/ Troubleshooting RAM Issues

Troubleshooting RAM Issues

I am running a Compaq Presario 2100 using XP. It is running slow, even after a format and reinstall on my system. The information says I have 250MB of total physical RAM, but only 21.51MB available. I don’t have any extra programs installed. Kat Delong

These days, having 250MB of RAM with Windows XP just isn’t enough to keep it running at the desired speed. The very lower limit for XP is 512, which is what I would suggest you put into your computer. Luckily, it is pretty cheap, and easy to do at home in less than five minutes.

RAM

RAM or Random Access Memory, is where the processor puts the executable file from the hard drive when you are running programs. MS Word, Excel and other programs take up a lot of memory. If you are looking at an internet page with a lot of graphics, playing a game or opening several documents at one time, you can easily use up more than 100MB of RAM. Adding RAM to your machine can make it faster - with more RAM, the computer doesn’t have to “swap” programs in and out while it’s running.

Adding RAM

I’m recommending 512MB of RAM for your Compaq. You can add 1GB, but you probably won’t see a noticeably faster performance. Luckily, you can pick up 512 MB of RAM for about $30 either at a computer store or on the Internet. Your model has two bays of two sockets each for a total of four memory sockets, so you can support up to four individual RAM modules.

You can find video guides all over the web that will show you how to add RAM, but it’s so easy you probably won’t need it. Follow these steps:

Turn off, unplug and remove the battery from the laptop.
Locate the bottom panel that allows you to access the memory modules. Note that the screws don’t come completely off the panel. Unscrew them and pull the panel off.
Remove existing memory if you are going to replace it. If not, just put the new RAM in an empty bay.
Align the notch in the memory module with the notch in the slot. Insert it at a 45 degree angle and gently push it in until it clicks.
Replace the panels.
You can get into BIOS by pressing F2 when you power up to see the new memory. It will be less than 512MB because of shared memory.

Once you’ve cleaned your system, adding the right amount of RAM to your laptop should get it running at maximum speed.