where is my memory?

Installed 128 ram memory card on top of original 64 that came with computer, and computer picked up speed but it doesn't show under "my computer" and I'm getting low memory readings. I ran the CPU-Z and it is seeing all 198 mb of ram, so why does it not show under "my computer" and why am I getting warnings??? I really don't need a crash right now - too much info to lose. Any help is appreciated. Gateway computer - Pentium II processor - Windows XP Home Edition

 

Are you sure that the RAM you installed is the correct type for your system?

Try putting the largest module in DIMM1. You said you had 64 already and added 128 (which equals to 192, not 198). I assume this means you added a 128MB module. Try swapping their slots.

 

Try what Krazykarl says. As far as "warnings", do you have enough HDD space for swap files? Check virtual memory.

 

okay - dumb blonde question - if I switch placement of the memory cards, I won't lose anything, right?? And I have no clue what you mean by swapping files - will have to get out my 50 lb fix it book :-(

 

you're right - 192 - don't know where 198 came from - just got off a 2 week cross country trip and brain dead. Thx - if I switch placement of cards, I won't lose anything in memory, right? (yeah, okay - dumb blonde question - sorry!)

 

If you switch around the memory, you won't lose anything. Every time you shut your computer off, everything that was in the memory is gone.

There's no such thing as a stupid question, just stupid answers.http://images/icons/icon10.gif

 

A swap file is a file on your hard drive Windows uses to temporarily keep data it can't fit into your memory. i.e.: when a program wants to place 200MB of data in the memory, and you only have 100MB free, Windows will take the extra 100MB and place it in the swap file. It then swaps information between your memory and swap file as needed.

You may know the swap file as virtual memory.

 

Thanks so much for the help. I have been trying to fix this myself for so long, using an Upgrading and Repairing PC's book - am really tired of reading. Virtual memory I DO know!

 

ok, I switched the memory cards and put the 128 card in the first slot. The computer is seeing the memory, all 192 megs of it, but under Control Panel, C drive is still showing Free Space 1.77 GB, and Total Space 7.85 GB. Why??? If I reinstall my programs (printer, scanner, etc.), and go over 7.85, will I crash? I AM LOST!!!

 

Your 192mb of memory is RAM (random access memory) aka 'physical memory'. The "free space" refers to space available on your Hard Disk Drive (for files and programs and such). 1.77 GB is plenty of space for your programs. If you exceed that your system won't crash!!. You will simply get an error message.
Also, reinstalling programs most often overwrites disk space formerly occupied by the original program, and uses little or none of your "free space".
There is no such thing as a stupid question!

 

Thank you Zimpal - and everyone else - muaaaah! I can now reinstall my Nikon camera and start working with my pics from my cross country drive without worrying about crashing and losing all. See you in the arcade! Blueeyes