Today I installed new RAM, a 2GB kit of PC2-5300. Once i turned the computer on, it worked fine, until after a minute when a blue screen was on the screen about memory. It then reseted.
What could be the problem?
I trust that you tried to match the original RAM's specs as closely as possible.
Also try re-seating the sticks. Make sure they are completely locked into their slots. Even the old RAM - you can move things putting the new sticks in.
The most obvious cause would be a bad stick of RAM. You test this by running a program like Memtest86+ - Advanced Memory Diagnostic Tool. Remove all RAM, then install one of the new sticks into Slot 1 and run the test for 3 to 5 passes. Do the same for the other stick. If you get any errors then you know which stick is bad.
Another cause could be a defective RAM socket. But you need to know that the sticks are good to begin with.
Check and make sure that your RAM voltage is correct for the new sticks in BIOS. Motherboards often undervolt when set at the auto setting. That can also cause memory faults.
Ok it's working perfectly fine at the moment. I'm trying it without my graphics card, but it's been ok since then. I doubt it has anything to do with it though.
How do I run memtest?
Great, now while im using the computer, windows explorer is always crashing and then restarting. Happens every second non-stop. I might just take back the RAM.
I ran the tsts, and it shows that they both happen to have errors. I'm going to replace them with a new kit, hopefully they should work :)
Did you check your RAM voltage in BIOS? There may be nothing wrong with them. They just might not be getting enough juice.
I've already mentioned they both had the same voltage as my current RAM, which works perfectly fine, so it must be the same. Even if it didn't I can't change it.
What Mellonhead is talking about is that in some motherboards the spec voltage is sent along a bus to all 4 memory sockets. When there are only 2 sticks in the sockets the voltage may remain steady, but when you populate all 4 sockets the voltage may drop. You can correct this condition by going into the BIOS and upping the RAM voltage by a tenth of a volt at a time to see if the RAM becomes more stable.
I doubt you will be able to do this easily though. The HP's I've worked on all had very limited BIOS settings and none had any voltage settings.
It's moot anyway. If the sticks are showing errors with Memtest when installed one at a time then they are no good. Send em back!
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