Adding RAM to Windows XP

[themadmonk]

When I decide to put another stick in my rig, WinXP gives some error about hardware changed, dumps a whole bunch of garbage and then shutsdown. What could be causing this? And how do I get around it? If I need to reactivate Windows, where do I go if it doesn't even want to boot?

 

[bacillus]

could be a bad stick of ram so remove it & see if the system rights itself!

 

[themadmonk]

No the stick is good. Tried it in a Win2K box and it booted okay. It has something to do with Win XP detecting "dramatic" hardware changes.

 

[Shagg]

I'm starting to regret upgrading to XP. Hmmm... wheres that win 98se cd again?

 

[Doh!]

It has something to do with Win XP detecting "dramatic" hardware changes.

I'm sorry but that's not correct. I have made numerous changes that is much more "dramatic" than adding a stick of RAM into a system (i.e., adding a hd, video card, sound card, nic....lol). Run a memtest to see if the memory is in fact a stable one. Adding a stick of RAM will not require a reactivation. Even if it does, it will not simply dump a whole bunch of garbage and shutdown.

 

[Om]

Actually yes it does. I had the same happen and you can find threads on the net about it. Microsoft has yet to address the issue. My box was toast after I took out the new RAM and added the old stick. What you may find happens is that it trashes the registry. I did get it fixed, using the XP CD, and the ren command to replace regisrty files, but even when I got back into the box I had to reinstall a lot of programs. I found info on this seaching Google and a few different fixes, one worked and there's two more that didn't. Can't remember what it was otherwise I'd post it for you. Just the luck of the draw, some people haven't had this problem yet.

 

[themadmonk]

Thanks Om for the info. I knew that Windows XP was screwing up my stuff.

 

[Sundog]

It does thiis when adding RAM only.:frown: That bites!!