So about a week ago I turned my laptop on as usual, started browsing the internet etc as usual, then all of a sudden I get my first BSOD in about 4 years. Not a problem, just reboot and all will be ok, right? No. I press the power button and the laptop turns on...sort of. The busy light flashes but nothing at all happens other than that. After a bit of messing around I was able to boot it but couldn't get any further than logging into my account before it crashed again.

I went onto my desktop to do some research on the BSOD error and found it was an issue with memory. Okay, so since it's a laptop (512mb ram), 32mb is reserved for graphics card meaning I can only replace one of the 256mb sticks. I search around and find a 1gb Kingston stick for a reasonable price. Few days later I get it, open up the laptop hoping this would be the end of my problems...boot up, get to the login screen and am able to login. Lasted for approx. 5 minutes before it crashed again. Whilst doing my research I also came across something that mentioned an error with Windows. I formatted my HDD and reinstalled XP Pro. Didn't work.

I then decided to run the laptop with only the one 256mb stick in there. This worked perfectly fine and was able to run it for as long as I could before. Of course, this led me to believe that the other stick of RAM was corrupt- but wait, I just bought it? Why wouldn't it work? After a lot of messing around I'm fairly sure that it's a fault with the 'holder' (No idea of the correct name) of the RAM. What I mean is the bit you plug the RAM into...I think there's a problem with that.

At the moment I've kind of given up on it and I'm looking around for a new laptop, and using it with the 256mb for now. I would just like to know if anyone has any ideas before I do go and buy another.

I should probably add that I booted Memtest86 and let it run with just the 256mb in, which came up fine, and with the 1gb stick in. It got to ~800mb in to one of the tests before it came up with well over 200 errors, before crashing the whole program and forcing me to 'pull the plug' on the laptop.

If it helps, the laptop is a Gateway 3520GZ. Quite an old laptop now, it's served me well :P

Appreciate any help on the matter, thanks.

where did you get the RAM from?

will the laptop support that much RAM?

according to this you can only go up to 1256MB as you've got 256MB then add 1 GB (1024MB) =1280MB

http://support.gateway.com/s/Mobile/...4094sp14.shtml

Yes, I did a crucial.com scan of my system to find out what type I needed, then found a Kingston one on eBay that was brand new (Sealed in original box) so it wasn't faulty. Plus I tried it in my brother's laptop and there were no problems.

Anyone?

as I said in the earlier post your laptop can only take 1256MB with the 1GB and the 256MB you're over that.

what happens if you just use the 1GB stick of RAM?

How come crucial.com says I can add a 1gb stick? And it's not the size of the RAM causing the crashes, because if I put the other 256mb one back in they still occur.

I can't use JUST the 1gb stick because the 256mb is non-removable.

If the 1GB module checks out OK in another laptop, then I am inclined to agree with you that the actual memory slot is at fault. I've seen this happen before.

The best way forward would be to have it all checked out (or get the memory slot replaced) by a laptop repair specialist. I do mean a specialist though! It needs to be a company that is able to remove parts of PCBs and solder replacements on.

We work with a trading partner who is exactly that kind of specialist. We charge £35 + VAT to have your laptop collected, tested and returned in order to be able to provide you with a quote for the exact work required. If you're lucky, it might only be another half an hour's labour (£35) on top of that to have it repaired but you should be prepared for the fact that the most economical way (or even the only possible way) to fix it might be to replace the motherboard, in which case you should be prepared for a bill of around £200.

If it's already had a good life and you're considering getting a new one, then it's probably time to sell this one off on an auction site such as the D-A-L Trader (which is free). As long as you make it clear that the memory cannot be upgraded, then someone is still likely to pay reasonable money for a used laptop with 256MB in it.