Technical Support

Memory sizing error during POST (initial system boot)
This is one of the more common memory problems, occurring mainly in older computers.
A "memory sizing" error may occurs in older computers of the 486 and early Pentium types. It involves systems using SIMM modules and the addition of more modules, or the replacement of old modules with new but with an increase in the total amount of memory. This increase in memory causes a problem with the BIOS on the motherboard as the BIOS recalls the old amount of memory and must be adjusted to reflect the new amount as well as any memory parameter changes. To adjust the values in the BIOS settings, boot the system into the BIOS menu (you should have the manual for you motherboard to do this), make the adjustments, and then save the settings. Pentium, Pentium Pro and Pentium II do not normally have memory sizing errors. If it happens at all, the first place to check would be the motherboards BIOS settings. The next place to look would be the modules themselves. Check and verify that all modules are alike and that the parameters of the memory modules are supported by the motherboard, especially issues such as parity versus non-parity and ECC (error correcting code) support. Later Pentiums, those motherboards with the GX, LX, BX and 800 series chipsets (with auto recognition), are not normally susceptible to this problem. On those motherboards that permit the user to modify all BIOS settings, it is possible to see a memory sizing error, but in only those situations where the user has the ability to set the BIOS to a predetermined memory amount and auto-recognition has been disabled. Later machines are more apt to see parity errors, ECC errors and poor performance due to a mismatch of memory types, such as those experienced with poor quality memory modules.

Your computer will not boot-up even in DOS
There are several possible causes for this to occur. Here are some of the possibilities you may want to check.
• Computer power supply is failing or has failed.
• Motherboard failure, including the on-board voltage regulator.
• The processor has overheated due to a fan failure or a prior overheat condition has damaged he processor.
• Video card failure.
• Lightening strike or power spike damage to your telephone line has damaged the modem, which is causing the ISA or PCI bus to fail.
• Floppy drive, hard drive or CD-ROM drive failure is causing a system electrical short.
• Memory module failure.
Initial Testing Procedure: Disconnect everything from the motherboard except the power supply connection, processor and memory and try to start the system and listen for beep tones. Count the beep tones and then refer to your owners manual. If there is a memory error, you will receive the appropriate beep tones. Add back one component at a time until you discover the cause of the problem.

General POST (initial system boot) BEEP Codes
If you do not know the BIOS manufacturer, the following will be the general Beep codes:
• 1 Long and 1 Short Beep – Bad Motherboard
• 1 Short Beep and nothing else happens – Disk Drive/Video Related Problems
• 1 Long and 2 Short Beeps – Bad Video Card
• 1 Continuous Beep or Non-stop short Beeps – Bad Power Supply
• 3 Short Beeps - Bad Memory

Basic Troubleshooting
When you have a problem with memory, the cause is usually one of these:
• Improper Configuration,
• Improper Installation,
• Defective Hardware.

The following basic steps apply to almost all situations:
1. Make sure you have the right memory part for your computer. If you have used the memory configurator and have selected a memory for the “correct” model, then the problem might be somewhere else. If you have selected a standard memory module, you must make sure the module you have selected is compatible with your system.

2. Confirm that you configured the memory correctly. Many computers require module installation in banks of equal-capacity modules. Some computers require the highest capacity module to be in the lowest labeled bank. Other computers require that all sockets be filled; still others require single-banked memory. If you are in doubt, contact Technical Support by emailing Technical Support.

3. Re-install the module. Push the module firmly into the socket. In most cases you hear a click when the module is in position. To make sure you have a module all the way in the socket, compare the height of the module to the height of other modules in neighboring sockets.

4. Swap modules. Remove the new memory and see whether the problem disappears. Remove the old memory, reinstall the new, and see whether the problem persists. Try the memory in different sockets. Swapping reveals whether the problem is a particular memory module or socket, or whether two types of memory aren't compatible.

5. Clean the socket and pins on the memory module. Use a soft cloth to wipe the pins on the module. Use a PC vacuum or compressed air to blow dust off the socket. Do NOT use solvent, which may corrode the metal or prevent the leads from making full contact. You can purchase it at electronics or computer equipment stores.

6. Update the BIOS. Computer manufacturers update BIOS information frequently and post revisions on their Web sites. Make sure you have the most recent BIOS for your computer. This applies especially when you have recently installed new software or you are significantly upgrading memory.