How to Upgrade DDR2 Memory on a Laptop

If your laptop is sluggish and you're getting "low memory" error messages, you may need to purchase and install a memory module. Installing laptop memory is simple, because laptops are easy to move into position to work on, and the memory modules are in an accessible location. You should be able to upgrade your memory in about five minutes.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Phillips-head screwdriver

1. Before you upgrade your memory, check your owner's manual to see how much memory your laptop can take and where the memory module is located. If you don't own a hard copy of your owner's manual, you can usually go to the website of the manufacturer, enter your model information and view or download the manual.

2. Once you know how much memory your laptop can take and where the memory is located, power down your computer to a point where it's all the way off. You don't want to work on your computer while it's in "Standby" or "Hibernation" mode.

3. Turn the computer over, so the bottom is facing up.

4. Locate the memory module compartment.

5. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the screw(s) from the memory module cover. Place the screws and the memory module cover in a location where they won't be lost

6. Fold back the installed memory module to expose the empty memory module port.

7. Push the clips on the memory module port to the outward position.

8. Touching the new memory module at the edges, insert it into the empty port and close the clips to lock it in.

9. Fold the memory modules down into the compartment.

10. Replace the memory module cover and the screws and restart your computer. The system will recognize the new memory that has been installed.