First you need to insure you are buying the correct memory for your computer.
Research will insure you are not wasting your time or money on something that
will not work or worse yet damage your computer!
When I need to find a memory module for a computer I use Kingston.com to find
the correct memory for the computer I am working on.
Kingston.com has a very nice search function, you put in the computer
manufacture or motherboard manufacture and the model number then Kingston gives
you the options for the computer or motherboard.
Once you have the memory you are almost ready to begin. I say almost because you
should observe some safety precautions before opening the package the memory is
in and the computer case.
1) Disconnect the power cord.
2) Use a grounding strap to ground yourself.
ESD (Electro Static Discharge) will kill your new
memory module before you get a chance to install it.
Desktops -
If you can open the case where it sits comfortably then you will not need to
disconnect any cables just the power cord. Other wise move the computer to an
area where you can see in side the case.
Open the case, you are looking for the memory slots, like this -
Depending on the memory you have purchased and the amount of memory you have
installed in the computer you may have to remove the old memory before you
install the new memory. If you take the old memory out of the computer be
careful with it, you may have to put it back in. Normally I put any parts I take
out of a computer in an anti-static bag or package.
The arrows show the locks for the socket in the memory
module notches locking the module in place, press down on the white tab to
unlock the module.
To take old memory out you just press the locks on each end of the socket, this
will unlock the memory then you can lift it out and set it aside.
Take the new memory module (one at a time if you have more than one) out of the
package, note the slot in the memory between the little copper connectors. This
slot is off set from center, the reason that the slot is off set is to keep the
memory from being inserted in the slot the wrong way (this would burn up the
memory!)
If there isn't any memory in the slot, press the white
tabs down out of the way, insert the module with the slot in the correct
position, the white arrow shows the where the slot and tab match up.
Set the memory in the socket, the sockets have slots on each end with a little
lock that when you insert it and push down on the memory module they will pivot
inward, press down until you hear a distinctive 'click'. You should press with
both hands, one on each end of the memory module. This will insure the memory
module goes in to the slot evenly.
If you have more than one module it would be better to test one module at a
time.
Before powering up the computer for testing the new memory module put the
case cover back on. If you have a problem this will preclude you from reaching
inside the computer while it is powered up. Touching components while the
computer is powered up could cause damage to the computer or kill you!
That is install one module, check your work and then power up the computer. If
the computer doesn't start then the module may not be seated, it may be the
wrong module for the motherboard, or it may even be a bad module.
If the first module tests good then install the next module, then test. And so
forth for any more modules. Once all the memory has tested good then put case
cover on permanently and then if you moved the computer put it back, reconnect
the cables, test, done.
Before starting check your owners manual for the location of the memory, or if
you don't have a manual check the manufactures web site for documentation.
Removing and replacing a memory module in a laptop involves a few more steps
than a desktop.
Disconnect the AC Adapter.
Remove the Battery.
Remove the cover for the memory.
Depending on the laptop the memory could be -
Under the keyboard
Under a little panel on the underside of the computer
Under a panel in the battery bay.
Once you have the panel off look at the memory already installed.
Some manufactures stack the memory one on top of the other, some sockets are
facing each other. Normally there will only be room for two memory modules. If
you already have two modules and are upgrading you may have to remove one
or both of them.
The arrows show the spring clips that hold the module in place.
To remove the module there normally are two little 'spring' clips on the edge of
the memory, pres them out wards away from the memory, the memory module should
'pop' up that is move upwards from the socket, if not lift it gently upwards.
Next pull the module out of the slot. Some slots will have tension on the pins
inside and will take a little pressure to pull them out. Set the old module
aside, use care with handling the module, you may need it if the new memory
doesn't work!
Take one (if you have two) of the new memory module out of the package and align
the slot in the module with the tab in the socket. Once you have the memory
inserted use a little more pressure to press the module in the slot then down to
lock the module in the socket.
You can test the laptop with the memory module cover off because it will be
inaccessible when you power it up.
I would suggest you use AC power to test your new memory not the battery.
Power up the computer, did it start? Yes, power down the computer, disconnect
the AC Adapter, put in the next module then test.
No then disconnect the AC power adapter, check your work, retest. Did it
start? Yes then put in the next module.
No, then either the memory module is bad or the wrong part, try the other
module, if it starts the module was bad. If it doesn't start then the memory is
wrong type for your computer.
This site contains a lot of information. As
with any publication not all information is available due to space, time, or
subject constraints.
If you have a question that you did not find the answer
on this web site you a can
ask your question here and we will endeavor to get you the most up to date
answer possible!
