You recently changed the computer configuration
Remember the first question to ask yourself when you attempt to troubleshoot
a problem: What has changed since the last time the laptop worked properly?
Have I just added new memory? Have I made any changes to the operating
system? Did I drop the laptop from the top of the stairs? Did it land in a barrel
of water?Backing up just a bit: If you just added new memory modules and the system
doesn’t recognize them (or doesn’t work at all), check the new memory. See if
you can determine if you have a problem with the modules, with your the
new memory installation, or with your computer.- Turn off the power, remove the battery, and ground yourself.
- Take the cover off the memory container.
- Remove the newly installed modules, leaving the original ones in place.
- Make sure the original module or modules are properly connected
and latched in place. - Replace the cover and return power to the system.
Does the system boot up and run? If not, the problem is probably unrelated
to the new memory you’re trying to put in the system. On the other hand,
if the system comes back to life with its original memory modules, suspect
the new modules: Do you have the correct size, speed, and memory type?
Are you correctly installing the memory?I was upgrading the memory in an older laptop (a Gateway Solo 2500SE).
The new module I put into the connector was working, but the system only
recognized half of its 256MB. To make a technical support story short, I was
advised to try swapping the position of the original smaller module and the
new larger one. Voila! Both were recognized.If you cannot get the system to work with the new memory and are sure the
specifications, latch, and installation are correct, the memory may be dead
on arrival. If you have access to another laptop that uses the same memory,
try the suspect module in that machine; otherwise, get in touch with the
seller and exchange or return the module.Abuse
By design, laptops are intended to be moved from place to place. They’re
expected to be placed in overhead compartments of airplanes and in trunks
of cars, and suffer various minor jouncing and bouncing. A laptop’s memory
can fail because of accidental or intentional abuse:96 Part II: Explaining What Could Possibly Go Wrong