computer memory?

Please don't laugh at me for asking this..... BUT those "cards" that are about 3-4 inches long and about 1 1-1/2 wide..... are those memory cards or sticks? If so, could I take the one out of my old computer and put it in my new computer? Would I need a install disk to do this? I would just like some more memory in this computer. I dont know much about this stuff. I trust you guys so that's why I'm here! Thanks!

 

there are a few different types of memory for a computer, and each computer may take a different type than the other. If you know what kind of computer(s) you have, we can assist you further. Try everest to scan both your computers (if you can do both) to let us/you know what type of memory it can take. http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4181.html

oh, and yes, that is computer memory or RAM that you are talking about....you can call them sticks or whatever you want.

 

Also, if you can go on line with the other PC, you can scan your RAM here and see if the types match.
http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner/

 

Ok, I downloaded and ran Everest however when I try to upload it onto here it says "invalid file". Would it do this because I don't have any working Office programs? (have to wait until tax time to get it hopefully)

My report should still be the same from when I ran it the first time for you wouldn't musksnipe?

As far as the other computer, the hard drive went out, so no, I can't even get it up and running. I did however take the card out and it says "Apacer" and "256MB UNB PC3200 CL3" on it. It also has a P/N number and S/N. Do you need those too?

I also have some software issues. (programs that I can not delete) Guess I need to post in the software forum there. Did some "cleaning" last nite and found I only have 5.93 GB free.


*forgot to add, the old computer was a rebuilt HP

 

I just took a look at your old Everest report and Everest doesn't seem to state the exact type of RAM. (It's either too early for me or it's that app. It always seems to leave something out, just when you need it)
Try the scan at Crucial. http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner/
They are a leading manufacturer of memory sticks and the scanner is safe to use. It will give you a simple report.

Basically, you are going to want to see PC3200 in the scan, because you really don't want to mix chips with different clock and transfer speeds. The UNB on the other stick means unbuffered and the CL3 is class 3. The only other thing you need to worry about is the pin amount. You could google the part # and should come up with a good description of the RAM from your other PC.

 

Ok, I ran the scan and here's what it said:

Currently installed
256MB, SDRAM, PC133
128MB, SDRAM, PC133

Max. Memory Capacity : nothing there
Current Memory Installed : 384 MB
Available Memory Slots : NaN
# of banks : nothing there
Dual Channel Support : no
CPU Manufacturer : GenuineIntel
CPU Family : Intel Pentium II processor, Model 5, Stepping 2
CPU Speed : 398 MHz


As you know, none of this makes sense to me! Other than I must have 2 of them installed, could I take the 128 one out and put in the 256 one from the other computer?

I would love to hire you to come and save my pc musksnipe! You're not too far from me! I'm in Indiana!

 

Hello Jenny, since Musky has gone offline I'll make a comment. Please correct me if I have got the dead pc wrong.

You have a newer pc that has broken down. So you have got an older one out to carry on with. Just what I would have done.

On the label of the memory for your dead pc it syas PC3200. This memory is suitable for a Pentium4 class machine and Windows XP.
Second hand modules like this are currently selling on Ebay for around £5 plus postage.

Unfortunately it will not physically fit into your older pc Don't try it you will break something.

Your older pc is a Pentium2 class machine, probably windows 98.
The memory for this PC is PC133, which is becoming rare these days, even on Ebay. It is certainly not manufactured any more. Suppliers are charging premiums for remaining stocks.

Whatever you will not see much if any benefit from extra memory on this pc over what you already have.

Hope this helps

 

I don't think my wife would approve LOL
Looks like you have your answer.

PS: Why is the newer PC not running?

 

Thank you studiot for replying.

My "newer" pc was rebuilt and given to me for free. (its the one I'm on right now)

My older pc (the one I took the card out of) the hard drive died, so I cant use it.

I have windows xp in both computers.

So what you're telling me is that the memory card that has the PC3200 won't fit in the "newer" computer...right? The scan results I posted were off the "newer" pc.

I guess I was wishing I could take the 128MB card out of the newer pc and plug the 256MB card in from the older one to get more memory. I'm down to 5.something GB right now, and am trying to get a program off to free up some space and I can't for some reason :cry

 

roflmao Didn't mean it like THAT musksnipe! I dont think my boyfriend would think it was funny either!

This newer pc that this lady gave to me....swears its SOOOOO much better than my other one that the hard drive went out on. We can't get my older one fixed right now, property taxes on our houses are killing us!!!! She told me there was no way possible for my other one to even run XP on it, and that's what came installed on it and it was WAY faster than this piece of crap and it had a lot more loaded onto it!

 

Yes this is correct. The PC133 is older than the PC3200. Here is a quick overview of memory cards: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DIMM It seems that your "newer" PC is in fact older than your "older" PC.

I think you are confusing the 5GB as memory, which it isn't. The 5GB appears to me to be your remaining disk space. CCleaner http://www.majorgeeks.com/CCleaner_Slim_No_Toolbar_d4191.html is a good place to start to remove some junk from your PC.

 

Thanks guys for your help. hmmmmm... how hard is to switch the hard drive from the newer computer to the older computer???? Don't worry, I'd never be able to figure that one out!

 

Hey don't give up on this just yet, it is possible to swap drives. Are you certain that the hard drive on your old PC is dead and not just a loose cable? Does this mean that you may have lost some data there?

Anyway, the first step is check to see if you have the recovery CDs for your old computer. Then further steps follow which include re-formatting your new replacement disk and physically swapping the hard drives over and recovering from your CD. Then finally, re-installing your applications (firewall, virus scanner) and including all windows updates. If you want to follow through then more details on the process can be provided.

 

Maxwell, when I go to boot the computer up, it sometimes (was more towards the end before I go this one) would tell me I need the boot disk. It also would tell me that there was no drive. If I kept turning it off and back on (sometime 10-15 times), it would finally load and if I was lucky, I would be able to use the computer thru out the day, if not, I would get the blue screen. And that happened alot also towards "the end". I cannot remember what it said since I have been using this computer for the past 2-3 months now. As far as having disks.....don't have any for either computer. Got them both used with XP already installed. I have begged for one from the lady I got this one from, however, her and her husband don't see why I would need one. :confused I'm getting really fed up with this computer. I have another thread going on about deleting stuff. Can't get MS Office trial off it. I have managed to got my free disk space up to 6 GB.... never had a computer with it that low before.

 

On your computer with the failing hard drive you can try a few simple tricks to get it going again. Alot of times the IDE connections may become loose or a little dirty. You can try unplugging and reseating the IDE ribbon cable from both the hard drive and the motherboard (with the power unplugged of course, do it several times as just plugging and unplugging will often clean the contacts). On the hard drive it will probably be easier to plug and unplug the ribbon cable if you remove the power plug first (it has four colored wires and is usually towards the outside) and of course this will also clean those contacts too.

I'm assuming your hard drive is IDE and not Sata with this tutorial. The first Sata drives had problems with the connectors coming loose, so even if your hard drive is that type checking the connections may get you back online. Sata drives usually have flat orange/red cables for both the power and data to the motherboard

Give it a try if your brave, at this point you have little to loose.

 

Appzalien, I did what you suggested and unplugged and plugged a couple of times. I also did it to a couple of other things that had a ribbon cord. Hopefully I got it. When I have time, I will disconnect this computer I'm on now, and try that one. I think when and if I get that one up, I'm gonna be doing some major cleaning on it. I started using this site only after I got this computer. Even, better, hopefully if we get enough back in taxes, I could just get rid of the other one, keep this one for the kids to use and get me a new one!!!!:drool I know, with everything that has to be done with our 2 houses, I'm dreaming BIG!!!