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Laptop troubleshooting forum: Sony laptop memory install problem

by: mcf57 January 12, 2009 9:26 AM PST

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Sony laptop memory install problem

by mcf57 - 1/12/09 9:26 AM

I am helping a family member install some additional memory in her Sony VAIO laptop, but seem to be having a problem. Its a VGN-C290 model (May 2007) and currently has one 1GB chip installed & has one open slot. It allows a max of 2GB.

Now, I have purchased an additional 1GB chip from Crucial.com, but after installing it in the one open slot, it appears that it is not recognizing it at all. The laptop will turn on, but doesn't get to the XP screen. Not even the Sony VAIO/Phoenix welcome screen either.

I have never had a problem with Crucial memory, but I contacted them directly to maybe help with this problem. They basically told me to make sure it is really seated in there good and apply a lot of pressure. They also had me put the Crucial memory in the slot #1 where the original Sony memory was. Neither worked.

The only other thing they suggested was that it was a BIOS related issue & to somehow update the BIOS. I checked & it currently is running BIOS version #R0080J4. I'm trying to determine if this is the latest version. If not, then how to update it. Anybody know if this is the latest version? I tried Googling it, but didn't have much luck. Or any other suggestions on what might be the problem here?

Family member leaves the country Wednesday so I'm trying to get this all straightened out by then. HELP!!!! happy


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Let's just remove that stick and send it back.

by R. Proffitt Moderator - 1/12/09 9:36 AM

In Reply to: Sony laptop memory install problem by mcf57

1GB is plenty for XP so let's pull it out and call it done.

Once in awhile this happens so don't think it's you or the laptop. As to current BIOS while Sony would know and have such at their site I strongly suggest you never do this to other people's machines since if it BRICKS the laptop are you ready for the fall out?
Bob


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I realize 1 GB is probably good

by mcf57 - 1/12/09 9:56 AM

In Reply to: Let's just remove that stick and send it back. by R. Proffitt Moderator

I realize 1 GB is probably enough for XP, but this family member is in school and does a lot of multi-tasking. It was a Xmas present and was only about $18 so not that much & I thought it'd be worth it. Max the laptop out if you will.

Also, they are headed out of the country for a long time so I wanted to set them up as good as possible since not sure when they will be back this way for a while.


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Let me scare you a little

by R. Proffitt Moderator - 1/12/09 10:46 AM

In Reply to: I realize 1 GB is probably good by mcf57

If I didn't dissuade you yet, there are some Sony's with bum sockets. The move to unleaded solder makes these sockets a little brittle.

As to 1GB. My portable development system is a simple machine with 512MB XP and runs the Microsoft Visual Studio and more just fine. I have no impetus to upgrade that machine.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=SONY+CRACKED+SOLDER+MEMORY+SOCKET
Bob


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laptop memory

by mcf57 - 1/12/09 3:53 PM

In Reply to: Let me scare you a little by R. Proffitt Moderator

Well, the original memory that came with the laptop works fine in both slots so I know its not that issue.

I don't mind returning it and probably will, but I would of rather it just worked. Actually, returning it might be more of a hassle & pain anyway since it was only about $18. I think I'll just maybe get some (512MB or 1GB) at my local Fry's since its about $25. Make sure it works right there at the store and be done with it.


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Then order the exact make, model of

by R. Proffitt Moderator - 1/12/09 4:29 PM

In Reply to: laptop memory by mcf57

The 1GB that's in the machine and working. That should work. It's not unheard of a bad stick getting out there.


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Sony laptop memory install problem

by rammiz_omar - 2/4/09 1:58 AM

In Reply to: Sony laptop memory install problem by mcf57

Hi mcf57:

Sadly I had the same problem.

No matter what itry now i get a blue screen just as Windows (Vista Home) is loading.

Did you manage to resolve this problem? Any clues? All i want to do now is get the machine working even with the same anount of RAM as before (1GB).

I was thinking of flashing the BIOS but not sure on where to get the software.

Help! sad

Ram


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laptop memeory

by mcf57 - 2/4/09 5:57 AM

In Reply to: Sony laptop memory install problem by rammiz_omar

Actually, I did wind up getting the Sony laptop working with a total of 2GB of RAM. I didn't need to flash the BIOS or anything. The laptop also was reinstalled with XP so not sure if that helped either.

Since I was limited on time and couldn't wait for a replacement from Crucial, I just went to my local Fry's Electronics outlet and got a 1GB stick of memory for about $20. I think it was a brand called "Patriot".

I brought the laptop with us too and installed it right there on the spot at the store to make sure it worked. This way if it didn't, I could of made a simple return/exchange right there too. Fortunately, it worked good and according to my family member, it has been working good & no problems. I just returned the old Crucial memory and got a refund to my credit card. It's all good. Hope you are able to fix your problem though.


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