Installed new memory. will not restart, rear lights showing memory error. also beep codes
Most likely cause is wrong memory chips being installed or memory not fully inserted into memory banks. In some cases I have purchased bad memory chips. In either case you should be able to reinstall the old memory and be back to running again.
Check owners manual for correct chips, I think they should be PC-3200 DDR DIMMS: type DDR SDRAM, Total memory that can be supported is 2GB. If you have two memory banks that would be 1GB for each memory slot.
also...In some cases with memory changes you may have to go into BIOS and accept the new
memory configurations.
This may help:
Memory modules are detected, but a memory configuration or compatibility error exists.Ensure that no special memory module/memory connector placement requirements exist (see Specifications).
Verify that the memory modules that you are installing are compatible with your computer (see Specifications).
Here is another helpful link: Dell Advanced Troubleshooting
Have you tried with old memory chips installed?
With the machine unplugged from the wall remove the battery from the motherboard. Then with the machine still unplugged press the On button for 30
seconds to dissipate any remaining electrical charge on the
motherboard. Then re-install the battery, plug the machine back into
the wall and see if it will boot normally.
I think hitting the "DEL" key when you power on the computer will take you to the BIOS setup screen.
When you make any hardware change on your computer you must change or accept the new settings in the BIOS setup.
NOTE: I don't have the manual for this type computer and I'm not sure if "DEL" key will get you to the BIOS setup, sometimes its F1 or F2 are some other key combination.
Let me know if this helps you get to the BIOS setup screens...
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When RAM beep shows following problems occoured
1-your RAM is not compatible with your system.
2-insert another slots
That could be a couple of different issues.
Let me know if none of the above works.
When reinstalled old memory, did you put it back in the same slots that it was originally in?
When you get the beeps, is there anything at all showing on the screen? If memory changes you may have to go into BIOS to accept the new memory, Save and exit.
All the beep codes and lights do point to memory. If everything is back in it's original place then maybe something happened to the memory during replacement.
Maybe try swapping the memory in the slots. Not sure why this would make a difference, but you've definitely hit an odd situation.
On a side note: That 1GB memory module should work in there.
One more thing to try. Capacitive discharge. I've seen this fix some odd problems through the years. Unplug the power cord from the computer, hit the power button a couple of times, then plug it back up and see what happens.
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Now that you have the original memory in place you need to locate the jumper for the CMOS and reset that to factory defaults. Usually that is a tiny black piece of plastic that is covering two adjacent pins with an empty pin next to it. Move it from the two pins it is covering so it covers the open pin, leaving a different pin open. Leave it this way for about 15 seconds, then move it back. Now try to reboot. If that does not work or you can't find the jumper you can take the battery out of the motherboard for a minute or two, sometimes that will also reset the CMOS.
If you can't get your new memory to work I would try changing to 512 MB instead of 1GB, then try a lower speed, and finally a different brand. Did you go to dell.com and put in your service tag to see exactly what memory works in the system?
Possible memory failure
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reinstalled old memory back, still will not restart. it snapped into place each time. old cards were 128 each, new card was 1 gb
old memory went back into same slots. nothing on the screen, just the beep codes 1-3-2, and rear lights a green, b amber, c green, & d amber. How do I reset the BIOS, Thank you all for you comments!!!
new memory was pc 3200 ddr 400 1 gb, purchased from officemax. computer is a few years old, upgraded memory just after purchase. has been working fine. upgraded home computer and the old 3000 was headed for my 5th wheel trailer
changed the 512 around, located the jumper and moved it to the open pin. removed battery, and tried the capacitive discharge. originial memory worked for a least 3 years, until yesterday when I plugged in the 1 gb. still getting the beeps and not starting. was thinking of calling dell but they want me to sign up again for support, my orginial year has expired. again thanks for all the help, my dell didn't like me fooling with it!
The old memory is back in, no luck with the battery removed. Not allowing me into the BIOS, just the same beep code. Nothing on the screen. Guess its time to call Dell or give it up. Thanks for the help!!
The memory is not compatible or not seated properly. Did it snap into place or is one side of it not in all the way?
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