Computer Crashing Randomly

Hi, Sorry to hear of the problem with your computer crashing. If the problem only started when you installed the new RAM, then it would be wise to try and establish if it is the RAM that is causing the problem, before going on to check other areas. (Memory testing software can be useful but is not the complete answer.) After taking all the usual personal safety* and anti-static precautions* remove the newly purchased RAM and ensure that the existing "old RAM" is in exactly the same slot as it was originally in and then try your computer for a couple of weeks or so, if no further crashes happen (or they have greatly reduced!) then you have identified the problem. Note There are a number of problems that can be caused by RAM including: 1 Incorrect specification, (manufacture, latency, speed etc.) 2 Incorrect positioning I.E. putting it in the wrong slot 3 Bad contact, I.E. incorrectly or insecurely fixed 4 Static damage during distribution, storage, fitting. * if you are not expert on these, then get a local competent technician to assist, it is great to save money but not at the expense of personal safety or damaging your computer. Generally speaking Registry Cleaners are best used by experienced and expert folks (very sparingly) or under expert supervision. They are relatively rarely needed and sometimes can create or aggravate existing problems. Anyone, BEFORE editing the Registry either manually or using any form of automated tool should back up the Registry correctly and ensure that the back up can be satisfactorily restored in the event of trouble. To sum up, check out the bits you have altered, or added as a first step. Regards paws

I decided to take out the old RAM (512, which was moved to DIMM 2 when I added the new GB) and left the new 1 GB in DIMM 1. I havn't crashed since. Any idea why the 512 in DIMM 2 would cause problems? Especially since it worked fine before? Also… is it possible to leave the 1 GB in DIMM 1, have DIMM 2 empty, and put the 512 in DIMM 3 to check if maybe the slot is whats causing the problem? Sorry for the long reply… been kind of busy and wanted to see if it would crash after taking out the 512… Jason

Hi, Pleased to hear that your new memory is working OK. Well done for checking this out. You may decide to run with what you have got as 1Gb of RAM is fairly typical and more was generally only considered necessary for things like professional image editing or video work. However the launch of Vista makes for high demands and if you intend to upgrade, within reason, the more RAM the better! There is a lot of scope for error when specifying the exact form and type of RAM that will be compatible with your existing RAM, and your motherboard. Having purchased your RAM, assuming you checked for compatibility with Crucial or Kingston or other preferred supplier then the best thing is to find out what your motherboard manual says about fitting the memory, which slots should be used and how they should be fitted. I have known otherwise supposedly compatible RAM modules failing to work together, the specifications being correct for the motherboard, but being of different manufacture, slight differences in the manufacturing process being to blame. To go further you must have the manual for your motherboard and if you can't locate it, then it's best to download a copy from the manufacturers web site and follow the directions. Obviously if the spec calls for a "matched pair" of Memory modules then you need go no further! Regards paws