RAM not recognized 1

[BMcAnly]

Sony laptop with 2x256MB of RAM. System running slow. When I open My Computer>Properties, it only shows 256 MB RAM. Tried reversing the two chips - no change. But then removed one at a time and found that one of the two slots is not recognizing the memory. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[micker377]

Insert one stick of Ram into the "bad" slot (leave the other one unfilled). Turn on the computer. What is the result? If it won't boot, we have a base starting point. Next carefully clean the memory contacts with a pencil erasure. If you have some electronic contact cleaner, get it out now (if not, use isopropal alcohol). Spread some cleaner/alcohol on the clean contacts, and insert into computer. You want to do this quickly, while the cleaner is still wet. You may have to do this 3 or 4 times (or more). Blow out with "clean air". If this doesn't cure the problem, than it's a bad memory slot. How old is the laptop? It may cost more to fix, than it's worth. If that's the case, put the memory back in the good slot and back up anything you need to keep. Or you can pull the hard drive for future use/copy files.

 

[BMcAnly]

Tried booting with one stick in "bad" slot. Wouldn't boot. Will try other suggestions and post soon - thanks.

 

[garebo]

If all the suggestions fail, and if your laptop will accept one 512mb stick of ram, then you could sell the 2 sticks you have and buy one stick to put in the good memory slot you have.
You can join one of many forums to not only sell the ram you have but buy the one you want. Anandtech is one such forum.


Good advice + great people = tek-tips

 

[BMcAnly]

Trading up to a single 512 is plan B. I'm just hoping that the remaining slot doesn't fly south too. Thanks garebo.
I still need to try the cleaning per micker377's post.
Thanks for the suggestions all.