Compaq Presario v5005us

Hello!

I recently took a Pastor's Presario v5005us and upgraded the ram, simple enough right? Well when I restarted the computer, I immediately got a BSOD. I am able to boot the computer in safe mode, and ran chkdsk (cannot run the /f function because its in safemode) but it didn't detect bad sectors or other serious errors with the NTFS. When I attempt to run chkdsk at boot, it crashes into the BSOD, which tells me there was an error with the NTFS, and preforms a memory dump.

The RAM I installed is a Kingston 1gb ddr1 pc2700, well within the parameters of the motherboard.

I was hoping someone could give me a solution to this that won't result in having to reformat the Pastor's computer. I am assuming that the RAM is the issue, and will take a moment to reinstall the old 256mb sticks to see if that fixes the problem, but if not, it would be nice to have some feedback with alternative methods of repair...

Thanks much!

 

If RAM is the problem, there's no point in reformatting the hard drive. Memory and hard drive are two different hardware components. I don't know why you would think reformatting will resolve a problem with RAM.

Is the new memory stick installed along with the original 256MB module, or by itself? Exactly what model is the new memory? Is it here?

 

So indeed, my problem ended up being RAM, which confuses me. :confused

Is it possible that the Pastor's machine will only function properly if two sticks are present? Seems illogical, but this IS a compaq.

Can anyone confirm or deny this assumption? If I stick 2 512mb sticks of pc2700 in this machine, will it work normally, or will I continue to have boot crashes?

Thank again!

 

I wasn't 100% certain RAM was the issue, and was hoping that maybe it was something else. Typing on the fly, so I apologise if I'm leaving the little details out.

As far as the ram stick, it was installed solo, but it replaced two 256mb sticks that came with the computer. The new stick was purchased at Office Depot, its Kingston kvr400/1gr 1gb ddr sdram, pc2700, 333MHz. I had checked before installing it, and I'm certain that this presario should be able to handle this.

 

You checked how or where? Since it's not the same memory shown on kingston's website for that computer, what makes you think it's the right memory? Clearly, it appears not to be the right memory. I would try returning it. If Office Depot won't let you return it, you might try dealing directly with Kingston on this.

 

No, it should run with one stick installed. That's confirmed both by Kingston.com and Crucial.com.

 

I did the only thing applicable when you don't trust the people who made the machine, I googled it.

http://www.pcmemorystore.com/Compaq-Presario-v5005us-ram.htm
http://www.edgetechcorp.com/memory/ram-upgrades.asp?product_id=5648

Both sites state that the v5005us presario needs something with 333mhz, typically a pc2700. Thus, I bought a RAM stick with those exact specifications. The kingston site even states that what I need is a module with 333mhz, and I had picked up the kvr333so/1gr from office depot, which matches those specifications.

So obviously, I don't know exactly what I'm looking for when it comes to a RAM upgrade, and I'd really appreciate tangible information about what I need and where I can obtain it. Maybe someone could edify me and tell me exactly what I did wrong when I was looking for RAM, would help me in the future. =P

As far as returns, all done and taken care of, they where more then happy to refund me the $50 I payed for the kingston.

Anyway, thank you UsafVeteran, I appreciate your feedback!

 

Although the specifications on the memory you purchased seemed correct, I believe the problem is that the memory manufacturers make numerous memory modules with very similar specifications and, even though a particular memory module model # may appear to be right, it may actually not be the correct memory for your computer.

This is why I prefer to use online sellers who have memory configurators on their website which allow you to search for memory for a specific model computer. Of course, you can use their memory configurators and not buy from them; just find that exact model at a local retailer if that's your preferred source for purchase. But, online prices are generally as good or better than local retailers, indeed, often better, so I usually buy memory from an online seller. I've purchased directly from kingston.com and from crucial.com and from newegg.com, a seller of a full range of computer components which also has a memory configurator feature on their website.