laptop memory problem

the editor · 16 Mar 2012 at 17:18

I have an old Acer 5040 and I am having issues upgrading the RAM. It previously had a 512mb and a 256mb which worked fine, but I bought another 512mb to replace the 256mb one.

When I put the new 512mb in on its own, I can hear it boot up, but nothing is displayed on the screen. The same thing happens if I put it in with the old 512mb. If I put it in with the 256mb one, it works but only the 256mb is recognised. If I put both the old ones in it works fine and I get all the RAM.

Both of the old ones are 333MHz and the new one is 400MHz, but it says that 400MHz is compatible.

What is happening?! :confused:

the editor · 16 Mar 2012 at 17:47

I though they were all the same? The look the same and why does it work with the 256mb and not the 512mb?

the editor · 16 Mar 2012 at 17:55

Is there anyway to tell which one?

the editor · 17 Mar 2012 at 09:24

What are my rights to send it back as it has been used?

the editor · 17 Mar 2012 at 18:36

I don't think I'm allowed to name competitors? It is quite a good place I think, it is orange and doesn't just sell computer parts.

Anyway, I tried the stick on its own and nothing came on the screen.

I'll run memtest with the 256mb one because it boots with that and see what I get.

the editor · 17 Mar 2012 at 18:51

Oh okay, so if it is completely broke, will memtest not be able to find errors?

Could a BIOS update help possibly?

the editor · 17 Mar 2012 at 19:18

Do I just burn the the BIOS to a disc and boot from it?

I'm a bit worried about doing this, is there any way to back up the current BIOS?