My laptop will not boot with two 1GB Crucial modules installed
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.
I have a Toshiba Satellite A105.
Apparently there is some kind of conflict between your Crucial memory modules and chipset on the motherboard. I guess you’ll have to use different memory brand, try Kingston instead.
I just checked witch 1GB memory modules Toshiba lists for Satellite A105 laptops. The mention the following brands: Samsung, Hynix, Elpida.
December 30th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
I am having the exact same problem… only I have Kingston modules that I am trying to install… which won’t work without the original module in one of the slots.
Any other possible solutions?
January 1st, 2009 at 11:12 pm
Stix,
Did you removed the original memory module, tested the laptop with the new module in both slots and it didn’t work in either slot? Sounds like bad memory module.
January 5th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
Indeed I did, I’ve tested it in every possible configuration and the unit will only boot when I have the original (old) memory installed in at least one of the slots.
I’ve updated the BIOS and the new RAM is read when the old one is in the system, but at a much lower rate. With 1.5GB installed Windows only registers 896MB.
I also have a Toshiba Satillite A 105.
January 14th, 2009 at 9:00 pm
I have had the same 1gig,2gig dance. Have to use one old ram and one new to get toshiba satallite p35 s6292 to boot. Both new 1gig modules test as good. both slots test as working with either 1gig modules or the old 512 module. The computer just refuses to work with the two new Crucial 1gb 200-pin SODIMM, 128×64 DDR ,PC2700Pb-Free. Each side has 8 small chips, for a total of 16. Glad I didn’t mess with the bios. I heard many making no progress or making things worse with that.
January 14th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
oh, the back of the Crucial 1 gb module has a Samsung on the label.
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:48 am
I had a similar problem with a Toshiba satellite A100. The problem is with the memory module the laptop came with, not with the new ones. If you remove the original module, the laptop won’t start. I tried a couple of different dimms, all of them work when used with the original module installed, but none work without it.
Still trying to figure out a workaround.
February 12th, 2009 at 9:56 am
I have the same problem, I have toshiba satellite pro M40, it came with 512mb of memory, i just bought 2×1gb of ram which crucial recommended (pc2-5300s, ddr2 667). When I put both in my laptop will not start. It will beep then restart five times while having a blank screen. I have tried trying to enter BIOS or anything from this and nothing would come up.
I can though put in one 1GB card with the old 512mb card and it will work but weirdly the system will only recognise the 1GB card. I did a crucial scan of my laptop and it showed that i had one 1GB card and 1 empty slot despite it being full. Also on system in control panel it shows up as 960 mb of ram.
I have tried switching the ram around and it makes no difference which slot the cards are in. Only that there must be the original in with them. It will not start with only the 1GB card.
I tried going on BIOS and it again showed that only 1GB of ram was being used and I tried resetting defaults in hope that it would somehow find the other ram.
I am running out of ideas. It does seem like the laptop needs something from the original ram in order to start but why it isn’t being used after that is beyond me i would settle for 1.5 gb of ram.
February 12th, 2009 at 10:03 am
Does anyone think that trying a full restore might work?
March 30th, 2009 at 9:22 am
I’m in the same boat – exactly the same story as jh273, except that my toshiba satellite a100 reads the current 1.5 ram. Has anyone figured this out yet?
March 30th, 2009 at 11:29 am
Yeah, it won’t work without the module installed from the factory.
March 31st, 2009 at 12:29 pm
Thanks coditza. Is that an agreement of the problem, or are you suggesting that there is no ‘cure’?
March 31st, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Both! As I payed just a bit over $100o for the laptop, I suppose I won’t get a heavy piece of machinery and drop it on Toshiba’s hq
February 24th, 2010 at 10:41 am
My A105 has the same problem. I can install a 1gb module in either slot and it is recognized, but if I install two 1gb memory sticks, only 1gb shows up in either the BIOS or Windows. I called Toshiba and was told that it is a hardward problem and I have to pay for them to look at it. I’ve built many systems before, both desk and laptops and never came across this problem before. Can we all agree that these systems are junk?