I HAVE INSTALLED 2 NEW 256MB CRUCIAL MEMORY PC133 SDRAM 184 PIN CARDS IN MY HP 7906 COMPAQ DESKTOP BUT WHEN I CHECK MY SYSTEM DATA AND BIOS ONLY 128MB ON EACH SLOT IS REGISTERING. OS IS WINDOWS XP SERVICE PACK 3.
I HAVE CHECKED ON THE CRUCIAL.COM WEBSITE AND THEIR SCAN OF MY PC ALSO ONLY PICKED UP 128MB IN EACH SLOT AND RECOMMENDED THAT I UPGRADED.

HP RECOMMENDED THE FOLLOWING MEMORY CARDS
Hynix:
* HYM71V32635AT8-H (PC133U-333-542-A1); 16Mx8
* HYM71V633201TH-75 (PC133U-333-542-Z); 16Mx8
Infineon:
* HYS64V32300GU-7.5-C2 (PC133-333-520); 32Mx8
* HYS64V32220GU-7.5-C2 (PC133-333-520); 16Mx8
Micron:
* MT16LSDT3264AG-133B1 (PC133U-333); 16Mx8
* MT16LSDT3264AG-133E1 (PC133U-333); 16Mx8

HP ALSO SAID THAT THE CARDS I HAD INSTALLED WERE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE MOTHERBOARD BUT I AM NOT SURE WHAT TO DO. ANY SUGGESTIONS PLEASE? I HAVE ALREADY UNCHECKED THE MAX MEM BOX IN MSCONFIG BIOS BUT THIS DOES NOT HELP.

EXISTING MEMORY WAS * Memory Installed : 64MB SDRAM, 133MHz, (Runs at 100 MHz, expandable to 512 MB)
* Maximum allowed : 512MB
* Speed supported : 100MHZ
* Type : SDRAM
Processor Intel (R) Celeron (TM) 800MHz
Chipset Intel 810
Cheers, cheater5

Hi cheater and welcome. First, I don't suspect you are in the habit of yelling at volunteers helping you - please understand just as in emails, posting in all UPPERCASE is considered YELLING AT PEOPLE - and not good forum etiquette.

If HP said the memory sticks were not compatible, I would go along with them, and use their suggestions. When you scanned at crucial, what modules did they recommend?

These popular RAM makers have auto-scanning and/or manual entry RAM wizards to help you determine compatible RAM. For manual entry, enter/select the PC or motherboard make and model number and the wizard will list compatible RAM.

Crucial - Memory Advisor
Corsair - Memory Configurator (manual data entry only)
GeIL - Memory Configurator (manual data entry only)
Kingston - Memory Search (manual data entry only)
Mushkin - Advisor
OCZ - Memory Configurator (manual data entry only)
Patriot - Memory Search (manual data entry only)
PNY - Memory Configurator (manual data entry only)
SuperTalent - Memory Finder (manual data entry only)

The following retailers have auto-scanners and manual wizards. They sell brand name and/or "house" brand (re-branded) RAM.

Newegg - Memory Configurator System Tool
MemoryStock - Upgrade Configurator
18004Memory - Configurator

Hi Digerati,

Humble apologies for using uppercase. Didn't know it was so critical. I just use it all the time at work so that my design details are clear and easier to read. Won't do it again, sorry and am definitely not yelling at anyone.

The crucial scan recommended exactly the same memory that I already have installed but I will re-scan tonight at home and get the exact details for you just in case there is a subtle difference.

I will also try some of the links you kindly posted to me.

Many thanks

Kind regards

cheater5

Ah, but all uppercase is not easier to read at all - if it was, its use would be widespread - for economical reasons, if nothing else. But no big deal, and thanks for your understanding.

From what I can find, the latest BIOS upgrade for that system is V2.03 from 2001. What version do you have installed?

You can also test your RAM using one of the following programs to make sure they are what you think they are. Both require you to create and boot to a bootable floppy disk or CD to run the diagnostics. Using the floppy method is generally easier (and another reason to include floppy drives in new builds. However, the CD method is just as effective at detecting RAM problems. Allow the diagnostics to run for several passes or even overnight. You should have no reported errors.

Windows Memory Diagnostic - see the easy to follow instructions under Quick Start Information.
or
MemTest86+ (for more advanced users) - an excellent how-to guide is available here.

Hi Digerati,

I tried various memory diagnostics links last night but resorted back to crucial and scanned my system again. this is what they recommended;

256MB, 168-pin DIMM, SDRAM, PC133 memory module
CT234123
• Module Size: 256MB
• Package: 168-pin DIMM
• Feature: SDRAM, PC133
• Specs: SDRAM, PC133 • CL=2 • Unbuffered • Non-parity • 133MHz • 3.3V • 32Meg x 64 •

This is what I have already installed and both modules have been tested with my Norton System Works diagnostics and have passed all the tests. Having said that the diagnostics also only sees 128MB in each slot. My question really now is why only 128MB of each module is being recognised. I will try an experiment this weekend and un-install one module to see if the remaining one will be fully recognised or not and take it from there.
Not sure what my BIOS version is but will find out and update if necessary.

Regards

cheater5

Your first post says 184 pins, now this says 168.

I tried various memory diagnostics links last night but resorted back to crucial

What do you mean you tried them? Did the memory pass testing? NSW is no good for this. You need to boot to the test disk and not test from within Windows.

I suggest you use the scanners at some of the other sites I listed. Sure, they will recommend their own brands, but the specifications should be the same.

Sorry,
Bad info on my part, definitely 168.
Regards

cheater5

Okay, and what about the memory testers?

My question really now is why only 128MB of each module is being recognised. I will try an experiment this weekend and un-install one module to see if the remaining one will be fully recognised or not and take it from there.
Not sure what my BIOS version is but will find out and update if necessary.

You should be using bios version 2.03.
Pavilion Vienna BIOS Update

HI Digerati,

Thanks for the info. Checked my BIOS and it is version 2.03 07/27/2001. Also used MEMTEST 3.8 from HCI Design: shareware and free software for Windows and this showed no errors when left on for about an hour.
Also I tried one of my existing 256mb memory modules on its own by removing the other one from its slot and that only registered on the system info as 128mb and my pc really struggled to load up with just that one installed. Anyway I have now ordered two new modules from mrmemory.co.uk after using their HP Pavilion memory compatibility scan and should therefore receive the right type for my 7906. The make they listed was Infineon as HP recommended to me as in my first post. I'll let you know if this solves the problem. Cheers for now, cheater5