New RAM Installed Now Computer Won't Boot

Alright I decided to update my somewhat older compaq desktop pressario with 2 - 1 GB PC3200 DDR. It originally ran just 1 - 512 MB PC2700. I installed both sticks, start the computer then it asks to start in normal or safe mode. I click either and I get the same reaction, the computer flashes a quick blue screen and the computer restarts and asks do you want to boot in normal or safe. I tried running just one stick in each memorty slot again same reaction, reinsalled the 512 boots fine. Now I can return the RAM but I wanted to double check and get a second opinion, I am guessing I should of gotten PC2700 instead of the PC3200, or is it bad memory? Thanks for your help.

 

if u only had one, my bet would have been on bad memory, but since you have 2... then thats a different story (doesnt totally rule out the bad memory part).

read the motherboard's documentation and make sure that it can actually support 2 GB ram (with the combination of your CPU) and the BUS speed is supported, u could need a bios upgrade... u should check this out as well in the update notes of the new bios ...

 

If you put in three good memory sticks and one bad, guess who takes over? The bad one. In other words, you might very well just have a bad stick. Take out all your RAM, and then put in your new ones one at a time. The one that refuses to boot is the bad one. Have it nearby when you call the vendor to ask for an RMA, since they might want to verify some numbers from the labels.

Oh, and about that flashy bluescreen... in WinXP, do this:

1. Go to Control Panel and find "System"
2. Go to the Advanced tab, and click the Settings button under "Startup and Recovery"
3. Under "System failure" uncheck the box next to "Automatically restart"
4. Click on Apply and OK buttons until System Properties goes away.

Next time the bluescreen comes up it will stay up instead of just flash by, and you'll be able to see on it what caused it. Hint: The important tech stuff that would help us is on the lower half.

Checking that restart box by default is one of the most annoying things Microsoft ever did to me.

 

Hi Punk,

To answer your question: PC3200 is identical to PC2700 but, tested at the higher speed in manufacture. The slowest mem in your system will dictate the speed all your mem runs at.

Luck, Jim

 

Hey PunkandRock,

Did you check to make sure that it was low-density Ram when you bought? High density is quite common, but also quite incompatible with most pc's. Low-density is considered "100 percent compatible". Not checking for that is, probably, the most common mistake made when upgrading Ram. I know it took me at least one 'missed try' to get that.