Troubleshooting
Are you having trouble installing your new RAM? Is your new memory not working?
Review our install guide first. It is a valuable tool and may provide some insight to your current problems.
If you have already reviewed the install guides and are still having problems, please follow these helpful tips.
Press harder. Make sure the notches on your module are lined up with the keys in the slot, and then press down firmly. Don't be afraid that you are going to break it. It can sometimes take 20 to 30 pounds of pressure to install a desktop module. The clips on the side of the module should snap into place on their own. If you have to move the clips into place by hand, your module isn't installed properly. When installing laptop RAM, are you using enough force at a 30-degree downward angle? Most folks do not want to force them, but as long as the notch in the gold pins are lined up correctly, when pushing it down, there should be a clear & audible pop or snap sound; then lay it flat.
Install again. Even if you have inserted the module correctly and the clips are locked in place there is a chance the module may not be seated fully. Remove the memory module and try reinserting it. If a problem persists, remove all memory and try just the new memory by itself. If you have purchased more than one stick of memory, make sure you try just one at a time, unless your machine requires them to be installed in pairs.
All computers/laptops must do a boot test prior to running Windows. This boot test checks system resources, and if RAM has been added this test may take a few minutes (we have seen 5 or more minutes) before booting into Windows or other operating systems.
Check the cables. Is possible that you accidentally bumped one of the internal cables or wires inside your computer when you were installing your memory? A loose hard drive cable can actually prevent your computer from booting up entirely. All the cables should be firmly in their sockets.
Update your BIOS. Some older machines just don't like to work with today's newer technology. If you have an older system, it may need a BIOS (Basic Input Output System) update. Don't worry, this is much easier than it sounds. All you need to know is the manufacturer of your computer or motherboard, and normally you can download the free BIOS software from their website.