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 24th, 2006 at 9:08 pm
laptop memory upgrade issues, 512 shows 256.
I have a sony viao. pcg k33 I replaced the 2 256 pc2100 with e 512 pc2700s. It has a 1 gig max. The “geek” guys at best buy said it should no be a proplem. I ran “everrest” and both slotts show 256 instead of 512 for each slot.
What is the prople? Any ideas?
Thanks Terry
November 25th, 2006 at 11:02 pm
Terry,
According to the laptop specification Sony PCG-K33 should accept up to 1GB (slotA+slotB) so 512MB+512MB should work just fine. The standard memory is PC2100 but you shouldn’t see any problem with PC2700 because it will slow down and run at PC2100 speed.
I guess you bought mislabeled memory modules. Can you see on the memory module itself if it’s labeled as 512MB or it appears only on the memory case? May be they put a wrong module into the case? It could be the manufacturer’s mistake and they labeled 256MB modules as 512MB.
I don’t think that there is something wrong with your laptop. Just in case check if there is a BIOS update with some kind of weird fix for this problem.
December 5th, 2006 at 1:56 pm
I have the same Sony PCG-K33 Notebook and am having the same problem! I just installed 2 512 chips and it only detects them as 256. I tried it with just one stick and the laptop only registered 256 total ram. I installed Corsair 512 chips SO-DIMM 333. Could there be a problem with this laptop?
December 8th, 2006 at 2:13 pm
Hi lf. I made the mistake of trying to upgrade an old Compaq M300 with some memory. Infineon 256mb pc133. Unfortunately, now it doesn’t do much of anything. The led’s light, but no POST msgs, nothing. Tried swapping battery, pwr supply, HD, out memory, other memory… nothing.
Putting my post here, because it sounds like the 64mb onboard memory is toast. Question is, is there any way of disabling the onboard memory (through jumper settings, other..?), and revive this thing, or is replacing hte motherboard the only route?
January 1st, 2007 at 12:39 pm
I got the same problem with an M300, if you know the answer let me know! bv
February 7th, 2007 at 10:01 pm
Hello,
I have a Toshiba Satellite A25. My computer has been slow lately, and upon examining my computer with CPU-Z, it said I had only 1 256 MB card in one slot, and the other slot was empty. So I ordered a 512 mb chip from Crucial and went to install it.
Once I opened things up, I found that in fact I had two 256 mb cards already installed — the computer wasn’t seeing one of them. So I go ahead and replace one of the 256 MB cards (the one in Slot A) with the 512. I boot back up, and the system is seeing slot B with the original 256mb that I did not touch, but Slot A that I put the 512mb in was “empty” according to the “System”. So I shut down, switch the chips, boot back up, and then it shows Slot A as empty again, and slot B with the 512 MB chip.
Thus, Slot A does not seem to be working. Any idea why this might be happening?
Thank you.
February 8th, 2007 at 9:46 pm
Ellerton,
A few months ago I received an e-mail from a guy who was experiencing exactly the same problem with his notebook. One of the memory modules suddenly “disappeared” and wasn’t detected by the BIOS. He fixed the problem after he cleaned contacts inside the memory slot with an alcohol wipe. Maybe this method will work for you too.
February 12th, 2007 at 2:02 am
Hi,
Assuming since you haven’t answered either Symon or myself on the M300 issue that the mboard is indeed toast?
February 13th, 2007 at 5:17 pm
I have the same problem with A Sony VAIO PCG-FRV37 running XP Home edition with SP2. I originally had two 256MB Modules installed. The OS and BIOS informed me that I had 448MB of memory and 64MB of Video memory available for use. I replaced the memory with two identical 512MB Modules. Both the OS and the BIOS indicate that I still only have 448MB/64MB of regular and video RAM avaiable for use. I changed the size of the video RAM in the BIOS to 128MB. The BIOS and OS both reported 384MB/128MB of regular and video RAM. Ichanged the video RAM to 32MB and the OS and BIOS reported 480MB/32MB. I reset to the default video RAM (64MB) and booted with just one 512MB module. The OS and BIOS reported 192MB/64MB. I tried this in both memory slots and got the same results. The Sony website states that the OS will not report all of the RAM, but I’m missing half of my memory! Any help?
February 13th, 2007 at 7:03 pm
dan,
do you think upgrading the main memory somehow damaged the laptop? What kind of mistake you made? You cannot disable onboard memory, if it’s bad you’ll have to replace the motherboard.
March 3rd, 2007 at 7:01 pm
I have a Toshiba A105 s2712 with a RAM of 512 mb. I tried to add 1 Gb (4 differents incluiding Kingston) but it is not recognised. It happened if I try without the 512mb too. Do you now what happen?
March 4th, 2007 at 5:37 am
Hi,
I have just upgraded the ram in an Ei System laptop from 256mb to 1Gb. It only has 1 slot and I have used Corsair memory to the same spec. I downloaded some XP updates and upon the automatic restart the computer will not restart I just have a dead screen and the machine beeps. If I take out the new ram and replace the old ram it starts fine. I then switch off change the ram again and it works fine. I thought I had a bad ram chip so I sent it back and got a replacement however the problem still persists. Have you any ideas that my fix the problem.
Thanks in advance, regards.
Michael
March 5th, 2007 at 10:54 pm
flabio,
Not sure what’s going on. Are you using the same memory type (DDR2 PC2-4200 533MHz)?
March 6th, 2007 at 5:31 am
Yes, the same memory. somebody told me that I have to upgrade the BIOS. Is it esay to do?
March 11th, 2007 at 7:04 pm
flabio,
Updating the BIOS is not difficult. You just download the latest version from the Toshiba website and run it right from Windows. Make sure the laptop is connected to AC power while you are upgrading the BIOS.
May 20th, 2007 at 1:42 am
Howdy all…
Got a problem with a laptop i bought (acer travelmate 347t). It comes on intermittantly. It boots normally although the screen only sometimes comes on, its not the LCD itself because i try and plug an external monitor in and i get nothingness out of that too. I’m thinking possibly the ram could be at fault. Tested the hard drive and it’s certainly not that. Could the ram be causing my problem?
Cheers!
July 20th, 2007 at 9:48 pm
I have a similar problem with my Toshiba A105-S2712. I messed up my hard drive and now I need to know how to replace it. Can anyone give me an explniation on how to remove the hard drive? I’ve looked all over and I cannot find a tutorial anywhere.
Thanks in advance Chris
July 21st, 2007 at 2:40 am
Hi All,
I am trying to upgrade an EI Systems laptop with more RAM. Can anyone tell me where the slots are for this?
Its an Ei Systems 4416
July 21st, 2007 at 9:03 pm
Chris,
You’ll find Toshiba laptop disassembly guides at http://www.irisvista.com
September 5th, 2007 at 5:11 am
hello all – i have a sony pcg-k33 – went thru the ram upgrade. i put in 2×512 meg gskill ram chips – it detected fine for a month or so.. then BAM, it went to 448 meg of ram. after tests, its not the chips, its something on the motherboard. i have tested the chips i had in it as well as the gskill ram chips, and found no difference in which slot, let alone which chip. also, as the ram cound is in blue (not black) its nothing that can be edited. acc’d to sony, the motherboard is at issue, even though they cant even get me that far in troubleshooting – resetting bios does NOT fix the issue. PHBSYS-00798007-US is the current file of bios i am on now. i had flashed the bios PRIOR to getting the 2 ram chips, and it DID register them correctly originally. just wanted to let you all know what i know. good luck!
November 13th, 2007 at 1:37 pm
Have a PCG-K33 VAIO and cannot get the 2x ddr 512 to show, still says 448. I had 2x 256mb ddrs in before and it still said 448. Told Sony about it when I got my laptop and they gave me some half assed explanation to get me off the phone. Even if your system does not recognize the new RAM, will it still work? (will it work with what the rams specs are and not what it says in the bios?)
November 13th, 2007 at 4:10 pm
well, i had 2 g-skill ramchips (bought new) – which first worked and i went from running @ 768 (256 vid shared & 768 for main memory – was testing something) to 256 with 256 video shared (machine was a dog). when i put in a kingston, the ram went up, so, the chips i bought worked for a little, then stopped registering as 512 and went to 256. in another machine, they are still 512. in the sony, 256 per chip irrelivant of which location or which chip.
try a kingston. just one – its 40$ – bet it registers as 512.
November 13th, 2007 at 4:11 pm
oh, and NO, it will only use it at the SHOWN level – sorry i didnt include that earlier. sony tech support was of ZERO help. they had nothing i asked for (i wanted to reflash the bios – i couldnt with a manual file…. etc)
November 13th, 2007 at 9:49 pm
Eric,
Not sure if I understand your question correctly.
If you have two 256MB RAM modules installed into the laptop and it appears as 448MB but not 512MB, most likely your laptop has shared video RAM and missing 64MB are used for the video purposes.
If you replaced both 256MB memory modules with 512MB modules and it still appears as 448MB, there could be a few different reasons:
1. One of the memory modules is bad and the laptop doesn’t see the defective module.
2. One of the memory slots on the motherboard is bad and the laptop is using only one module instead of two.
3. One of the modules is not seated properly, try reseating both of them.
4. Contacts inside one of the memory slots got oxidized. Try reconnecting the same module a few times, it will clean contacts.
5. It’s possible that you have to upgrade the laptop BIOS to the latest version.
6. It’s possible that RAM is not compatible with your laptop, try different modules from a different manufacturer. It’s not likely but possible.
November 16th, 2007 at 12:09 am
Sony Vaio pcg-frv37. Were 2 modules x 256 Mb, I changed them to 2 modules x 512 Mb, Kingston model kvr400×64sc3a/512. Notebook still reports 512 mb total memory (including reserved for video). Both memory slots work, when I remove any of memory modules, notebook report 256 Mb. Cpuz program reports 1024 Mb! The only thing I can think of is that these modules have CL=3 (Column Address Strobe Latency), and Sony upgrade instructions require module with CL=2.5
December 29th, 2007 at 4:41 am
Hi, I have a toshiba Satellite A215-S7422 with 1GB RAM, i try to upgrade to 2GB, 1GB slot A + 1GB slot B, the BIOS recognize both, but when start windows vista, it crashed or just reboot my laptop, I test the modules, and I see that two modules = windows fail, 1 module = windows works fine, I test all modules in all slots, and no matter what slot or module is used, everything work fine with just one module, combined my laptop crashed
January 1st, 2008 at 1:01 pm
Have a Toshiba A55 Laptop. All of a sudden when starting up computer one day. It started dying each time keyboard was pressed. Did factory format and restore and it continues to die, then restart, die then restart. Sometimes when keyboard is pressed and somtimes on it’s own. Computer is usually running solidly as restore disk is running then dies during setup. Screen comes up each time computer restarts stating that windows could not load correctly and gives me an option to load in “safe” mode but will usually load anyway. Dies in safe mode also. What do I do with this laptop? This computer worked flawlessly until yesterday.
January 2nd, 2008 at 9:23 am
re toshiba a55 sudden shutdown after brief period.
could be a cooling issue. listen for your cpu fan, try blowing a little compressed air into the heatsink on the side to make sure your heatsink fan assembly is not clogged. a lot of these toshiba’s have air intakes on the bottom which are easily obscured if you are trying to operate them on something other than a hard flat surface. poor air flow can cause excess heat which can lead to premature motherboard component failure. hopefully it is just a cpu fan issue.
January 2nd, 2008 at 9:35 am
re system beeping after installation of new memory and failures to recognize higher capacity memory modules.
although it can be an indication of defective memory, it is more likely an incompatibility issue. a lot of laptops are kind of fussy about the memory modules they will recognize properly. frequently older p3 laptops will only recognize low density high capacity modules. low density 256 and 512mb modules will usually have 16 chips (8 per side) rather than the more typical 4 per side.
January 16th, 2008 at 3:06 am
I have a A105-s101 I tried to upgrade my memory but slot A will not accept the new memory card. I first replace both slot with 1 GB memory cards but the computer would not start just beep and blink. Replaced the manufacture 256 chip and computer started and read 1.9 Gb so slot B read the second chip. now that I verified that the 1 GB card was good I put it is slot A and got the same result beeping and blinking. so will only work with original 256 card. is there something else I can do to upgrade both slots?
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
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?
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 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 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?
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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 12:34 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?
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?
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.