) SDRAM SODIMMS. The machines are shipped as standard with PC100 SDRAM memory. There are 2 SODIMM sockets on the motherboard, under a small door on the base of the machine. PC100 SDRAM SODIMMS are commonly available in sizes 32MB, 64MB and 128MB. Samsung recommend only the use of PC100 (100MHz) SDRAM memory.


Very possible your system can't read the faster speed although PC-133 will normally work in a PC-100 system, some systems are just that proprietary, it must be exact.. and laptops are worse !!

Murray

 

[JayE]

Hi Murray,

New memory's speed is PC100, so from what you say it should work !

I thought if memory was't the right sort, I'd get error beeps or just not be recognised. Never heard of the kind of thing I'm experiencing - continual reboots or the PC not responding at all !!

Can you assist further? as the supplier says the problem must be do with the BIOS settings, I've looked in the BIOS and cannot see any settings about memory, so I don't understand.

Regards,
Jay/UK

 

[1zman]

Try using just the new RAM and see if it boots. That should tell you if it is bad or not
Good luck
Zman

 

[JayE]

Hi Izman,

That's the one thing I didn't try to do !!

Will give that a whirl tonight and see what happens. I guess if it works on its own, it must be an in compatability problem between the two RAM modules.

Regards,
Jay/UK

 

[JayE]

Hi,

When I insert the new RAM chip on its own in Socket 1 (ie. nothing in socket 2), the lights come on but nothing whatsoever appears on the screen.

This is exactly the same as what happens when I put it in socket 1 with the original RAM chip in socket 2 (recommended by the supplier).

It only recognised when it was in socket 2 with the original in socket 1 - but Windows wouldn't load and it would continually reboot.

My supplier says they're going to ask for a replacement - does this mean the memory is bad, or the wrong type?

Can you help.

Regards,
Jay/UK

 

[SESaskDFC]

Jay:

Wrong type.. I picked up a 512meg chip for my system and the same thing happened to me when I started my system.. Did some checking and found out the chip I bought was not compatible with my chipset.. Couldn't believe it but now I do..

Murray

 

[JayE]

Hi Murray,

Thanks.

Hopefully when the replacement RAM chip comes in, it'll work first time ...

Regards,
Jay/UK