I installed a brand new RAM into my notebook. Now the notebook will not boot up and beeps when I turn it on.
I have a Toshiba satellite A55-s306, and I bought new RAM for it just recently. It’s a 512MB memory stick, and I know it’s the correct type of RAM because I checked about a dozen sites and they all recommended me the same one. The problem is no matter what slot I try to install it into, with or without the original RAM in the computer, when I try to boot the computer up it beeps rather loudly, and nothing happens. The screen stays black. I’ve had some computer savvy friends- those who have constructed computers before- look at it and they can get the computer to start trying to boot up, but then it stops. I was wondering what this could be indicating? Is it possible that the new RAM I received a static shock, and that’s why it’s not working? The computer works fine as soon as I take the new RAM out. Nobody I know can explain this and I’ve looked everywhere for an explanation online and I can’t seem to find it.
Usually a notebook beeps on startup when it cannot detect any memory or installed memory module is bad. It looks like your new RAM stick is bad and you should replace it. Is it possible that you buy a new memory module and it comes bad? Yes, it is, I’ve seen it a few times before. If the notebook boots fine with the old memory in both slots and it fails to boot with the new memory in both slots, then nothing else could be wrong but the new RAM.
Here’s some information for people who has Toshiba Satellite A55-S306 notebook.
According to the Toshiba specification, the maximum amount of RAM you can install into this machine is 1GB in both slots (slotA+slotB). So if you already have 512MB installed into the slot A, you can install 256MB or 512MB (but not 1GB module) into the slot B. The memory type is PC2700 DDR333. Both memory slots are accessible from the bottom of the notebook if you remove the RAM cover, as it shown on the step 2 of this disassembly guide. This disassembly guide is for Tecra A2 notebook, but it would be exactly the same for Satellite A55.
November 18th, 2010 at 4:39 pm
I received the additional 512GB for my Toshiba Satellite and installed as directed. It booted up fine and is working. I want to know how I can tell if the new drive is working. Where does it show this additional memory?
I tried asking Toshiba, but have hearing loss. I repeatly tried to tell him I could not hear him or understand. I could tell he was frustrated with me so I said thank you and hung up. I do have hearing phones but just could not understand his accent. Can you tell me where I can look on the computer to find the additional RM. I do not hook the LP to the internet. I use the desk top for that.
Thanks
April 28th, 2009 at 8:02 am
Yes, I too am having the same issue with a 2170US. My solution: Throw the damn thing in the garbage and never buy Compaq again.
April 9th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
hey, i have a situation like this. my Bf’s computer has shut down after putting in a new ram stick. we tried to switch it back out for the old one, but it’s still not coming back on, it just beeps.
the old ram was working fine before, can anyone tell us whats wrong?
December 28th, 2008 at 12:34 am
Tim Jenkins,
I’m listening, I’m just not sure what to say. A lot of people with a Sony Vaio laptop have similar problems. Here are a few guesses:
1. The version of BIOS installed on your laptop is outdated. It’s possible that Sony fixed the problem with the latest BIOS release. Try updating the BIOS to the latest version.
2. It’s possible that your laptop doesn’t support all memory brands. Which one to use? I don’t know.
3. Maybe you must have two absolutely similar modules installed? That’s just a guess. One day one of my friends was updating memory on his laptop. He installed two Kingston modules but only one of them was detected. Each module worked separately in each slot, but not together. Finally, we noticed that both modules had chips made by different manufacturers. So we took one of the memory modules and found another one with same chips and both modules were recognized correctly.
Maybe you have memory compatibility issue?
December 28th, 2008 at 12:29 am
simply put – im my vaio i had gskill. it read as 1024 meg, which was 2 512 chips – life was good. then one day it dropped to 512 – for no reason i could discern – i had contacted sony (the manufacturer) and to no avail, as they had me reset the bios, and even suggested i reformat the laptop – when i went to 2 512 kingston chips, they both registered fine as 512, and still do to this day.
try kingston chips – i would suggest better than value ram though… its what i did, and im at 1024 meg. no promises though…
December 28th, 2008 at 12:15 am
Laptop Freak,
I’m not sure why but it seems that you are not listening to what everyone here with Sony Vaios are saying. I also have a Vaio laptop as many of the others here and I am having exactly the same problem. With only 448MB of memory showing when we have all installed 1024. You keep telling everyone that maybe one of the memory boards is not good. But, I highly doubt all of us are having the same exact problem and that all of us have bad memory boards. It is something to do with the Sony Vaios. But the question is what is the problem and can it be fixed? Has any one found the problem and solution? I would greatly appreciate any help.
November 22nd, 2008 at 5:52 am
I repaired a SONY VAIO PCG-K215 for my daughter (keyboard and batteries changed, dust inside cleaned…)When I try to increase the RAM size from 768 Mo (1 512 + 1 256 memory module) to 1024 Mo by changing the 256 Mo module by a 512 Mo one)I don’t succeed : The new one 512 Mo module is recognized as a 256 Mo by the bios. EVEREST software indicated a 512Mo as labeled.
The reason is probably that the recent modules use 64 Mo chipsets with 1 rank 4 banks instead of 2 ranks 4 banks: The previous chipset are discontinued and new one only available. I am not sure that a bios update (not free available from Sony) will solve the problem.The only way is to find “old” modules manufactured at least 3 years also. They are available on web sites (KINGSTON)but 3 or 4 times more expensive than actual RAM module. I’ll keep you informed if I solve this difficulty.
September 30th, 2008 at 10:04 pm
Randy,
I think your memory modules are conflicting with the motherboard chipset.
I posted your question here: My laptop will not boot with two 1GB Crucial modules installed.
September 25th, 2008 at 8:48 am
I have a Toshiba Satellite A105. I am trying to upgrade the memory to 2GB. The computer will not boot with both new modules inserted (2 Crucial 1GB modules PC2-4200). It will boot with 1GB installed in either slot as long as the original 256MB module is inserted in the opposite slot, but will not work when both 1GB modules are inserted. There are 2 slots and the maximum is 2GB for this computer. I was told to update the BIOS which did not work. I am currently using 1 of the 1GB modules and the 256MB module that came with the computer.
August 25th, 2008 at 1:13 am
I have a compaq presario 2104us notebook and have also tried memory upgrade. System only has 256megs ram now. I tried a Kingston 512 ddr pc2700 and a Wintec 512 pc2700. Memory not recognized. If I don’t leave my original 256 in system just keeps rebooting. If I install one new chip at a time with my original system boots but new chip not recognized. Kind of frustrating.
July 15th, 2008 at 5:29 am
I have advent 7081 laptop with 256 ram. I bought a new ram stick, 1GB. It is the correct one for it but laptop will not boot up. I put my old 256 back in and it works fine .Why is please?
May 12th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
indeed that is what the manual for the 2100us series says, that the ram is ddr266(pc2100). adata, buffalo, kingston, and several other pc2700(ddr333) modules attempted but no dice. the hp/compaq parts warehouse lists the 512 modules for this notebook series at 522.00 a piece !!!!!!!!!!!(i’d direct link to it, but its set up so that that just doesn’t work, so one must navigate through to it.)
so far finding any ram that is compatible has proven impossible. as to what the B at the end means, as i noted samsung(the manufacturer for the chips in my system) indicates that based on the stamped serial it is ddr333(pc2700) not pc2100. other samsung ram at this speed(pc2700) but not a matching production series(i.e. rebranded etc) have so far failed to operate or be recognized.
my presumption is that it is the integrated radeon chip causing the problems as it also serves as the memory controller in this model(at least for the xx99us series based on athlon xp-m processors. i am unsure on the pentium derived part of this product series), and is reputed to be very picky as to the ram it will tolerate.
if anyone else has any module series or brands that they can confirm working in the presario2100 series, please post results. alternately if you find new brands that do not work whatsoever, post those too, so the rest of us can try something different.
as an aside to the earlier response about memory timing, yes i know all too well. i’ve held an A+ from comptia for years, and am continuing with a degree in computer electronics and electrical engineering. even taking for granted i’ve not yet finished, this is giving me a headache trying to sort through.
there was extensive discussion about the graphics chipset with some notes on the ram sensitivity sprinkled through another forum(try searching for “epic legacy of the radeon igp320m/340m”, there should be several 30+page ongoing discussions about the graphics chip, and some notes on the memory issues sprinkled through. )- but so far none of those stating successful ram upgrades are still around, or at least responding to polite inquiry on the matter so far.
May 9th, 2008 at 3:21 am
bottom line – if the ram chip is the right size, it still may not be compatible – make sure its comatible, or, guaranteed for money back if not. my sony is still running @ a gig of ram since i upgraded with kingston. the gskill ram was the same size, and went from being compatible to incompatible within 3 months. i am still running fine w kingston, and a lifetime warrantee to boot. if compaq or sony give you a part #, make sure the manufacturer you purchase from is 100% compatible with that part #. thank you drive thru.
May 8th, 2008 at 10:32 pm
Lindsay,
According to the laptop maintenance manual, in a Compaq Presario 2100 series laptop you can use the following memory modules: 128MB DDR266B (part number 317434-001), 256MB DDR266B (part number 317435-001) and 512MB DDR266B (part number 317436-001). I don’t know what letter B at the end or DDR266 means, but if you google for the part number you can find this memory.
May 8th, 2008 at 3:50 am
I am still trying to find RAMs that will work with my Compaq 2199US notebook. I have purchased several and none have worked, the computer doesn’t even recognize them. I have even tried them one at a time, and switched them into the different ports each time. Nothing has worked… but I’m not giving up. If any one has any idea what will work with the 2199us, PLEASE let us all know! This is getting aggravating!
Thanks!!
May 7th, 2008 at 2:22 am
Hi
I have a Compaq Presario 2100US with 2 PC2100-133Mhz 256MB modules installed i went to 2 PC2100-266Mhz 512MB to upgraded @ the maximun of 1GB, the problem is that i had the 2/512MB replacements installed and it was only giving me 448MB i checked for a BIOS update, updated my computer but now the computer won’t start with the new modules! one thing i’d noticed is that the new modules any idea of what could be causing this problem? another thing is that when i switch to the original modules, computer starts working again!! can anybody help please!!
May 2nd, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Robert,
PC2700 memory is backward compatible with PC2100. If your laptop suppose to have PC2100 modules, it still should work with PC2700 modules. Even if you mix two chips and install PC2700 and PC2100 modules together, the laptop still should work but the PC2700 (333MHz) module will run at PC2100 speed (266MHz).
Download the maintenance manual for your laptop and find information related to memory upgrade. It’s possible that this model doesn’t support all brands.
Also, make sure you have the latest BIOS version installed. Updated the BIOS if needed.
April 30th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
compaq presario 2199us. 2 memory slots. Compaq lists as using pc2100(ddr266) but the chips actually in use are labeled as pc2700(ddr333)! checked the part numbers stamped on the chips and indeed they verify as pc2700. the problem? buyin a 512 mb ddr333 hip to replace on of the 2×256 chips results in the memory not showing up, ie just 256 megs available instead of 768.removing both factory modules and only using the new chip in either slot results in an endless restart cycle. i’ve checked them out and the voltage and cl match (both 2.5).
i’ve replaced the new 512 chip once now and the new one has the same issues.
now what i’m left to wonder is:
1- bad chip?
2-mislabeling error by samsung that carried all the way to their inventory data systems?
3-something else i’m not aware of?
anyone upgrade this model notebook from 256×2>768 or 1gb successfully and can comment on what worked?
April 30th, 2008 at 7:53 am
Mine is quite an usual…..I have a slot A 256mb and slot B is empty so I bought a new module to add another 512mb memory…. After I placed the memory into the slot B and then I boot it. It beeps then it says the I have to click v to adjust ram. then it was all ok. it runs fine. But when I runs CPUZ to check the slot B it still appear empty but the total memory is already 768mb… I tried to run Everest to check there. But only module in slot A appears but the total memory is 768mb.
Now my question is… how can this be….? why memory in slot B appears to be invisible yet it is working already…
April 27th, 2008 at 1:26 am
it could have been caused by the 512MB RAM module. try using them one at a time. i am quite positive one of the 512MB sticks is dead.
April 14th, 2008 at 6:17 am
I have a similar problem. My notebook: Compaq Presario 2199US… It currenlty has a total of 512mb (2 – 256mb) RAM. i bought two new 512mb to replace the 256 and when both the 512′s are in the slot the computer turns on for two seconds then shuts off, and it does this continuously until I disconnect the battery. I tried keeping one 256 card in one of the slots and a 512 in another, but when the computer eventually boots, it runs excessively slow, probably running with only 256 mb of RAM. I need help… I don’t know if it’s the RAM or my computer. I already exchanged the RAM once and this is my second attempt. Should I return them again, and try another pair?
February 11th, 2008 at 9:01 am
PCG-K33 – Did anyone ever sort out the RAM issue? I tried to upgrade one 256MB to 512MB over the weekend and, as described above, system only reports 256MB for the new module. Any help is greatly appreciated! Thanks