New build, two problems

[Itdbclos]

1. The system has an error message if you put in both sticks of memory but doesn't if you use only one (either stick, makes no difference).

2. It'll boot into safe mode but not into normal mode.

Full description:
1. When using both sticks of memory and starting up, it shows this error: "Insufficient memory to initialize Windows. Quit one or more memory-resident programs or remove unneccessary utilities from your config.sys and autoexec.bat files and restart your computer. Press any key to continue." (Pressing any key does nothing, it's stuck there.) If you put in only one stick of Ram then it doesn't show this message, I've tried both sticks separately.

2. Had a lot of freezes installing Windows 98, now that that's over, it'll only let me boot into safe mode. When it goes to the startup menu-where you can choose normal mode, safe mode, command prompt, etc., if you choose normal mode it shows the windows picture then goes back to the startup menu then it hangs there.


My operating system is Windows 98 for now till I can install the upgrade Windows XP sp1 disc. Only other thing done besides installing win 98 is partition the harddrive using fdisk.

My computer:
Abit ip35-e
Intel E2180 2ghz
EVGA Geforce 9600
CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail (haven't checked the voltage)
Antec EA-380 w

Thanks, this must be an easy fix for those who know their stuff.

 

[Scottae]

Sounds like you have bad mem run memtest to see which one... one stick at a time but I bet it is a matched pair/Dual channel kit so youll have to return the whole thing....

 

[Skewer324]

Memtest might be worth a scan, but I'm not surprised at all that Windows 98 is freaking out with a gig and more in there. Seriously, if you just need an internet browser for now use Ubuntu and boot the LiveCD or install it or something. In fact, make yourself an Ubuntu 7.10 cd. It has memtest on it. Run it, and then when if it returns with no errors (which is likely) just run Ubuntu for a while. You don't need to become a Linux junkie or anything to do it. You'll find the Firefox shortcut easily.

Then when you're ready to put XP on it, you can wipe the hard drive guilt free and move on with your life.

 

[nerp]

Windows 98 came out about 11 years ago or so. It was not designed with your hardware in mind.