has my computer died?

enigma52

best thing is go to crucial.com/uk/ (sorry can't post links yet) and download their memory scanner and run it. It will tell you exactly what memory you're pc takes.

enigma52

great minds and all that lol.
why can't I post links?

macman

enigma52 wrote: »

great minds and all that lol.
why can't I post links?

Because you're a (relative) newbie.

enigma52

so when will this newbie be able to post links?

pendulum

http://www.google.co.uk

I only have 64 posts and I've been able to post links for a while now
So it shouldn't be long for you?

neas

glad you got it sorted. to be honest at 5 years old its 'worth' is prob sub-100 pounds maybe its time you upgraded it for a nice super duper pc?

crampo_2

JasX wrote: »

**INFO RAM memory chips are very susceptible to damage from static electricity -precautions are to make sure you GROUND yourself before handling/poking hands anywhere near the inside of your case ie touch bare metal on something grounded within reach nearby eg radiator pipe etc, vacume cleaners generate huge levels of static and shouldn't be used *anywhere* near a PC you are not intentionally trying to destroy**

Thats the reason why i asked if you had used a general vacuum cleaner. There are special hovers that are made for computers, they are generally small and handheld.

macman

crampo wrote: »

Thats the reason why i asked if you had used a general vacuum cleaner. There are special hovers that are made for computers, they are generally small and handheld.

In the 23rd post the OP said he used a 'cold air pump'? I assume something like a bicycle pump? Bit unconventional, but it would probably do the job-as long as he detached it from the bicycle first of course.

crampo_2

Yer sorry for late post i had left what i wrote earlier on here as internet cut out. Anywho. Yer i would imagine that a bicycle pump would be ok. There are the Air Cans but they can be quite expensive but are very useful as the substance inside is non-static.

I find using small paintbrushs and carfully brushing the dust of the MB, RAM and Graphics Card very helpful.
Every month i will take the computer apart and clean all the hardware with the small computer hover and brush.

JasX

Hi Hi, I came back.

Before running out for new RAM a couple of things I'd try

Check your computer is detecting all the RAM its supposed to have
Opening control panel > System (classic view) will tell you how much RAM your PC thinks it has.

Get hold of memtest86+ (freeware) from my earlier link, run it from a boot disk and it'll 'stress test' your RAM and flag up any intermittent faults you might or might not have, if it doesn't come up with too many errors (more than a couple in 20 mins -the test will run and run if you let it) you can tell if one or both of your RAM sets are good or bad, you only even need think about replacing any if they're playing up.

Even if one is bad you might well find you can live with a slightly less powerful computer operating on half original RAM spec until it finally gives up on you and put the money saved towards the next new one you get (5 years old is starting to get on a bit in computer terms)