How to Install RAM in a Toshiba Laptop

Installing more RAM in your computer is a classic way of increasing its speed and capacity. The more RAM your computer has available, the more quickly it can work. There are some programs that rely on having greater amounts of RAM than are typically available, and the new Windows Vista recommends at least 1GB of installed RAM to work at its optimum level.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Manufacturer’s Detailed Spec Sheet (Available from Toshiba Support)
• Small Phillips Head Screwdriver
• Toshiba laptop
• Memory SODIMMs
• ESD wrist strap for electro static discharge protection

Determine What Type of RAM You Need

1. Check the maximum capacity for RAM in your laptop. You’ll find this in the laptop’s manufacturer specs.
2. Check the amount and type of RAM already installed using a third party RAM checker if necessary.
3. Using the information you got from the last two steps, determine the type of memory to purchase for your laptop.

Installing RAM in Your Toshiba Laptop

4. Power your laptop down and remove the power cord.
5. Remove the battery.
6. Ground yourself using an ESD wrist strap or other method to prevent damage to your computer chips from static electricity.
7. Locate the Memory Access door. You’ll find this in the detailed specs for your computer retrieved from the Toshiba support site. In most cases, it will be on the underside of your laptop, but some Toshiba models place the RAM under the keyboard.
8. Unscrew the screw for the Memory Access door. Place the screw in a small container to avoid losing it. Remove door.
9. Remove the memory SODIMMs that you are replacing by gently pressing apart the latches at either end of the module. The RAM module will pop up to a 45 degree angle. Pull it from the slot at that angle.
10. Align the new memory module in the slot, matching the notched edge of the RAM with the notch in the slot. Gently push it into place at a 45 degree angle. You won’t be able to see the gold pins when it is fully in the slot.
11. Gently rotate the module downward until you feel it click into place as the side clips catch the chip.
12. Replace the memory access door and screws.
13. Replace the battery.
14. Power up the computer and check to be sure that the new memory is recognized.

Memory Under Your Keyboard?

15. Unscrew the small screw that holds the keyboard in place on the underside of your computer.
16. Turn the computer over. Gently pull the keyboard toward the front of the computer.
17. Pull the keyboard straight up, slowly and gently to avoid breaking the keyboard locks.
18. Move the keyboard aside. You should now be able to access the memory modules.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a third party utility like Everest Home Edition to find out exactly what type of memory and configuration your computer has.
• You can upgrade one or more slots of RAM, depending on what is already installed in your laptop.
• Be sure that you have the right RAM for your laptop. Using the wrong type of RAM can damage your machine.
• When removing memory, be sure to use the release catches on the side of the memory slots. Attempting to pry the modules out without releasing them can damage the catches and make it impossible to install new memory.

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