Hi, I have just installed additional 64 mb of ram on my laptop but my system does not appear to recognise it, in fact it now shows to only have 32 mb (it used to be 64 and now has 128). Is there something that I'm supposed to do after inserting new ram? Everywhere I've looked tells me to 'insert the module then switch on computer and follow the instructions in my user manual' - only prob is that I have a 2nd hand laptop which came without a user manual Can anyone point me in the right direction here please? ta very much (Dell Latitude CPi D233ST)

Memory Problems with Certain Models of Dell Laptop Computers...Latitude CPx H Latitude CPi R Latitude CPt C Latitude CPi A Latitude...Dell has a utility that you...download to test the system memory (RAM) circuits of affected...

Microsoft/Dell Latitude

Dwight

Also, you can download the manual for your Dell Latitude CPi D233ST. Please find the Service Tag and then put in the model at this page:

Dell Laptop

The linked page will also help you find your service tag number.

You can then search the Dell site for assistance. Are you sure you got the right memory for your computer? And it is possible the memory module that you purchased is not working correctly. If you take it back to the shop, they may be able to put it in a tester to determine if it is working correctly.

When everything is working correctly, you just put in the memory module, then start up the computer. The system will "read" the RAM memory increase at bootup and report the new amount. You can see the listed memory in the "My Computer" property window.

One common error when installing memory modules is to not get the card firmly inserted into the memory slot. You might check that yours is fitting correctly.

Dwight

Thanks a lot Dwight for replying to my help message. I managed to get a copy of my user manual on the site that you recommended, thanks again (although it has not helped with my current problem ). The memory that I bought was also 2nd hand , and was assured it was in perfect working order. Perhaps this is what I get for trying to do things 'on the cheap' and fiddling with things that I shouldn't be fiddling with . I have tried using the 'new' memory on it's own and I got a nice message telling me that there was a write/read failure, expecting something else, decreasing available memory - but it still booted up fine and allowed me to run 'pc wizard' which recognised the memory, so ???????? Am I in over my head and should I just crawl to the nearest repair shop and admit defeat? I thought installing memory was meant to be easy, which is why I had to have a go

Adding RAM memory cards is very easy and not "over-your-head" at all. It does sound like there is a problem of some kind, either with the memory cards themselves or with the memory slots in your system. Can you return the cards for a refund or exchange? If so, perhaps you could try another card to see if that one works correctly.

Also, there is nothing wrong with buying used computer cards. There are no moving parts and thus nothing to "wear out". Sometimes cards have been subjected to static discharge and are ruined. About the only way to know that is to put the card in a tester to see if it works correctly. Static electricity and computers

Good luck with this!

Dwight