RAM porblem, Please Help

Hi,

I'm using Windows 7 Ultimate 32-bit and.I'm having a blue screen of death from time to time and had an error "The file is possibly corrupt. the file header checksum does not match the computed checksum." So I tried to remove 1 RAM (Samsung 512MB 2Rx16 PS-5300 M470T6554EZ3-CE6) from its memory slot and it worked just fine using normal boot. But my computer's performance to open/close drops significantly since I'm only working with a 512MB.

So what I want to get enlightened with is to how to restore/fix my Samsung RAM back (if it will still work) and what really caused the crash.

Here's the current spec from http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner...98FD31D926C3#:
Maximum Memory Capacity: 2048MB
Currently Installed Memory: 512MB
Available Memory Slots: 1
Total Memory Slots: 2
Dual Channel Support: Yes
CPU Manufacturer: GenuineIntel
CPU Family: Intel(R) Celeron(R) CPU 550 @ 2.00GHz CPU Version
CPU Speed: 1995 MHz

from(Everest Ultimate)
CPU Type: Mobile Intel Celeron 550, 2000 MHz (15 x 133)
Motherboard Name: Acer Aspire 4315
Motherboard Chipset: Intel Crestline-GML GL960
System Memory: 502 MB (DDR2-667 DDR2 SDRAM)
DIMM1: ProMos/Mosel Vitelic V916764B24QBFW-F5 512 MB DDR2-667 DDR2 SDRAM
BIOS Type: Phoenix (01/15/08)

Edit:

I tried swapping my Samsung and ProMos on the two memory slots. The result is that whenever I install Samsung on either slots, with and without ProMos, the computer's power button turns on but the screen stays completely black. So, is this really a ram incompatibility? But why it only happened a few days ago when I'm using them for already 6 months.

Is there anything I've lacked, I'll add them up asap. I'll appreciate any help.

Regards,
mbdsquad

 

I'm a little confused about your post. To begin with it sounded like you had both the Samsung and the ProMos memory modules connected when you had the error messages. Then you tried with just the Samsung, and had no errors (just a slow computer). But now when you put both modules in the screen stays black? So you started with both memory modules inserted and got errors, but now with both inserted the computer won't even turn on?

If that is the case then either the ProMos was very unhealthy and then after turning off it rolled over and died, or you might have damaged it further when you removed it. I expect you already know this, but be sure the computer is off before removing the memory, and also discharge yourself by touching something metal and grounded (like your computer's case) to prevent static shocks.

If I misunderstood and you are still in the same situation you started at, then yes it does sound like the your RAM is faulty and you should test them. Start off by putting both memory modules back in the computer. Next download the Ultimate Boot CD, burn the ISO to a CD, boot from the CD, then go to the memory category and run Memtest86+. Let it run for at least 5 passes - this may take a few hours to my advice is to let it run over night.

If the results show that you are getting errors, turn off the computer, remove one of the modules and repeat the test - again 5 passes. Then repeat this test with just the other memory module inserted. Continue in this fashion until you have a clear idea of whether one memory module is always causing errors, or if one slot is always causing errors - it's more likely to be the RAM than the slot.

You also asked why this can suddenly happen. I believe the cause of all faulty RAM modules are due to one of three things: a flaw from manufacturing; damage by the owner (or the person assembling the computer); or from a fault in the power supply/mobo/etc. RAM is one of the more delicate parts of your computer and can be fairly easily damaged. To reduce the chances of it happening again you can counteract those three factors by: choosing reputable manufactures; being very careful with the RAM or buying the RAM/computer from somewhere you trust; and upgrading your power supply and investing in a surge protector.