Windows will not boot after installing more RAM

BPM · Oct 14, 2003

I tried installing another 256 MB stick of RAM today on top of the 256 MB I already have. Both sticks are exactly the same (brand, size, etc.).

I installed the new stick, and when I started up the computer, I received this error when Windows normally loads:
"Windows could not start because the following file was missing or corrupt:
\windows\system32\config\system

Select 'r' at the first screen to repair"

So... I put in the Windows XP installation cd but as it was loading files, it seems to get stuck at the same spot every time. It freezes when the bottom of the screen says this:
"Setup is loading file (KERNEL DEBUGGER DLL)"

I even tried putting the RAM in a different slot, results were the same.

The computer only runs if I take out the additional RAM

Any ideas?

Steven4563 · Oct 14, 2003

have u got the ram running at stock

take the one out that was in before and use the other see if its that stick

put both back in a run memtest86

also make sure the timings are normal

ManOfKnight · Oct 14, 2003

i had this same problem and the only way to fix it was to reformat

i tried everything from putting everything back to stock to taking out my memory one at a time

pik4chu · Oct 14, 2003

Thats the XP reinstall protection thing. what stage in the "copying files" does it hang? when after you select r to repair or while its loading setup or while its trying to repair itself?

BPM · Oct 14, 2003

pik4chu said:
Thats the XP reinstall protection thing. what stage in the "copying files" does it hang? when after you select r to repair or while its loading setup or while its trying to repair itself?

When the error pops up , pressing any key reboots the system.

As I have stated above, when I insert the XP cd and boot from CD, the Setup hangs when it indicates "Setup is loading file (KERNEL DEBUGGER DLL)"

SeanOMatic · Oct 14, 2003

Did you run Memtest yet?

BPM · Oct 14, 2003

SeanOMatic said:
Did you run Memtest yet?

Where can I get that or how do I run it?

HaTE · Oct 14, 2003

BPM said:
Where can I get that or how do I run it?

www.memtest86.com

BPM · Oct 14, 2003

HaTE said:
www.memtest86.com

So the next question becomes, how do I run this and what do I need to do?

I'm assuming I need to create a bootable CD ROM, correct?

BPM · Oct 14, 2003

Ok, I did more testing with this.

I tested each stick of RAM individually in all of the slots. Both sticks work fine individually, but adding the other stick, in any slot, results in the error.

wannaoc · Oct 15, 2003

If you are running the sticks in duel then that may be your problem. Two different sticks cannot be used together, try using them in single if you haven't already. Or just lose the 256 stick, I'm sure it isn't doing that much.

pik4chu · Oct 15, 2003

he said they were identical sticks and both are 256MB but I would check the dual channel thing to be sure

*edit* btw, this doesnt happen to be a Dell does it?

BPM · Oct 15, 2003

wannaoc said:
If you are running the sticks in duel then that may be your problem. Two different sticks cannot be used together, try using them in single if you haven't already.

They are the same sticks, same brand, size, speed, etc.

Or just lose the 256 stick, I'm sure it isn't doing that much.

I'm pretty sure doubling my RAM will make a difference

btw, this doesnt happen to be a Dell does it?

No, this PC was built by me.

What is this talk about checking the Dual Channel thing? How do I check that?

pik4chu · Oct 15, 2003

dual channel is generally configured in the BIOS check under "advanced options" not quite sure where it is in the BIOS since I havent needed to turn it off. the manual for your mobo will prolly tell you

BPM · Oct 15, 2003

Ok, I went into the BIOS and I see no option to enable/disable Dual Channel or anything else having to do with Dual Channel

wannaoc · Oct 15, 2003

Sorry about that I must have read it wrong.

. Have you tried to move the sticks out of the duel channel slots? I know my NF7-S has slots that work as single and slots that work as duel but I'm not sure about your board..

BPM · Oct 15, 2003

wannaoc said:
Sorry about that I must have read it wrong. . Have you tried to move the sticks out of the duel channel slots? I know my NF7-S has slots that work as single and slots that work as duel but I'm not sure about your board..

All of my slots appear to be the same.

BPM · Oct 15, 2003

Ok, here's the screens from running Memtest 86.

1st stick of 256:

2nd stick of 256, same slot:

Both sticks together, 1st run:

Both sticks together, 2nd run:

Windows will not boot after installing more RAM

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