[Dimi_Ber]

Hello,
here is the background: About two weeks ago, my XP could not start properly and I was prompted to use chkdsk. I did so, the next startup was OK and I forgot about it.
Yesterday I messed a bit with the PC: I uninstalled an antivirus program (F-secure) and installed a new one (trendmicro), and then I opened the case and installed 1GB of extra RAM.
Since then I can't start the computer: The RAM seems to be OK (the correct amount of memory is shown when I turn the PC on), but when I log on it either completely freezes or starts again by itself (like someone had pressed the reset button).
I started a command-line shell from the original CD-rom that came with the computer and run chkdsk. It exited after reporting "at least one" not repairable error (without giving me any details).
So now my guess is that the hard drive is dead. Replacing it will be a lot of work, so I wanted to check if anyone has a better idea.

Is it a coincidence that the hard drive died after I put in more RAM?

Thanks a lot
D.

[Dust Sailor]

http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner/index.aspx Do a scan here to make sure your computer can handle the extra RAM as well as it is compatible .

[techkid]

Another thing you can do is test the RAM. Download Memtest86+ (http://www.memtest.org/), either as a CD image or floppy disk installer, and copy it to the selected media.

Start up the computer, and enter the BIOS (your computer should say "Press <F2> to enter Setup" (or something similar)), and look for an option to change boot devices. Change it to the selected drive (either CD or disk), put the disk in, and save the changes.

The program should then begin and run automatically. Let it run for a couple of hours or overnight, and let us know if it finds anything.

[Dimi_Ber]

@Dust Sailor: Thanks for the reply. I had done such a scan before buying the RAM chip.
@techkid: Thank you for the hint. I will try it.

[Dimi_Ber]

Memtest immediately showed that the RAM was faulty. I didn't have to let it run long, it threw thousands of errors in a few seconds. I tried to put the new RAM module in different slots, on its own or combined with one of my old modules, but nothing worked. Then I just removed the new RAM and put my old modules back and everything works again.

According to the Kingston web site the RAM should be combatible with my motherboard. I mailed the Kingston support and I am waiting for the reply.

[Tanis]

Kingston will likely replace the chip, its quite possible that the chip itself is faulty and its not a compatibility issue.

Good luck

[Dimi_Ber]

OK, it was indeed a faulty chip.
I got it replaced in the shop, just put the new one in the slot and... voilà!

By the way, I never received an answer from Kingston support :-(