Adding RAM will not complete boot

[pbbgso]

I have a Pavilion a1340n on Windows XP MCE SP3 (32 bit) on which I am trying to upgrade the RAM from 1GB to 2GB.  I can startup successfully in Safe Mode, but if I try to do a normal boot it will freeze while on the screen with the Windows Logo and the progress bar.  The progress bar will actually run for about 30 seconds and then it will stop and the machine is locked up.  Any suggestions?  I've tried using both memory modules individually with a normal boot, and they work fine.  I put in both memory cards and ran MemTest86 on it and no errors were reported.  I just updated the BIOS from 3.03 to version 3.24 and it still freezes as before.

[erico]

Hi Pbbgso,

You said that you are upgrading the RAM.

Are both memory modules identical? (that is generally critically important)

Did you buy from a vendor that guarantees that the modules will be compatible with your desktop PC or did you just buy some RAM and expect it to work right out of the box?

[pbbgso]

I did not see any information on compatiblity.  This is what I have:

This one came w/ the machine:

Qimonda HYS64T128020HU-3.7-A  1GB 2Rx8 PC2-4200U-444-11-B1

 I bought this one to go w/ it: Elpida EBE11UD8AGFA-5C-E 1GB 2Rx8 PC2-4200U-444

[erico]

Read my post again..  If you want to upgrade successfully buy two absolutely identical memory modules. Do not mix Elpida and Qimonda chips. That is why your upgrade attempt is going wrong.  

[pbbgso]

I did that to start with and I could not even to where I am now. I think the memory card I purchased (another Qimonda) is bad.  The think that I think is interesting is I can boot into Safe Mode with both memory cards in place and it works fine, but who wants to work in Safe Mode.

[erico]

Always purchase guaranteed compatible memory modules. If you bought them at a store and it does not state that on the package or the store  gives a guarantee, then they are not guaranteed compatible memory modules.  

[pbbgso]

I bought another of these:

Qimonda HYS64T128020HU-3.7-A 1GB 2Rx8 PC2-4200U-444-11-B1

So now I have 2 x 1GB sticks that are exactly the same.  It still behaves the same.  Gets to Windows splash screen, and progress bar stops after about 30 sec., and machine no longer responds.  I'm going to run MemTest on the new RAM, but I suspect it will be ok.

[Big_Dave]

Hi,

Where did you get the bios update as none are listed for XP, VISTA or Windows 7 on the HP Support web site for the HP Media Center  a1340n ?  This could be your issue.

Try clearing the CMOS.

[pbbgso]

Well I was wrong.  I tested the card with MemTest and it threw up a bunch of errors right off the bat.  I went ahead and order 2GB (2 x 1GB) of new RAM rather than trying to match my existing old card.  I'll let you know how it goes.  I found out about the BIOS update on a forum thread that was talking about the motherboard for that I have.  I'll have to see if I can find the link, but it was on HP's site.  Thanks for the info on clearing the CMOS.  I've heard of that, but I've never done it.

[pbbgso]

I just got 2GB of brand new RAM today.  I put it in, and got the same results where the Windows splash screen comes up and after about 30 seconds the progress bar freezes and it never responds again.  I cleared the CMOS, but it still froze.  Does anyone know where I can get a download of the 3.03 BIOS?  I thought maybe I would try rolling it back.  Here is the link where I found the 3.24 BIOS update:

http://bizsupport1.austin.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/SoftwareDescription.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&prodTy...