You’ve just upgraded a computer from 1GB of RAM to 2GB. Now when you power the system on, the computer beeps but no messages are displayed on the screen. What’s the most probable cause of this issue?
A) The new memory is faulty or the incorrect type
B) The BIOS needs to be updated with the new memory configuration
C) During the installation of the memory, another component or cable was knocked loose
D) The memory must be burned-in before it can be used
E) The computer has become possessed by an evil spirit that delights in breaking hardware
The answer: A) The new memory is faulty or the incorrect type
System memory is a critical component, and when it’s not working the entire system grinds to a halt. Even if other components were unplugged during the memory installation, there would usually be a message on the display. Because the display is completely blank, you can focus your troubleshooting efforts on fixing any memory issues first.
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Want to know more? Watch “Troubleshooting Memory Problems.” The memory installation process is relatively simple, but what options do you have if your installed memory isn’t working as expected? In this module, we’ll show you how some simple physical troubleshooting and software-based memory diagnostics can help get your system up and running quickly. |