Installing memory should not be hard, it should be plug and play. If you are having difficulties installing the memory module and your computer is not detecting the upgrade, the problem can most likely be solved by one of the solutions listed below.
Check the Memory Socket. Before installing the memory upgrade into the memory socket, check the slot for any dust or debris which may prevent the computer from detecting the memory upgrade once installed. You can use a can of compressed air or a dry paint brush to gently remove any dust or debris. Also ensure that none of the pins in the memory socket itself are damaged which would also prevent your computer from detecting the memory upgrade.
Re-Install the Upgrade. Ensure that the memory module has been installed completely into the memory socket and that the gold pins are barely visible at the top of the memory socket. Memory sockets can seize up when there has been no memory module fitted for some time and will require you to exert a little bit of force to install the memory upgrade correctly.
Operating System Limitations. 32 bit Microsoft Windows recognizes a maximum of 4GB, usually set to 3.2GB. The only work around is to upgrade to 64bit Windows.
Check the external cables. Double-check to ensure that all cables and the power cable have been refitted to your Desktop/Server/Workstation system.
Check the internal cables. When upgrading a Desktop/Server/Workstation system it can be tricky to access the memory sockets directly without having to move some internal cables. If you computer fails to reboot, check all the internal cables to ensure that the connections are secured firmly and you have not accidentally bumped any out of place when completing the memory installation.
Dead RAM or incompatible?
If you have tried everything and the RAM does not work, it is time to work out if the RAM is faulty or incompatible.
1. Remove existing RAM and only install the new RAM. This isolates the new RAM and checks if RAM is OK and only incompatible with old RAM.
2. If RAM still does not work, install just one new module. Then install the other module (if you have ordered a kit). If one module works, and the other module does not then you have identified the faulty module, please call our office for a replacement.
3. If the new RAM works, power down add the original ram to the empty slots. Does all the RAM now work? If not, there is an incompatibility issue. Call our office with any identification numbers on the original RAM.
Additional Installation Tips.
• Make sure that you are working in a static safe environment. Before working inside the system or handling the memory modules, ground yourself by touching an metal part of you systems case.
• Consult the service manual for your computer or motherboard for any specific memory configuration requirements.
• Ensure that your new memory upgrade is the same type as the existing memory. Some computers and motherboards accept multiple types of memory, however some systems do not allow for the different types to be installed into the computer at the same time.
• Fill the memory sockets starting from the largest capacity and working down to the smallest capacity memory module. For example, install the largest memory module in Slot 0, the second largest in Slot 1, etc. Please note that some systems go in reverse order, so if this fails to resolve the issue, try the reverse order.
• If you get a memory mismatch notification, follow the steps on the screen to save the new memory configuration. Some computers do this to notify you that the total memory installed has changed and this will only come up the first time you reboot the computer after fitting the part.