laptop dv3-2230ef refuse to start with 4 GB of RAM - Error message 4 led flash - but fine with 2 GB

[soyouz]

Hello,

I've a problem with my dv3-2230ef related to the memory which drive me crazy. I already quite a lot of problem with this computer:

-hard drive get corrupted, needed to replace it.

-the laptop often freeeze at startup if the AC cable was connected and some time also when not connected. It was resolved by removing the DVD drive...

-When I stop my laptop from Windows, it closed the session, stay sometime on the login windows then quite windows and reboot.

My Configuration is the standard one for the dv3-2230ef

-4 GB RAM (2x2 GB) but actually 2 GB because of my problem

-Graphic GeForce G 105M

-HD 500 GB same model as original

-DVD Drive removed because of previous problem.

-Windows 7 Familly Edition Premium 64 bits

Few month ago, my laptop refused to stard. Black screen, 4 flash of keyboard LED. From documentation it refer to a problem with the integrated graphic board. I removed everyting I could: Hard Drive, CD Drive, Memory, reset the Bios. I found the problem was coming from the memory... There is 2 memory modules of 2 GB. If I use only one in the first slot it is working, if I had the second the computer freeze. I tried several configuration:

- First Slot: Module A, Second Slot: Module B -> Failed

- First Slot: Module B, Second Slot: Module A -> Failed

- First Slot: Module A, Second Slot: empty -> Working

- First Slot: Module B, Second Slot: empty -> Working

- First Slot: empty , Second Slot: Module A -> Failed

- First Slot: empty , Second Slot: Module B -> Failed

I can only conclude that the problem is related to the second slot. Both memory modules are working in first slot.

An it seems to be related with the integrated graphic board.

I tried to tweek by  changing the settings of the graphic cards, but never been able to modify memory usage. I have this:

Available video memory: 1278 MB

Dedicated video memory: 512 MB

System video memory: 0 MB

System shared memory: 766 MB.

With only 2 GB I'm quite limitated in the usage of my laptop, can not run anymore VirtualBox, difficult to work on pictures, system freezes when using hard drive as swap when RAM is totally used. Does anyone already had this problem, is there a known solution? I was thinking to replace the 2 GB module by a 4 GB, as the problem seems appears when I used the second memory slot, but I'm not sure it is not related to the total quantity of memory. I do not want to buy memory if it not solve my problem... If it could be solved by some modification in the BIOS or something else, it would be even better!

Thanks for your help!

Xavier

[Sathish_Tech · Accepted solution]

Hi,

I really appreciate you for your trouble shooting, as per your troubleshooting Second slot is not working.

You can replace the motherboard or you can install single 4GB RAM on First slot.

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Although I am an HP employee, I am speaking for myself and not for HP.
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[soyouz]

Hello,

thanks for your answer. So for you the problem is definitly coming from the slot by itself? Strange it recognize it as a problem with the graphic card? This computer is already more than 2 years old, I do not think it is worth to replace the motherboard, send it for repare worth probably more than the price of it... Actually a 4 GB memory card for this laptop worth 80€, it is OK if it is working after, but it will be a loss if not. But as you said, due to the test the problem is not the amount of memory but probably the slot...

[Sathish_Tech]

I suggest you to take your laptop to nearest local service center, insert 4GB RAM on First slot.

If it works fine, then you can invest on 4GB RAM it is worth.