8.2. BASIC TROUBLESHOOTING
The following basic steps apply to almost all situations:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.