Getting a headache
Your laptop uses all available memory, but it starts from the bottom of the
barrel and works its way up. If you have just barely enough memory in your
system, chances are that every last available bit has been exercised. But if
you have memory to spare, only certain programs — graphics editors, audio
editors, and some web sites — may reach deep into the closet for the upper
reaches of memory.
If your laptop’s memory failure is intermittent, see if you can trace it to the
use of a particular piece of software or a particular action taken while using
that program. Or see if the problem only occurs when you have multiple pro-
grams open at the same time. Here is a good place to use a diagnostic program
that goes into the RAM and works every memory location. If the diagnostic
tells you that some portion of your memory module is not working properly,
replace the module. (Contact the module maker to see if it’s under warranty.)
Troubleshooting more memory .........................................................
Consider these things when troubleshooting memory problems.
Installation
Use the proper type of memory. Make sure it’s mounted on the correct
module design. On a new installation, be aware of any special demands from
the motherboard manufacturer. For example, some systems insist on mod-
ules being installed in matched pairs. Other designs may work better with
faster or larger modules in the first slots and slower or smaller modules in
secondary slots. As said earlier, some systems have relatively low ceilings on
the maximum amount of memory. Some older machines don’t automatically
recognize the presence of new RAM, instead requiring you to go to the BIOS
setup screen to specify the amount installed. Check your instruction manual
or consult the support desk or Web site for information.
Make certain the module is properly installed. Some designs have key slots
that must mate with pins on the connector; others have asymmetrical shapes
that determine whether they are right side up or upside down. Most designs
require the module to be locked into place with holding clips and these
should only engage if the memory is correctly mounted.
Have you recently been inside the case of the laptop to install or remove
other pieces of hardware? You may have inadvertently disconnected a cable.
Go back over your recent steps and double-check your work. Have you just
installed a new operating system, a major update to the operating system, or
significant new software that demands more? Check with the support desks
for the software and the memory maker to see if patches or changes should
be made. You should also run a capable system diagnostic program and a
Windows Registry checker such as Norton SystemWorks.
Chapter 6: Brain Matters: Memory, Microprocessors, and BIOS 99