Member Avatar for thirumalkn

Hi,
I have a Toshiba Tecra 8100 with WIN2K OS. It originally had 128MB ram on slot B and slot A was empty.
I wanted to upgrade the memory hence I bought a 256MB ram (Kingston PC 100 144 pin 100 MHz - Toshiba recommended memory). When I installed the 256 in Slot A, the system doesn't boot-up.

I removed the 128 from Slot B and replaced it with the 256, this time it works just fine.
Now, I tried adding the 128 in slot A, but this time also it doesn't boot.

My question is,
is there a problem with the laptop's memory slot 'A' ? If so, is it possible to correct it?

OR
The system doesn't take more than 256MB ?

Thanks in advance for your help !

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Gunnarh

Dani AI

Generated

Brief diagnosis and a safe test plan.

Given ’s results (a 256 works in slot B but the machine refuses to boot when the 128 is added in slot A), the most likely causes are: a faulty slot A connector or a compatibility/organization mismatch when two different sticks are used together. and pointed at a hardware/socket problem and at solder joints — both are reasonable. The quickest way to prove which it is is systematic testing.

Try these steps in order (power removed, battery out, ground yourself for ESD safety before handling RAM):

  1. Test each module alone in each slot: 128 in A, 128 in B, 256 in A, 256 in B. Note any difference.
  2. If possible, test with two identical modules (two 128s or two 256s). Older systems sometimes refuse mixed-size pairs.
  3. Look for POST/beep codes or BIOS activity when a single stick is installed — if the machine posts with either stick alone but not when both are present, that points at mixing/density.
  4. Inspect and clean: compressed air, then gently wipe the gold contacts with 90%+ isopropyl on a lint-free cloth. Check the slot with a magnifier for bent pins, debris or lifted pads.

If single-stick tests show that slot A fails consistently, the slot or its solder joints are likely bad. A board-level repair (reflow or replacing the SODIMM socket) fixed similar cases for other Tecra owners, but that requires a technician experienced with fine-pitch laptop work. Weigh repair cost against the laptop’s value.

If tests show the modules themselves behave inconsistently, try sourcing a matched pair from a trusted vendor or swap in the original known-good stick. For : check module part numbers and try the step-by-step isolation above before buying replacements.

Recommended Answers

All 9 Replies

Member Avatar for mmiikkee12

It's probably a problem with slot A, the Tecra 8100 supports up to 512 MB of RAM.

So send the 256 back and get a 512 if 256 isn't enough :-)

Member Avatar for BinaryMayhem

So send the 256 back and get a 512 if 256 isn't enough :-)

eh, it only supports up to 256mb sticks... total capacity is 512... meaning 256x2!

Memory Configure this Product
Type: 64 / 128 / 256 Mbit SO-DIMM PC100
SDRAM, 3.3V, 100MHz
Capacity: Up to 512MB*
Two internal memory slots. At least one slot
configured with base memory.


as far as the slot... does it look damaged at all... are all the pins okay?

Member Avatar for mmiikkee12

OK, deal with 256 :)

Member Avatar for thirumalkn

OK, deal with 256 :)

Thanks both for the answers !

Now, is there a way to correct the slot? If I take it to Toshiba service centers, will they be able to fix it?

Thanks once again ! :)

Member Avatar for BinaryMayhem

quite possibley (it depends on what is wrong... it could possible be something wrong with the MBO. If that was the case they would need to replace the MBO)... take it there and see what they say...

Member Avatar for thirumalkn

quite possibley (it depends on what is wrong... it could possible be something wrong with the MBO. If that was the case they would need to replace the MBO)... take it there and see what they say...

Thanks for the help !

Member Avatar for Gunnarh

The memory socket is probably the problem. You might have to resolder it. Happened to me once (t8100), for my son once (t8200)

Member Avatar for gordosam

hi everyone. I'm having some problems with my tecra 8100. one of the ram memories died and i decided to upgrade'em. i purchased 2x256mb sdram pc 100 sodimm made by integral (snsrxp) but the laptop wont boot . the slots are ok, as it boots ok when i plug the old 64 mb ram in both slots. Whre could i check the compatibility of those rams?

Member Avatar for Gunnarh

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Edited by Gunnarh because: Rather drop this posting!!
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