PC Tech Solutions

If your computer is acting strangely, randomly crashing, or simply not booting, it could be a sign of bad memory.

But how do you know when your RAM chip has gone to the silicon castle in the sky?

First you would always want to start out by first opening the computer’s case and make sure that your memory is seated properly. Remove the chips and blow the empty memory banks with compressed air, taking care not to let the gas escape in it’s liquid form (Read: Don’t hold the can upside down). You can see a picture of memory properly seated in a motherboard here.

When re-inserting the memory, make sure that the arms that hold it in place snap in on their own upon insertion. This verifies that each module is installed properly.

If you have a Notebook PC, your memory is found on the bottom, under a small access panel, generally labeled by a sticker or an etching with a symbol resembling this picture. To remove this type of memory, you usually have 2 metal arms holding the RAM modules in place, and you have to hold them both apart to slip the memory out. When re-inserting the chip, hold it at 45 degrees and then press it down into place until the arms lock over the top.

If this does not fix your problem, you can download a free memory testing utility, Memtest86+ to boot your PC with and test the memory. Once you insert the bootable CD and start your PC, the program will launch on it’s own. After letting it run for a good 30 minutes or so, you should have an idea if your memory is corrupt by seeing red lines across the screen, noting which areas of the RAM are bad.

In any case, if you see ANY red lines, you should replace the module, or at least remove it from the system. IF you do need to get new memory, I’ve found the best place to get it is NewEgg.com.

If you are still having problem, post about it in the forum, or check out Kingston’s Ultimate Memory Guide.

So you just got the latest and greatest MP3 player, with gigabytes of storage just hungry for your music collection! As you stare at the mountain of CDs, you ponder how in the world you are going to get it from there to your new shiny toy.

You may not know that if you are running Windows XP (as everyone who isn’t a Unix geek should be), you already have the tool necessary to be on your way to your personal music world.

By using Windows Media Player (found under your start menu,
or in Program Files\Windows Media Player\wmplayer.exe) it is simple and pain free. Once you have the program open, you can choose the Copy from CD option (normally found on the left hand side).

From here it’s as easy as clicking Copy Music up at the top and then choosing where you want to save your music. Generally, Windows will default to your My Music within your My Documents folder.

All that’s left now is to drag-and-drop your music files to your MP3 player once it is connected to your computer. If you have an iPod, you will, of course, be using iTunes, which will be explained in a later article.

Now you can enjoy your entire music collection (or a portion, depending on size!) wherever you go.

How to rip audio CDs

How to port forward on your firewall

How to troubleshoot your memory

How to share files in your home network

How to secure your wireless network

Where to find free security software

Where to find free office productivity software

How to stay protected against spyware

Safe browsing techniques

Troubleshooting windows stop messages

Removing a nasty virus

Using windows safe mode

… Any much more …

Oh, and we remotely fix your computer.