The following basic steps apply to almost all situations:

1.      Make sure you have the right memory part for your computer.

At the manufacturer's Web site you can look up the part number. Many memory manufacturers have configurators, which indicate the compatibilities of your module. If not, phone the memory manufacturer, consult your computer manual, or phone the computer manufacturer.

2.      Confirm that you configured the memory correctly.

Many computers require module installation in banks of equal-capacity modules. Some computers require the highest capacity module to be in the lowest labeled bank. Other computers require that all sockets be filled; still others require single-banked memory. These are only a few examples of special configuration requirements. If you have a name-brand computer, visit Kingston's Web site (www.kingston.com) or use our upgrade manual to look up configuration rules specific to your computer. You can also contact technical support for your memory or computer manufacturer.

3.      Re-install the module.

Push the module firmly into the socket. In most cases you hear a click when the module is in position. To make sure you have a module all the way in the socket, compare the height of the module to the height of other modules in neighboring sockets.

4.      Swap modules.

Remove the new memory and see whether the problem disappears. Remove the old memory, reinstall the new, and see whether the problem persists. Try the memory in different sockets. Swapping reveals whether the problem is a particular memory module or socket, or whether two types of memory aren't compatible.

5.      Clean the socket and pins on the memory module.

Use a soft cloth to wipe the pins on the module. Use a PC vacuum or compressed air to blow dust off the socket. Do NOT use solvent, which may corrode the metal or prevent the leads from making full contact. Flux Off is a cleaner used specifically for contacts. You can purchase it at electronics or computer equipment stores.

6.      Update the BIOS.

Computer manufacturers update BIOS information frequently and post revisions on their Web sites. Make sure you have the most recent BIOS for your computer. This applies especially when you have recently installed new software or you are significantly upgrading memory.

WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURS

When the problem occurs is a clue as to the cause.

For example, your response to a memory error message depends on whether:

1.      You have just bought a new computer.

2.      You have just installed new memory.

3.      You have just installed new software or a new operating system.

4.      You have just installed or removed hardware.

5.      Your computer has been running fine and you've made no other recent changes.

Here are rules to get started:

YOU'VE JUST BOUGHT A NEW COMPUTER

If you have just purchased a new computer and it is producing memory errors, the problem could be related to anything, including a bad computer board. In this case, you need to troubleshoot the entire computer, including memory. Because the computer dealer will have configured memory and run system tests before shipping, they can best help.

YOU'VE JUST INSTALLED NEW MEMORY

If you have just installed new memory, the first possibility is that you installed incorrect parts. Double-check the part numbers. Confirm that you have configured and installed the memory correctly.

 
YOU'VE INSTALLED NEW SOFTWARE OR OPERATING SYSTEM

Newer software or operating systems tend to push memory harder than older operating systems. Sometimes memory that worked fine prior to a software installation begins producing errors once it runs memory-intensive software. New software also has bugs, and beta versions are notorious for producing memory errors. In these cases, your first step should be to ensure you have the latest BIOS and service patches for your software. Otherwise contact the memory vendor. A technical support representative may have experience with other software incidents and can walk you through more-detailed troubleshooting.

YOU'VE INSTALLED OR REMOVED HARDWARE

If you have just installed or removed hardware and suddenly receive memory error messages, the first place to look is in the computer itself. A connection may have come loose during the installation or the new hardware may be defective; in either case the errors are manifesting themselves as memory problems. Make sure you have the latest drivers and firmware. Most hardware manufacturers will post updates on their Web sites.

UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS

If your system has been running fine, but suddenly starts to produce memory errors, and crash or lock up frequently, the chance of a hardware failure is more likely, since configuration and installation problems show up as soon as the computer turns on. Sometimes you can get memory problems if your computer is overheating, if you are having a problem with your power supply, or if corrosion has developed between the memory module and the socket, weakening the connection.