Beep when I add new RAM

[JaneBlonde]

I have new RAM for my computer, it currenly has 4 gb in one slot.

If I replace this with 1 stick of 8gb ram it beeps and doesn't start though the fan keeps running. This will happen if I add any combination of RAM except an alternative 4gb stick from Crucial.

Every forum says that I should check the BIOS but the computer will not go into this mode, I've tried  hitting del, esc, f1, f2, f10, f12 etc. but each time nothing happens, the fan keeps spinning but no other action comes from the computer.

I've also tried updating the BIOS with HPQFlash which looks like it worked but I've no idea how to tell, it's now at 2.75 which I think is the most current.

I've also tried removing the motherboard battery and holding the reset button for 10 seconds, still no joy.

What can I try next?

[TheOldMan]

Here is the manual for that model

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c04331008

Page 50 is where the info about memory modules starts with the type and then how to add them, so the computer will work properly.

The beeping most likely is because either the new module is bad or the wrong type of memory. 

NOTE:

The system will not operate properly if you install unsupported DIMMs.

[JaneBlonde]

Thanks TheOldMan,

The RAM is good, I bought it from Crucual using their scanner, it's Crucial 8GB DDR3L-1600 UDIMM. This isn't the problem.

I have 3 of these machines, all identical. If I take 4 gig ram from 1 and add it to another I get the Beep, this is why I think it's limited to 4gb.

The reason I think there is a problem is because I cannot enter BIOS, this is what I need help with, is this too advanced for this forum?

[TheOldMan]

I see that in the Crucial recommendations.

Since you have three of these PC's, are all of them displaying this behaviour?  And you cannot get into the BIOS on all three?

And this is not too advanced for this forum.

[JaneBlonde]

That's right, all 3 cannot take any more than 4gb and all three don't go into BIOS no matter what F key I hit, if I hit an F key none of them will start but the fan will keep running.

I have updated the BIOS on one of them only.

[TheOldMan]

I suspect that not all three are faulty and possibly none of them.  The way to get into the BIOS is explained in the manual I linked but here is the way

"Restart or turn on the computer and press Esc repeatedly until the BIOS boot menu appears."

You will get a popup menu which has several choices.  F2 will show a diagnostics menu for testing various hardware items.  F9 is boot options, F10 is BIOS Setup for other BIOS settings.

I do not understand why more than 4Gb of memory causes a problem because those PC's can normally use much more than 4Gb.

[JaneBlonde]

Thanks TheOldMan

"Restart or turn on the computer and press Esc repeatedly until the BIOS boot menu appears."

If I do this nothing happens, the fan keeps running but the computers don't start, the screen doesn't power up and none of the normal choices appear.

[TheOldMan]

Since there are three to try this on, I suggest trying it on one that has the original memory only and not one of the ones that has had the memory altered.  What I usually advise is to start tapping the Esc key and then try a power up from a cold start, while still tapping Esc.  The menu choices that should appear are shown on page 254 "Chapter 12 HP PC Hardware Diagnostics" of the manual I linked previously.

It is unlikely that all three are defective unless these PC's came from a vendor that buys off-lease surplus and they were not checked to be working.

[JaneBlonde]

"What I usually advise is to start tapping the Esc key and then try a power up from a cold start, while still tapping Esc."

This doesn't work, it's the same with all three, if I try this nothing happens and the fan keeps running.

[TheOldMan]

I have to wonder just what is really going on with all three acting this way.  They are either all damaged or are not the items posted.  Where did you get these?