RAM Installation Troubleshooting Guide
Need some help getting your computer to recognise your new memory upgrade?
Don't worry, most people find that the information on this page solves their problem.
Follow an Installation Guide
Are you having trouble physically installing the RAM? You can use Youtube to find an installation video, search "your
model number" + "ram" or "ram install" or "teardown". If you can find an installation video then you make find someone
tearing down your model and they will show you were the RAM slots are located.
Most manufacturers like Apple, Acer, Dell, Lenovo, HP, ASUS and others also publish their own user manuals. Use your
favourite search engine (e.g. Google, Bing, etc) to locate the user manual and then follow the guide for installing the
hardware you have purchased.
Press firmly and reseat the memory modules
Make sure the notches in your module are lined up with the keys in the slot, and then press firmly. Memory modules are
designed to fit snugly, and it can take more force than you might think to click into place. The clips on the side of
module should snap into place on their own. If you have to move the clips into place by hand, your module isn't
installed properly so take it out and reseat it again. Sometimes a RAM slot has been empty for a long time and dust
could have built up in the slot and provents a proper connection. The act of installing and removing and installing the
RAM is enough to dislodge anything foreign in the slot. Do not use water to clean any computer components.
Try one module at a time
If you have purchased a pair of modules, try just one at a time. Although faulty modules are rare, to have a pair be
both faulty is almost unheard of in our experience. Note even brand new computers, including all Apple computers, can
work with just one module installed (It's not necessary to have a pair installed). Put one module in and reboot. If it
works replace the second new module...does it boot? If it does, then shut it down and put in the first module in the
second slot. If it now boots there was a problem installing the RAM. If it boots with one but not both then there is a
problem with the programming of the RAM or the slot. Please call our office.
Re-insert the power cord
If you followed one of our installation guides, you likely removed the power cord. Perhaps it needs plugging back in?
Remove any dust
Dust, dirt, carpet fibres and other debris can affect electrical conductivity. Use a fine brush, vacuum cleaner or hand
blower to clean the sockets thoroughly.
Check the internal cables
We find it is quite common for one of the wires or cables (especially in desktop computers) to become slightly loose
during the process of installing a memory upgrade. A loose hard drive cable can prevent your computer from booting up
properly. Make sure all the cables are firmly connected at both ends.
Switch the modules around
Fill the memory slots in your computer starting with the largest density and working to the smallest (put the largest
module in slot 0, and the second largest in slot 1, and so on). Some systems go in reverse order, so if this doesn't
work, try reversing the procedure. Server memory systems in particular have special requirements for the placement of
memory modules. Search for your user guide using Google for specific instructions.
Did you receive what you actually ordered?
Check that the part number on the merchandise you have received is the same as on your order receipt or invoice.
Fully disconnect the power
In some server systems (particularly Dell) first disconnect the power cord and press the power on/off button to fully
discharge the capacitors on the motherboard, then install the memory as normal.
Is it the correct memory type?
Check that your new RAM is the same type as your old RAM (i.e. DDR3/DDR4/DDR5, ECC/Non-ECC, buffered/unbuffered).
Incorrect or mis-matched memory can often result in a blank screen and no POST (power on self test), or a BIOS/CMOS
setup error.
If you get a memory mismatch error follow the prompts to enter setup, then select save and exit. (This is not an error —
some systems must do this to update their CMOS settings.) The POST may also pause until you press F2 or another key as
displayed on the screen to accept a change in memory configuration.
Still having trouble?
Are you are still having problems after trying all of the above, then contact our office on 02 9391 5201 for so we can
advise what the next steps are.