Tip #3873 - Adding Memory - Part 3
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Q:
Now that you've told us some basics on adding memory to our computers,
how do we actually get it in there? You promised you would tell us!
A:
You're right, I did promise you that and if you know anything about me,
you know that I always keep my promises! So, that's exactly what I'm going
to do for you today. If you read yesterday's newsletter, you know that
I started a three part "adding memory" series. The first part
was figuring out if your computer really does need more memory and the
second part was finding out what kind your computer needs, along with
knowing where you can buy it from.
Now, the third part
(that I know all of you have been patiently waiting for) is actually getting
that new memory into your computer. You know, installing it all by yourself.
I know that probably makes some of you nervous, but you don't need to
be. It really isn't as hard as it may seem. Let's take a look at the basic
steps and go from there. When you're finished, your computer will have
more memory and it will be able to run at its optimal performance once
again. Here we go!
Part 3
The first thing you
need to do is make sure the area you're going to be working with is free
of dust. You can either vacuum the area or even just wipe it out with
a soft piece of cloth. Next, you need to power down your computer. Turn
your system off, unplug everything and disconnect any peripherals you
may have hooked up to your PC. Once you've done all that, you may continue
on.
Go ahead and remove
the cover panel of your unit. You will then be able to see inside your
computer. (Cool, huh?!) Next, be sure to ground yourself by touching any
piece of metal inside your computer. This will discharge any static electricity
that may be running from you to the computer. If you don't do this, you're
putting yourself at risk, so please be safe!
The next thing you're
going to do is locate where the new memory sticks you have will go. There
should be some empty slots or clips that are meant for additional memory
sticks. Now, where those slots will be depends on how old your computer
is. You'll either have a single in-line memory module (SIMM) or a type
of dual in-line memory module (DIMM). More than likely, you'll be working
with the latter of the two, which will probably be a 168 or 184-pin model.
Once you've found
the slots, hold the memory stick by its edges. You need to be careful
when you're doing this to make sure you don't touch any of the pins. When
you feel ready, insert the new RAM into one of the empty slots. You'll
want it to be perpendicular to your computer's motherboard and parallel
to the already existing memory stick. With a SIMM, insert it into the
open slot with an angle of about 30 degrees. You can then move it around
until you feel it or hear it click into the right position. On the other
hand, with a DIMM, there are clips on each side that will secure the memory
stick in position.
When you're confident
that you've got the RAM stick in the correct place, you can put the cover
back on your computer and then connect everything again. Then power up
your computer and make sure it recognizes the new memory. There should
be a confirmation box of some sort that pops up for you. If your computer
doesn't seem to recognize it, you may need to turn everything off again
and reinsert the memory stick. You need to make sure your computer recognizes
it, because otherwise, your computer will go on working with the same
amount of memory as before. (And that would just be a complete waste of
your time and money!)
See, that wasn't so
bad, was it?! With a little time and patience, it is a rather simple procedure.
But, if you're not 100 percent confident that you can do it yourself,
please ask someone else for help. Asking for help is easier than dealing
with additional computer problems down the road. Now, I hope you can go
on and enjoy your new memory and your faster computer. Yes!
~ Erin
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