You’ve upgraded the memory in a computer by adding an additional memory module to the motherboard. After powering the system up, the BIOS doesn’t show any errors but it also doesn’t show any additional memory in its memory counts. What is the best next step to troubleshoot the problem?
A) Run a full memory test from the system diagnostics disk
B) Reseat the memory module
C) Contact the memory module manufacturer’s technical support
D) Remove the memory module from the computer and try it in another system
The answer: B) Reseat the memory module
Always start with the simplest troubleshooting task. When adding new memory modules, it’s very easy to add the memory chips without inserting them completely into the slot. Before going through more comprehensive tests, the first step is to double-check the installation.
The incorrect answers:
A) Run a full memory test from the system diagnostics disk
A full memory diagnostics can take hours to complete. Checking the memory installation only takes a few minutes, so it would be a good idea to wait until later in the troubleshooting process to perform a comprehensive hardware check.
C) Contact the memory module manufacturer’s technical support
If you’ve ever had to deal with technical support, then you know that this can be a very time consuming process. Think about what the first steps that technical support would ask, and get those done before contacting them.
D) Remove the memory module from the computer and try it in another system
This step would take place after troubleshooting on the original computer has been completed.
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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. |