Installing RAM - will not recognize 1GB

I just removed my 512MB DDR SDRAM RAM (2ea 256MB) to replace with 1GB and the system will not recognize it. It reads 32MB which I assume is the motherboard RAM. I tried bank 1 and then bank 2. I went into SAFE mode and it still only reads as 32MB. When I don't go into SAFE mode it just keeps rebooting.

COMPAQ PRESARIO 6370US - XP Home Edition:

Intel Pentium 4 2.53Ghz - 512 MB DDR SDRAM - NVIDIA GeForce4 FX w/256 MB

 

What does it display on the POST screen (when you first boot up)? Have you checked the RAM settings in the BIOS?

 

Does it proceed the RAM check at startup?

 

Are you using one RAM module? Most likely you can only install 2x512MB modules on that system

 

How fast was the original DDR memory? What is the speed of the current memory? You may want to try two seperate 512s instead. Are you sure your motherboard can handle 1 gig memory sticks?

According to compaq:

I'd take the 1 gig of memory back, and see if two seperate 512s work....

 

Have you tried RAM from another supplier? I had serious problems with a Kingston 1024 DDR2 - took a major 1024 and all worked fine