upgrading memory

[MrYikes]

Hi, I have a hp desktop built in 2003 which has 256 memory. I ordered 2- 512 memory sticks this week. Are there some steps that I should perform before adding the memory?

[lastlib]

1. RTFM--

(that's "Read The Ferschlugginer Manual"!)

but really, installing memory is about the easiest upgrade in the world. Just don't plug 'em in backward (You shouldn't be able to, but...), make sure they're seated in the slot properly before you boot, and make sure your BIOS recognizes the extra memory before you run it.

I'm a little surprised you don't up it to 2GB, though--is the machine limited to 1GB? Memory is so inexpensive these days that it's almost ridiculous not to max it out on most older machines. (Only caveat: if you're running WinXP, it only recognizes about 3.6GB, so loading 4GB is counterproductive)

Good luck w/ your upgrade!

[MrYikes]

2. WOW you are fast!!!!

and the RTFM caused a laugh and memories from long ago.
I had researched and found that 1 gb was the most that could be used (more researching now shows that 2 gb is the top amount,,oh well.)
I was now searching on how to enter BIOS, cause I don't remember and found something I never knew
hitting ctrl, alt, s, will bring up the computer model, serial number, etc.,,,cool.

Thank you for responding.

[lastlib]

3. Getting into BIOS varies from model to model......

As soon as you boot it, it will tell you which key to press, usually F1, F2, or F10...you have to press that key as soon as you see it, or it'll fly on by...best to check it out with a restart before you do your upgrade.

[whistler162]

4. Yes you must do these steps precisely!

[Mnpaul]

5. Touch the case

Touch the case with one hand while you install the memory with the other. It is's any easy way to avoid a static discharge. You may also want to pick up a can of compressed air to do a little cleaning while you have the cover off.

[DainBramaged]

6. 10 years old and you bought memory for it?

brand new systems are under $300. I don't know what your situation is but that's really a boat anchor. You can't even put Vista on it.


Anyway, disconnect the power cord, discharge yourself against the computer case, pop the old ones install the new ones pressing hard and GET A CAN OF AIR and blow that thing out, outside, you will not believe the crud in it.

[MrYikes]

7. I am a liberal, I wouldn't have the heart to put Vista on anything.

my computer speed is limited online by the 24k dial-up.

[Go Vols]

8. I run Win7

32 bit on a 2002 HP machine with no problems.

[truth2power]

9. I have an HP desktop purchased in 2005..

It had 1GB memory, IIRK. I bought two 1 gig memory cards and installed them with no trouble at all. Out with the old, in with the new. Also, as another poster said, get that air stuff and blow out its innards while you're at it.

I still have trouble with IE hanging up frequently, but I think it's because I can't upgrade to IE 9 because Windows XP is no longer supported.

I think it's a crime that a person has to keep upgrading Windows all the time.