upgrading memory on HP Pavilion a824n

[lbspaints]

I have a HP Pavilion a824n desktop PC with two 128 MB memory sticks. I have now purchased two 512 MB (part# P5300U#ABA) memory sticks which is what HP gives as the only ungrade for this computer. My question is when I receive these memory sticks in the mail and go to install them, do I need to remove the two 128 MB memory sticks? Or can I leave them in (as there are 4 memory slots) and add the two 512 MB memory sticks that I have purchased? If I have to remove the two 128 MB memory sticks, I will lose all the information on the computer so I would need to back that up some how correct, before I install the two 512 MB memory sticks? Can I add another two 512 MB memory sticks later to replace the two 128 MB memory sticks without losing any information or will I need to back every thing up then also? Thanks for any help! I'm not well versed with the computer but, I'm always learning.

[PC_Tester]

You will not loose your data if you remove the old sticks of memory.

Just shut down the system, unplug the power, wait 30 sec and then install the two 512MB sticks and that should do it. (make sure you look at the keyed notches at the bottom of the RAM sticks and install the memory in the correct orientation

If you experience issues, remove the 128MB sticks and see if it works normally with just the 512MB sticks.

[lbspaints]

Thanks! So, I can either just add the two 512 MB memory sticks while keeping the two 128 MB memory sticks to add to the memory. Or I can remove the two 128 MB memory sticks and only install the two 512 MB memory sticks and not lose any information that is on the computer?

[PC_Tester]

Keep all of it. If you're experiencing problems, just use the 512MB sticks (remove the 128MB sticks) or just the original 128MB sticks (remove the 512MB sticks).

[lbspaints]

That is great! I thought that everything was stored (memory) on the memory sticks and would loose everything if I removed any of them. So, is everything stored on the C drive and the memory sticks are just there for more memory to be available to use?

[PC_Tester]

The operating system and data are stored on c:\, the HDD in most cases

When you turn off the computer, all data on the RAM sticks (128MB/512MB) is wiped out.

[lbspaints]

Thanks ALOT! That really helps! This just shows how non-computer I really am. You have been such a big help and have put my mind at ease. Now, I know I can install the new memory myself and not have to worry about the loss of any information or the 50,000 pictures I have on this computer.