Laptop not recognising new memory

faithcecilia

I tried to install new memory on my laptop yesterday and nothing has happened. I ordered it from Crucial after doing one of their scans so according to that it should definately be compatible, and I have tried taking it out and doing it again. I am getting no error or anything - simply no recognition that I have done anything! Anyone have any ideas please? Many thanks.

Donnie

Can you give more details? For instance; Make and model of laptop, how much RAM was previously installed, how much you are trying to install...?

Using the keyboard, press the Flying Windows key, whilst holding it down press the Pause Break key. This will give you some information about your system.

Have you tried swapping the new module with the existing module in order to check if it is recognised at all?

Unlike the Crucial checker, CPU-Z will tell you exactly what you have inside your machine, not just what they recommend in order to sell you something.

faithcecilia

Its Asus 58L series. It had 1GB and I have added another 1GB. I haven't tried swapping them, will do that now...be back soon!

macman

When you say 'nothing has happened', what did you expect to happen? PC's usually come up with a message on first boot up saying 'the amount of system memory has changed', but some do not. Have you checked in My Computer>Right Click>Properties>General tab to see if the new RAM has been recognised?
If not recognised, try swapping modules, but also try just the new one in the old slot. That will tell you if it's a RAM problem or a slot problem.
Are you sure you pushed the module right home on both sides, so that the retaining clips are fully engaged?

faithcecilia

When I cehcked the total memory it was still showing 1GB. Performance had not changed either. I just tried swapping them over. Unfortunately that has completely killed the laptop so it now won't work at all (makes all the right sounds but nothing on the screen!). On a borrowed machine just now. Not a happy bunny TBH.

macman

Try each module separately in each slot. You need to establish if it's a bad slot or bad module. Without that info you cannot progress.
Inserting a bad module will not kill your laptop -it just might not start, or won't be recognised.
Can you reconfirm the model, as '58L Series' does not come up on the Crucial ASUS listing. Did you order using the System Scanner? If so Crucial guarantee compatibility.

aaronm_2

Could it be the problem of the processor itself?

faithcecilia

Sorry its X58L. Just trying each module in each slot, nothing happening - the lights are coming on and its making all the right noises, but nothing coming on the screen. Yes, I ordered after using the Crucial scaner. Just phoned their helpline and they said it must be a problem with the machine itself - fair enough but it was working okay until I tried to install the new module, just fairly slow - hence wanting to increase the memory!

macman

Sorry, but are you trying each module on it's own-not just swapping them? If it won't work with the original single module in the same slot then it is not a RAM problem, unless that RAM has failed, which seems unlikely.

Donnie

You do have to be careful whilst handling the modules, as you can damage them with poor handling.
It is possible that they are both now kaput!

Are you sure that you have inserted and fitted them correctly?

One way to test the RAM, is to boot up with a Live CD, using the slot you know is working, together with the RAM that you knew to work and then next the new module.

Unfortunately I don't have time to write a guide as I have appointments. Hopefully someone else will talk you through it.

faithcecilia

Thanks for your help, yes I was handling them properly and inserting them properly. It is now working, though still recognising just 1GB. I have lot track just now of which is in which slot (once it came on with one I added the other) but am giving up for now and accepting that at least it is no worse than it was yesterday!

Once again my thanks.