How to install memory
Click on the hyperlink for instructions for that step.
Read the Safety Procedures. Very Important!!!
Some systems will allow you to install only one memory at a time. Some systems require pairs to be installed. What I mean by pairs is that if you want to add 512 megs of memory. You have to install two sticks of 256 or greater, but both sticks have to be the same size memory.
Some systems allow you to install one memory at a time but have to fill even banks first. If it has four slots. The two gray have to be used first and then the two white ones (some motherboards use a different color scheme).
You will need to consult the manufacturer for specifics on the memory for your system.
To install memory follow these steps.
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Disconnect all Cables that is attached to the computer. That means to disconnect the power cord, the keyboard, the mouse, the monitor, Printer, USB devices, modems and any other devices. For information on each connection click here. (This is very important!!! Do not go into the system with anything attached! The computer needs to be where you can pick it up and run out the door with it without no cables snatching you back. Make it look like the picture.)
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With everything disconnected, push the power button and hold it down for five seconds (DO NOT put the power cord in) This will drain any power that may be stored up in the computer.
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Open the case. You will have to consult your computer manufacturer or manual on instructions on opening the case. There is many variations on computer cases and they all open differently. There is no way for me to list the procedure for it here.
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Lay the computer down. (Don't be standing on carpet. Take it to the kitchen or somewhere where there is no carpet)
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Touch the edge of the case where it is metal to make sure you don't have any static built up.
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Depending on the type of memory you have and the type of motherboard you have is whether or not you have to remove a card or you can just add the new card.
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If you have RDRAM, all slots have to be occupied(most or all systems these days do not use RDRAM now). They also have to be installed in pairs. If you want to install 256 megs of memory, you will have to install two 128 megs of memory. If you want to install 512 megs of memory, you will have to install two 256 meg sticks. Also if you have unused memory slots, They have to have a continuity card in them in order for the system to post.
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SDRAM can be installed separately. If you want to install 256 megs of memory, you can install one stick of 256 of memory. You also not required to have all memory slots filled. You can leave the other slots empty. This makes upgrading easier and cheaper. However if you are installing two sticks and leaving the other two slots empty, put the two sticks in the same color slots.
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Some motherboards have two slots for memory and other motherboard have four or more. The norm is four slots.
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The memory will have three groves. One grove will be longer than the other two.
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Align the memory to the groves on the motherboard.
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Make sure the tabs are pushed down on both ends of the memory slot.
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Align the memory in the memory slot matching the sizes of the groves together. (it will go in only one way)
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Push down on both ends of the memory till the tabs pop up. Make sure the tabs are in place by pulling up on the memory. If it stays it is connected if it wiggles or comes up then it is not all the way in. If it is in the slot good, press down one more time on the memory. NOTE: Do not push the tabs up manually. Push down on the memory till the tabs pop up on their own. This way you know the memory is seated (Most of the time, you will hear a click when they seat but that is not always the case).
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Put the cover on
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Reconnect the cables.
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Install complete.
When you turn the computer on, it will say the memory size has changed and ask you to press a button (usually F1 key) Just press the key.
Click here if the system will not come on or having problems after installing the memory.