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My system has 512 RAM but I did a test for a job and it only showed it at 435. I need to have all 512 so that it will run off of the system. Can I replace the 512 memory that’s in my system?  I tried to free up space on the disk thinking that would do or delete files but it didn’t happen. Can someone help me? Thanks.

To be honest with you, 512 MB of RAM is on the lower limit anymore since a number of computer applications are real memory hogs. Plus, the more surfing that you do on the Internet and the greater the number of photographs, videos, and other files that you want to view at any given time, the more RAM you should have available to use.

What is RAM?

RAM or Random Access Memory isn’t technically all available for your use during every minute that you are on the computer. Some of your RAM is used each time you access a program, a web page, or open documents. This depletes the amount of memory that can be used on new activities. Therefore, if you want to have 512 MB of RAM available to use, then you need to install additional RAM. One of the advantages of having more RAM accessible is that your computer will function more quickly.

How to Add RAM

Since you only have 512 MB of RAM, your computer should have additional memory sockets available for use. Check the documentation for your computer to ensure that you purchase the proper type of memory module. Typically, memory is rather cheap to purchase and you can often get it on sale or with a rebate attached to its purchase. Plus, you can either buy it online or in a local store.

If you are comfortable with computers, then you can probably install new memory on your own. If you aren’t quite so comfortable, then you can pay someone else to do it or take your time, read up on it some more, or even look up a few video tutorials before tackling the job. 

• You’ll need to unplug the computer from its power source and take the battery out.
• Depending on whether you have a desktop model or a laptop, you’ll either need to take off the side panel from the tower or the bottom panel from the laptop. This will give you access to the memory module ports on the machine.
• If you are simply adding more memory, locate an empty port and install the memory module carefully by slipping it into place. If you want to replace the memory module that you already have, which I doubt, you need to take that one out and then place the new one into its slot. Typically, you need to align the module with the slot and then press it in on an angle.
• Place the panel back on the computer or laptop. Replace any screws that you had to take off.

When I load a driver disc for my new Bluetooth dongle (cck d9) an error 267 appears on my laptop’s screen (eMachines e520).Basically I don’t know what this means and how do I resolve the problem. I’m new to computers so please try not to reply in computer jargon.

Don’t worry, I’m pretty much allergic to computer jargon, so this should be easy to understand.

Error 267 means that there is something wrong with the driver compatibility with your operating system. Are you using Vista? This often happens with your Bluetooth devices when you are trying to install them with a Vista operating system - although it can happen with other operating systems as well.

Device Drivers

First, are you sure you need a driver for this device? Sometimes, you can install the device without installing additional drivers and they will work just fine - they operate using the generic Microsoft drivers that are already on your machine. Try installing the device and letting the new device wizard run without inserting the CD. The wizard is designed to be user friendly and will walk you through the process step by step by identifying and installing your device.

Update Driver

If you find that you do need a driver for your Bluetooth device, then the first thing to check is that your device driver is compatible with the operating system and with any updates you may have installed on your machine. Even drivers that are fairly new can be incompatible with any service pack updates by the time you put your CD in the machine - things change so quickly in the computer world.

Rather than getting the driver from the CD, you can try going to the CCK website and download the driver for the dongle from there. Manufacturer’s websites usually have the most updated drivers that will be compatible with most operating systems and service pack updates. I don’t have a CCK product, so I couldn’t register for the site, but that is how most manufacturer’s work.

If you absolutely can’t get a driver to work with your operating system for this device, you may have to try a different Bluetooth dongle. Luckily, these things aren’t very expensive - just make sure that whatever you buy is compatible with your operating system, whether it is Vista or Windows XP. If you need any more help, please let us know.

I own a HP 6730b laptop. The touchpad doesn’t work. I have tried to install drivers and did a complete restore, but my touchpad still isn’t working! Any ideas?

Since you’ve already attempted to fix the problem by installing new drivers and completing a “System Restore,” we’ll skip those strategies and try a few others. Start at the top of the list and work your way down. Hopefully, you’ll fix the problem with the touchpad not working for you before we get to the bottom of the list.

Troubleshooting Touchpad Error: Function Key

Before we move on to any more involved tasks, let’s check to see if you accidentally initiated the “Fn” key combination that controls the functionality of the touchpad. On the laptop, when you press the “Fn” key in combination with one of the “F” keys (often the “F8″ or “F9″ key), the touchpad either becomes unresponsive or responsive. Look on your F keys for a graphic that resembles the touchpad (usually a large square with two small squares on the bottom). So, even if you don’t think this is what happened, please try pressing the “Fn” key in combination with the corresponding “F” key. Hopefully, this worked. If not, then move on through the list.

Troubleshooting Touchpad Error: Hard Reset

Laptops are known to experience problems with their touchpads due to power issues. Completing a hard reset often resolves problems with unresponsive touchpads. First, you need to disconnect your laptop from its power supply and any other peripheral devices. This includes a printer, speakers, USB mouse, Internet cables, etc. Now, turn the laptop over and remove the battery. Next, press the power button in and hold it for 60 full seconds. Place the battery back into the laptop, reconnect the power and the peripheral devices. Turn your laptop back on. If this works, you’re finished! If not, continue with the next suggestion.

Troubleshooting Touchpad Error: “Safe Mode”

Sometimes booting up in “Safe Mode” is very helpful when troubleshooting. To do so, start with the laptop turned off. Now, turn the laptop on and immediately begin to press the “F8″ key on the keyboard. If it doesn’t work the first time, try again. Sometimes it can be a bit tricky to get the timing right. You’ll know if you get into “Safe Mode” because it will have those words in the four corners of the screen. Check to see if the touchpad works, if it does, you’ve solved the problem. The next time that you boot up, the laptop will start in “Normal Mode.”

Troubleshooting Touchpad Error: Overheating Issue

If your laptop is experiencing an overheating issue, an unresponsive touchpad could be the first symptom that you have a problem. Try using a can of compressed air to clean the laptop, especially near the fan area to free it up from dirt and dust. Make sure that you disconnect it from the power supply first.

Troubleshooting Touchpad Error: Keyboard Controller Chip

It is possible that the keyboard controller chip on the motherboard is bad. If it is, this would account for the touchpad not working. It would also eventually lead to the keyboard not working. If you believe this might be the problem, you can opt to have the keyboard chip reballed by a technician. Additionally, if you are able to identify the chip yourself, you can check to see if it is loose and reseat it by pressing it in. This isn’t a strategy that I recommend for someone who isn’t a skilled computer tech.

Troubleshooting Touchpad Error: Boot up with Installation Disk

Sometimes, booting up with the installation disk will resolve problems such as a touchpad not working properly. If you have your Window’s installation disk, turn the laptop on, immediately insert the disk, and hit the “ESC” key and then the “F1″ key as soon as you see the words “Check System” appear. Hopefully, this resolves the problem for you.

Where do I put my memory card adaptor in the computer so I can put music on my memory?

Memory Card Adaptor

Memory card adaptors are designed for use with multiple types of memory cards and flash media sticks. In fact, these are handy devices to own since you no longer need to worry about having the proper memory card or flash stick every single time that you want to save some data, music, games, or video.

While there are lots of different styles and models sold on the market today, typically, memory card adaptors have USB capability. Therefore, you are going to plug it into any open USB port on the computer. Some computers feature their USB ports on the side or back, while others feature them in the front. Sometimes the USB ports are covered by a hinged panel to protect them from dust and dirt. Make sure that you connect your memory card adaptor securely using one of these USB ports.

Memory Card Reader

A memory card reader is designed to read the contents of flash memory cards and/or transfer the data to a computer. They are sold in both single capacity format and multiple capacity formats. With a memory card reader, you can read the data on any number of different flash memory cards. Many computers come with built-in memory readers. Simply insert your memory card into the slot and your computer will treat it as a portable storage device.

Memory card adapters and readers have become popular since you don’t need to connect your digital device to the computer in order to read the memory card. No more worrying about finding the missing cable that connects the digital device (camera, camcorder, etc) to the computer. You simply insert your card or attach the adapter and you are set to go.

Memory Card Devices

Memory cards are designed as portable storage devices that can be used to save large amounts of data. They are designed in an assortment of styles and sizes. Therefore, it is important to identify the type of memory card or flash stick that you need prior to making your purchase of one. Moreover, the type of memory card that you use is dictated by the particular device that you need it for. Memory card adaptors, however, have simplified the use of memory cards and the transfer of the data that has been stored on them.

I just got an ECS BLACK SERIES GF8200A (V1.0) AM2+/AM3 NVIDIA GeForce 8200 HDMI ATX AMD motherboard, and I put it in an older case that I had. I hooked everything up right, the screen came on one time, then after I shut it off to hook up the hard drive and CD-ROM, the screen quit working. Everything else comes on, but the screen does not work. Moving it makes it shut off. It acts like it has a short in it, so I don’t know if it could be the case doing it or not. The last motherboard I had in the case did the same thing, it would come on but the video wouldn’t. Also, I broke a SATA port off the new motherboard, would that cause it not to work? I have also taken the battery out for some period of time and it still didn’t work -  it’s onboard video.

Because it worked before you hooked up the motherboard and CD and everything but the screen comes on, I’m thinking that you do indeed have a short in the case somewhere, particularly if you move the case and it shuts down temporarily. Breaking a SATA port off of the motherboard shouldn’t cause this kind of problem, so I wouldn’t worry about that too much.

Short in CPU Case

Can you check very carefully to see if there is any metal touching where it shouldn’t? There is usually a plastic or rubber grommet between the motherboard and the metal plate with the screws that it connects to - is there one in your case? Remove the motherboard and check for a standoff screw in the wrong place or one that is rolling around loose. You can also try using screws with smaller heads to see if that helps.

Assemble Components Outside the Case

Hopefully, the short in the case will trip the PSU and stop the short from causing too much damage to your system.  Do you smell anything burning or see any burn marks on any component? Usually, major shorting or electrical damage is visible. A short circuit can wreck the motherboard as well as damage the memory and adapters.

You can check for problems with the case (providing that there isn’t any permanent damage) by setting up the minimum components outside of the case on a static free surface - you can use cardboard or a box that will elevate it so that the adaptors can still seat properly. If this setup is working, then you know the problem is with the way the components are seated within the case.

If you can’t see any obvious cause for the short, you can try a different case if you have one available or you might want to get an extra set of eyes on your setup. I’d hate to have you go through another motherboard if the short is severe.

I have recently changed the case of my newly built pc. It worked perfectly before the change but now won’t switch on. I have tested the PSU and it works fine. I previously believed I had shorted out the motherboard, so bought a new one and fitted it, but still it won’t turn on.

Without knowing some specifics, we’re going to have to do a little troubleshooting in order to narrow down the cause of your power up problems.

Motherboard Issues

Do you see anything when you try to turn it on? Any lights, fan noises, etc.? My bet is that it is either incompatible RAM or a problem with the actual power button setup. You say the PSU is fine - did you test the motherboard and PSU setup outside of the case? It’s possible that you are shorting the motherboard somehow within the case. Some motherboards have another 4 position power connector from the power supply to the motherboard in addition to the 20 or 24 position main connection. Make sure that connection is plugged in if you have it.

Power Switch

So many times, it is the power switch connectors themselves that are causing this type of problem, particularly with a new case setup. Make sure that you are connecting the case power switch wiring correctly - check with the manual, as sometimes the markings on the piece itself can be misleading.

Incompatible RAM

Is it possible that the RAM isn’t compatible with the motherboard? You can check for compatibility issues by removing the AC power to the power supply and then removing all RAM. Make sure the speakers are connected so you can hear beeps. If the motherboard has onboard sound, you must connect the speakers to the Line Out port and make sure they are turned on. Now, restore the power to the power supply and boot up the computer. If the RAM is the problem, you will hear a pattern of beeps that say there is no RAM installed.  If the RAM is incompatible, then you will need to do some research to find some that is compatible with your new motherboard.

I think that checking these few things will help isolate your issue. If you need additional help, please let us know.