My computer broke again and I think it’s RAM problem
I have a HP pavilion ze4900 & it has broke again (and I think it’s my ram).
This has happened to me before, where I would just have my computer on & running with programs and a blue screen with white text appears.
and it looks like:
http://www.nilpo.com/pub/images/Windows_XP_BSOD.png
Last time, someone repaired my computer by replacing a ram stick (256mb)
Right now i have 2 (256mb); one that was replaced & one that came with the computer
- the blue screen of death has come back again. At this point, what should I do?
- if i were to replace the ram, would you recommend upgrading up to a 512mb? (for one slot)
First of all, you have to find out what is causing this blue screen. It’s possible that the memory module is bad again or you might have a faulty memory slot on the motherboard.
According to Crucial.com your laptop has two memory slots and this will help you to narrow down the problem. You’ll have to test both memory modules installing them one by one into each memory slot. You can test memory with Memtest 86+, make sure to test each module 3-4 times, so it fails or passes a few times in a row.
Install module 1 into slot 1 and run the test, then install the same module into the slot 2 and run test again. Repeat the same with the second memory module. If both memory modules pass the test in the slot 1 but fail in the slot 2, you have a problem with the slot 2. If module 1 passes the test in both slots, but module 2 fails in both slots, the second module is bad. You got the idea, right?
If you have bad memory, replace the module. You can buy a bigger one. It looks like each slot will take up to 1GB DDR PC2700 module.
If you have bad memory slot, you have two options. First, replace the motherboard. Second, use the same motherboard with only one memory slot occupied. I would go with the second option.
October 18th, 2007 at 11:02 pm
Thanks! This helps a lot & I would start doing the tests, but
My laptop does not boot up at all for me to test my modules and slots.
It gives me a black and white screen with:
boot safe mode, safe mode with networking, safe mode with command prompt, last known good configuration, & start windows normally.
I’ve tried the boot last known good configuration & start windows normally & it ends up either freezing or giving me the blue screen. (freezing more common)
is there a way to use memtest86+ on my laptop if it can’t even boot up? or test it prior to booting?
Thanks, HenryT.
October 19th, 2007 at 7:05 am
Henry T,
In order to use Memtest 86+ you don’t have to boot into Windows. Find another working computer, download Memtest86+ and create a bootable floppy disk or a bootable CD (download .iso file and burn it on CD). After that boot your laptop from the created floppy or CD and the test will start by itself.
Also you can try this. Move the memory module from one slot to another and see if the laptop still freezes. Try another memory module in both slots. Try different modules in different slots and try to find what is failing memory or slot.
By the way, I would run diagnostic test on the hard drive too. You can use Hitachi’s drive fitness test, I linked to this utility in Useful Links on the right side. You’ll have to download this utility, then create bootable media – floppy disc or CD and boot the laptop from the floppy/CD.
October 19th, 2007 at 7:25 pm
Okay, so I used Memtest 86+ on both modules and switching them in the slots, passing 4 times with no “errors ecc errs” each.
So I think ram is not the problem anymore & when I used the Hitachi’s drive fitness test, it showed:
94811A
Problem detected on a non Hitachi disk drive, Please contact your HDD supplier for additional support. Disposition Code = 0×70
So does that mean my uhh motherboard is broken? or something?
What are my options now?
Thanks for the constant help! I really appriciate it!
-HenryT.
October 21st, 2007 at 9:21 am
Henry,
It means that you have a problem with the hard drive and have to replace it. Most likely this drive is causing BSOD errors. Replace the hard drive and reinstall the OS.
Here’s a link to HP Pavilion ze4900 Notebook PC manual. Download the maintenance and service guide (2.68MB file). In the chapter 5.3 there are instructions for removing and replacing the hard drive.
October 21st, 2007 at 3:13 pm
Okay so what hard drive would you recommend buying?
I’m probabally going to buy it online & I’m a bit new to hard drives.
Would this work?
Thanks, yet again.
October 22nd, 2007 at 10:31 pm
This drive should be fine.
January 18th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Laptop Freak,
I’m hoping you can help…
So I am receiving the above error (debuglog.txt is attached). But I’d like to give some background – I searched the forums and saw many similar problems but just not quite the same…
I have a Toshiba M45-S169, about 2 1/2-3 years old running Windows XP S2. Over the years I’ve upgraded the memory several times (first from factory 512mb to 1024mb – just had to add second stick for this, then recently from 1024 to 2048 – the max this laptop can handle; required replacing both sticks). Prior to purchasing the memory, I searched several sites to ensure compatibility. I also had a tech at the store verify… I’ve learned the hard way.
So – supposedly this memory works with my system. It was recognized upon install and no problem – surfed the Net all day, played my online MMORPG, etc, no crashes – until I put my laptop into hibernate. Trying to come out, it said it didn’t have enough memory to complete API. uhh huh So the next night, I just put it to sleep, not hibernate – this time I got the error above.
I’ve tested the RAM, both pieces together and individually in different slots – multiple times – they are fine apparently. I’ve even put them into my husband’s laptop and fooled around – no problems. And, as I said, this only happens when coming out of Sleep or Hibernate. It is not triggered by playing graphic-intensive games; I can run the internet, games, and music apps all at one time without setting off the fan. I’ve played and played to try to get to the root of this evil.
My next step thoughts are – change the virtual memory allocation (it is way under the recommended) and, dare I say it, resort to one of those registry cleaning apps?? Could that really be the problem?
April 10th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
I have a Toshiba Satellite A75-S206 that I am almost positive the memory is bad because I have had it in and out of a couple repair shops. I was told that the memory is soldered on the mother board. If I install addtional memory in the memory expansion slot will the computer work off of that even if the main memory is bad?
If not do I need to buy a new MotherBoard and where can I get a cheap one?
The Computer will not even boot up now.
May 25th, 2008 at 2:39 am
I have a Toshiba Tecra 8100. The memory slot is bad.
I’ve run mem 86, both RAM modules pass in Slot A and both fail in Slot B.
How do I repair the Slot? No matter where I apply pressure on the RAM in Slot B can I get passing results. At one point if I was lucky it would pass until I pushed somewhere on the top left of the keyboard area (ie. over the RAM /CPU area)
Do I take it all apart and inspect for broken lines on the boards? Or am I safer to leave it and run on one RAM module?
August 30th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
The best program I’ve found for diagnosing any computer problems is a program called UBCD4win. It boots windows from a cd and has a bunch of tools built right in, even a memory tester. We use it a lot on our client’s machines.
September 16th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
laptop freak
I have a Hp Pavilion ze4965ea i need to know how far can i upgrade my hard drive.. will 160 gb or higher be compatible with my Notebook??? i also need to know what are my maximum ram upgrade possible..
December 2nd, 2008 at 7:37 pm
This is not a comment but another question. I was poking around on my laptop tonight and suddenly got the blue screen of death. Now I cannot even get any power out of the damn thing! It won’t turn on, so I can’t reboot. It is an old Dell laptop, it was to the point where it had to be plugged in to function (no more battery power) and the plug came out after I got the BSOD. Any ideas on how to get it turned on again at least or should I just go get a new laptop(gulp)?
December 10th, 2008 at 7:14 am
I have a question. This area is the closes to what I am experiencing. Have a Tosihiba Satellite M45- S331.. 512 Ram Installed. Wanted to increase Ram to 1Gb. After I replace the current chip with a Corsair 1GB and tried to start it, Nothing Happen. Then i replace it with the old chip and nothing happen. What have I done or what can I do to get running again?
June 5th, 2009 at 3:01 am
I am about to buy a laptop and I am not sure if I need any add ons e.g Hub, Dongle etc. I have broadband at home and would like to use the laptop whilst out and about as well. Can you help please?
June 9th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
I have a Compaq presario laptop and it has been giving me an issue. I’ve had it for about 2 years now, but whenever I turn it on, about 20 minutes later it gets real hot underneath where the fan is suppose to be and it’ll just shut off. I don’t think my fan is working anymore either, ’cause I believe that is what used to prevent it before from over heating. I have to movie it to different spots, ’cause my desk gets real hot from it over that period of time. Is this something I can fix easily?