Computer not booting

Rich J

Rich J

Rich J

Associate
Joined
3 Aug 2008
Posts
6
Hello everyone!
I'm a newbie at upgrading/overclocking/tweaking etc and I've run up against a snag I'm having probs resolving.

Briefly: I did a system scan prior to upgrading memory. I chose 2 x 2Gb Geil PC2-6400 DDR2-800 (purchased from OCUK). Bios sees the full 4Gb but Windows only sees 2Gb. (Vista Home Premium-32bit).

Also, the comp will not boot past the POST screen with 4Gb inserted. Removing 1 stick allows a normal boot.

I've tested both sticks independently in both slots and it boots no problem every time, so I believe all is ok with sticks and slots. (My mobo only has 2 memory slots)

I searched the web and found lots on reserving of memory by Windows so understand why some of it would not show up but nothing on the 'not booting up' issue! Is this a Vista issue or a more basic/bios thing? Can anyone help , please?

I can post full computer specs if needed.

Thanks in advance Rich :confused:
 
Maybe check the mobo website for an updated BIOS and flash it if availble. ALso try increasing the memory voltage a tad may help the boot. You should reallky have a 64 bit OS with that amount of memory.
 
Ewanb75 said:
Post specs :)[

Hi Ewan, thanks for the response; specs are as follows

M/board Foxconn 945 7MC
Serial no UYJN70900224

Bios ID Phoenix-Award 945MO3.00.D3.P.07

CPU Pentium 4 3.20GHz Socket 775
Clock Spd 2800

RAM GEIL DDR2 PC2-6400 2Mb (x2 matched)

Graphics NVidia GEForce 8500GT 512Mb

O/S Vista Home Premium SP1 32bit

PSU ISO-400PP

At present running only 1 RAM stick of 2Mb - comp will not boot with both sticks inserted

Thanks Rich
Click to expand...
 
Maybe check the mobo website for an updated BIOS and flash it if availble. ALso try increasing the memory voltage a tad may help the boot. You should reallky have a 64 bit OS with that amount of memory.

Hi Snakedoctor, thanks for the response.
Yes, I agree about the 64bit OS, however the scan I did pre-purchase (Crucial) said 4Mb max would work and gave several speeds (up to 1200 MHz I think) so I picked a slightly lower spec based on that. I've never done a bios flash so I'm a bit wary. I mailed Foxconn about a bios upgrade but as yet, no reply. Do you have to pay for that or can you get a freebie anywhere?

I'm not yet an on-line gamer nor do I d/l large video/music files but am interested in the inner workings of computers! I intended building my own rig last time but was seduced(?) by a deal at PC World! More fool me, Vista was pre-loaded, I didn't get a full installation disk and I've spent more time sorting probs than doing my own work!

I'm considering a fresh start and moving on to Linux so the extra RAM will come in useful then, I hope? You live and learn!

Thanks again Rich
 
After a lot of research it appears (according to Foxconn) the RAM is incompatible with my mobo! They actually tested the same spec but 2 different makes to mine and they worked ok, ergo - mine must be incompatible! Strange, seeing how there's 2Gb of it in right now as I compose this!

However, a bios upgrade is the next step but I'll do a bit more reading up on this as there are a lot of horror stories out there about it going wrong!

Thanks to all for your help.
 
Also, the comp will not boot past the POST screen with 4Gb inserted. Removing 1 stick allows a normal boot.

I've tested both sticks independently in both slots and it boots no problem every time, so I believe all is ok with sticks and slots. (My mobo only has 2 memory slots)
Click to expand...

do you have the ram running with stated volts & timings?
1 just bought new geil ram last week, 8500 4gb, would not work at all on my mobo until voltage correctly set. sounds like this could be the prob.
find what it needs, use 1 stick , enter bios set what needed, close down add other stick, c if that works. g/l
 
i think i've got your problem?? might be wrong but i've found this online.

Memory
Supported RAM Technology: DDR II SDRAM
RAM Installed ( Max ): 0 MB / 2 GB (max)
Supported RAM Speed: PC2-4300, PC2-5300
RAM Features: Two DDR channels

not 100% sure if its the same foxconn board but it sounds be very similar? it only has 2 ram slots but say max 2gb??????
 
[do you have the ram running with stated volts & timings?)

Hi Rab No - my bios won't allow adjustment, hence the need to update it. It seems the board is relatively basic, I'm just weighing up whether to stick as I am right now or bite the bullet and go for a self-build!

I d/l'd CPUZ which helped me understand a few issues. The 2Gb that's in is running at reduced speed at stock voltage but everything is stable at the mo'. I'm surprised that Vista would run at all with only the 1Gb RAM supplied!

Cheers, Rich
 
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