Added memory causes machine to shut down and boot up continually.

The specs I read on your machine say that it can go to a max of 4GB. But it also says that the base memory is PC2-6400, which could be causing your system the grief it is having.

I don't know your specific model, but some of the Emachines had some memory directly on the motherboard. With the 1Gb and 512Mb sticks installed, boot the machine and report how much memory the system sees. Perhaps the onboard memory is causing you to exceed the 2Gb limit.

Please post the memory size you get here with the above sticks.

Thanks,
Dan

Welcome to Fixya!

You are right, the maximum RAM that your machine can take is 4gb. To maximize the capability of the machine, it is always recommended to have the ram chips in pairs.

I have used Kingston in the past and I have always been happy with them. I also work for an online computer store, and we have always used Kingston for our ram upgrades.

The type of RAM that you need is a PC3200 (400MHz) non-ECC Unbuffered CL3 DIMM. Kingston's part number for the 2gb kit (2 pcs of 1gb ) is KVR400X64C3AK2/2G and you can get two of this kit to give you 4gb.

I hope this helps. Happy Holidays!

PC3200 is backwards compatible with PC2700. Meaning you can install PC3200 into your motherboard but it won't run any faster than would PC2700, however it will not cause any harm and should work fine.

Emachine's would say you need PC2700 most likely because they're trying to sell you some.

One of your new memory modules or the memory slots on your computer may be defective. I recommend installing a single stick of memory and booting your system. If it is successful then shut it down, disconnect the power and install another stick. Boot again and keep doing so and by process of elimination identify the bad memory stick or the bad memory slot.

This is the "likely" cause and isn't too uncommon.

Good luck.

check the memory module and the processor. replace them if they are defective.

most possible cause is the Memory added above the 32MB base is failing. if thats how you have it setup.

Remove the additional memory module from the machine and test the machine. If the machine powers up and prints correctly this confirms the additional memory has failed. Insure the memory removed form the machine is the correct memory for this product and that it was installed correctly. Replace the defective memory if it is Xerox memory. If the memory was purchased by the customer and is not Xerox memory they will need to file a warranty claim with the company they purchased the memory from.

Disk boot failure. Issue:Disk boot failure.
Cause: This issue could be caused by any of the below possibilities.

1. Boot options are not set properly in CMOS
2. Non bootable disc or USB in computer
3. Remove added hardware /check connections
4. Hard disk drive is bad

Solution:Boot options are not set properly in CMOS
Verify that the boot options within CMOS are set properly. Below is an example of how we recommend the boot options be set. Additional information about how to enter CMOS can be found on document CH00192.

1. Floppy drive
2. CD-ROM drive
3. Hard Drive
4. Other / Network

Non-bootable floppy diskette or disc or USB in computer
Verify that there is no floppy diskette or disc in the computer. If the boot options are set improperly the computer could be trying to boot from the disc drive instead of the hard drive.
In addition to verifying there is no disc in the computer make sure that no USB jump drive, external hard disk drive, or memory stick is inside any memory card reader.
If you're wanting to boot from a floppy diskette, CD, DVD, or USB drive and are getting this error message and have verified that your CMOS settings are in the proper order as explained in the above paragraph the diskette or disc you're using is either bad or does not have the proper files on it to make it bootable.

• Additional information about how to make a boot disk can be found on our boot disk help page.
• See document CH000669 for information about creating a bootable disc.

Remove added hardware / check connections
If you've recently installed any new hardware it's suggested that it be removed to verify it's not causing this issue. If after the device has been removed the computer works and it was another IDE / EIDE device ensure that the jumpers are properly set on the hard disk drive.
In addition to removing any new hardware it's also suggested if you've recently moved the computer or installed anything inside the computer that the connections for the drive be checked. Usually it's best to simply disconnect the cables from the back of the drive and reconnect them to make sure they're connected properly. While inside also disconnect and reconnect the cable connected to the motherboard as well. While inside your computer make sure you're aware of ESD.
Bad hard disk drive
If you have followed the above steps and you continue to experience the same issue, unfortunately it is likely that the hard disk drive is bad or the controller is bad.
If available, you may want to connect another known good hard disk drive to the computer to determine if it can be detected. If it is able to be detected then replace your hard disk drive. If it is not detected, unfortunately you will need to replace the motherboard or controller as it is bad.
If no additional hard disk drive is available it is recommended that the hard disk drive be replaced first or that the computer be serviced / repaired.

No, it's just the USB ports that are still being powered.
Totally normal in most new computers. Same thing with the PS2 ports.
There are jumpers on the motherboard that can change this if you really want. It's designed like that to keep things like you have powered for when you do turn it on and need them.

have you tried looking for an updated bios version for your motherboard?

Could be a power Supply fail. It is well known in the trade that Emachine power supplies are very poor. A new power supply is easy to fit and cheap.