How to Replace Corrupt RAM on Your Computer

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By eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating: (7 Ratings)

Random Access Memory (RAM) determines the speed and memory of your computer. If RAM is corrupt or distorted, the applications will not open at all or they'll run slowly. If the RAM is found to be corrupt, remove it immediately. In order to help solve this problem, the first step is to use memory testing programs. Follow the steps below to replace corrupt RAM on your computer.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Replacing Corrupt RAM

Step 1

Know the indications of a corrupt RAM for replacing it. The major signs of bad RAM are long beeps, blue screen or random crashes when you run programs such as Photoshop or games.
Step 2

Run the memory test software to determine if RAM is corrupt. You can easily download this software online. Visit "Microsoft Online Crash Analysis" (See link below), which leads you to "Download Windows Memory Diagnostic." You may also try Freedownloadscenter or Snapfiles (see links below).
Step 3

Remember that if you have multiple memory sticks, you need to run the memory test software individually for each stick.
Step 4

Verify the type of existing RAM. Depending on the type of RAM, you will need to install either SIMM (single in-line memory module) or DIMM (dual in-line memory module) chips. You may have a single 1 GB chip or a pair of 512 MB chips.
Step 5

Learn more about different types of RAM and notice differences between them in speed and parity. The most common types are SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic RAM) and RDRAM (Rambus Dynamic RAM). Pentiums and Celerons have SDRAM installed in the CPU. Newer machines have DDR (Double-Data-Rate) and RDRAM.
Step 6

Become familiar with the installation process. First switch off your computer and shut down the power completely, if it is on. Disconnect all cables originating from and to the CPU carefully.
Step 7

Open your computer case by using a + screwdriver.
Step 8

Understand your motherboard. Locate the RAM socket, video card, hard drive and the processor box before you begin the installation process.
Step 9

Examine the RAM socket (memory slots) and clean any dirt before inserting the RAM chip. Never use a cloth or liquid spray to clean. Carefully use a vacuum cleaner instead.
Step 10

Open the RAM socket latch. The latch will often be secured with the clips to hold the RAM chip in place. Open all the clips. Your computer may have a 72-pin or 164-pin RAM socket, depending on the year of manufacture.
Step 11

Place the chips securely in the latch and re-clip it. You should hear a "snap" sound that indicates proper locking.
Step 12

Test the RAM installation. Put the covers on but do not screw the case closed. Reconnect all cables and switch on your computer. Look for BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) by pressing F2 or F8 on startup. Navigate the menu to locate RAM memory and make sure that the RAM you installed is detected.
Step 13

Reboot your computer. Use My Computer to authenticate the newly installed RAM. Put all the screws back to the original position. Your computer should now run smoother and faster with more RAM.

Comments

AlHP said

Flag This Comment

on 5/1/2008 You should always start with: Before opening your computer, always turn off all power to it, and touch an earthed metal object to remove any static electricity in your body to prevent a static spark from damaging components. You may even want to use a special anti-static wrist strap, which you will find in any good electronics store

ceealice said

on 5/1/2008 you posted freedownload, sounds great, I downloaded, scaned, them discovered I am expected to pay for it...no no no, leads to false expectations