Computer help....Getting frustrated!!

[Maria64]

I just got Verizon DSL, and I need to upgrade my memory another 32 mb or ram. I did research and found what memory kit is compatible with my PC. Went out and purchased it. When I rebooted my computer it just kept beeping like and alarm!! Obviously it's not working. What's wrong?? I'm a wiz on the Internet, but not on the technical stuff. Can anyone help before I go crazy with frustration?

I have a Packard Bell Multimedia 820 (Probably not a great one, I don't know)
HELP!!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Are you sure you have the memory pushed all the way in the slot for a tight, secure fit?

 

[helenabear]

Okay this may sound silly, but what kinds of beeps were they. Like 2 long 1 short, or 3 long or something like that. As I said I know it sounds silly but different beeps can mean different things.

 

[Tina]

Does you computer require DIMMs or SIMMs and which did you install? Generally the beeps are telling you the machine doesn't have any memory to boot up.

 

[helenabear]

I did do a search for your computer (from what you listed) on www.crucial.com and I found that your computer supposedly takes a 72 pin SIMM (you can see a pic & explanation here)

If you have anything that looks like the ones listed here or here You probably got the wrong memory (these are 184 & 168 pin DIMM) HOWEVER, those wouldn't even come close to fitting.

My guess is a few things probably happened and I'll give a few generic possibilities First (and what I hope is wrong) is that you didn't get the memory in correctly. As Dan suggested, push it in all the way as far as you can... trust me, memory is much tougher than it looks (although I am usually "scared" when I go to push hard on it still). You could have been given bad memory and that is why it is beeping. Bad memory could either be their fault (or unfortunately) yours. You can hurt memory by jamming it in roughly when it doesn't fit or with a static shock (something I've never done personally). I have gotten bad memory before so it could also be that which you could take back and replace.

I know I was a tad vague in my other post, but I was hoping to help a little more and unfortunately now I will have to go to bed soon No matter what good luck.

 

[Maria64]

Yes it is pushed all the way in,
Yes it is a SIMM 72 pinn EDO
and the beeps are 1 beep every second....beep, beep, beep, beep
Thanks for your replies. I'm going to keep trying, but I'll take all the replies and advice you all have.

 

[coqui]

Multiple beeps on a constant basis espescially from a PB (Packard Bell) board is a memory issue.

This usually can mean one of three things.

Improperly seated memory (which we've already covered and know that isn't the case)

Bad Memory (It happens......A lot)

Bad Memory riser.

I would assume since you are just upgrading that it is the bad memory and not the riser.

Bad memory, they all pretty much carry lifetime warranties, so just swap it out with another stick of RAM.

Bad Riser - If you absolutely need to use that slot (I.e. it is the first slot), and you have already tested it with another stick of RAM, then this will require a motherboard swap.

Usually a very long beep would also be an indication of bad memory whereas 1 long two short beeps is video card related. So not all beeps are the same. That's probably why helenabear asked that question.

Hope this helps and hope it's memory stick related.