Member Avatar for techvillian

I've been using two RAMs, one is of 1 GB and the other is 512MB. My computer used to show the amount of correctly as 1.5 GB a few days before but now, whenever i turn on my PC, the total RAM is showed as 240MB, I've even did some testing by having a single RAM, but no matter which RAM i plug into my dock, it shows only 240 MB.

But at times when I'm lucky, the total RAM shows up correctly as 1.5GB, Guys please help!!!

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Dani AI

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Brief summary: the symptom you described — the system sometimes showing the full 1.5 GB and other times only ~240 MB — is most often caused by an intermittent electrical/contact problem between the DIMM and the slot (dust, oxidation, a loose latch or slightly bent contact). That fits ’s final note that a thorough cleaning of the board fixed the problem. The suggestions from (run an offline memory tester) and (verify what the BIOS sees) are the right next steps when cleaning doesn't immediately resolve things.

Practical troubleshooting checklist (safe order to follow)

  • Power down, unplug, and discharge the system (hold power button for several seconds). Use ESD precautions.
  • Check BIOS/POST first to confirm how much memory the motherboard detects before the OS loads.
  • Remove all DIMMs and visually inspect modules and slots for dust, bent pins, corrosion or residue.
  • Clean: use compressed air for slots; if module contacts look tarnished, gently clean the gold fingers with high‑proof isopropyl alcohol on a lint‑free swab and let dry fully. Do not use water or metal tools; be gentle.
  • Reseat firmly until clips click. Test with one module at a time in each slot and record BIOS readings to isolate a bad slot vs a bad module.
  • If problems persist, run a bootable memory test (the offline/bootable testers mentioned) and/or try each DIMM in a known‑good motherboard.

Further notes and cautions

  • Avoid unnecessary BIOS updates unless a vendor specifically lists a memory-detection fix; flashing BIOS has risk.
  • If a DIMM consistently fails in every slot, replace it. If a slot fails for all modules, the board may need repair or replacement.
  • Keep the case clean and airflow adequate to reduce dust buildup and recurring contact issues.
Member Avatar for Waffles007

Hi,

To rule out memory failure, I assume you can still access your Operating System, Download Memtest86+ and burn it onto a blank CD. Boot off the disk and let it run. If ANY Errors show up, you have some faulty ram.

http://www.memtest.org/

this is the link to the website where Memtest86+ is hosted. Scroll down the page and click on the one with the arrow on the page.

** Memtest86+ V4.10 (04/05/2010) **

* Download - Pre-Compiled Bootable ISO (.gz)
* Download - Pre-Compiled Bootable ISO (.zip) <------------

As far as I know it wouldn't be a Operating System issue, I believe it to be a Hardware issue. Let me know if you have any questions and post any results please.

Waffles

Member Avatar for avi4ya

Hey did ya check the BIOS for the amount of memory . This is where you should be able to isolate the problem between Hardware and software (OS in all possibility)

Do try to check for an OS scan ..

there is a asmall exe file that needs to be downloaded under teh download button ... install the setup nad
Run the scan to know the actual memory on the system..

And need i say pls add all the memory and do confirm in BIOS by restoring defaults if the new memory doesnt reflect.


Hey do reply to confirm resolution.. If this doesnt work will try and propose a different resolution.

Member Avatar for techvillian

thanks everybody, BTW, i got back my whole RAM just by cleaning my Motherboard thoroughly. Thanks for the help once again.

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