Standard DRAM Memory

[bleitzel]

Hello all, I recently decided to upgrade my Dell Dimension 2400 series (running Windows XP Professional) from 512MB to 2G of Ram.  I knew I would have to remove my 512MB module from one of my two slots and then fill the two slots with two 1G modules.  I bought two Corsair DDR 1G modules, PC2700 from Fry's Electronics.  It looks like the model number's for both is the same, VS1GB333?  And the serial numbers are 09401217 and 09280117. 

When I installed the two modules, the computer recognizes the memory upgrade, and goes through the boot sequence, but when it gets to the blue background login screen, it shows a black background with blue stripes.  ANd nothing is discernible on the screen.  When I tested the two modules individually, the 1217 module works fine all by itself http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner/viewscanbyid.aspx?id=4810AB5231D926C3 but the 0117 module gives me a black screen.

Do I have a bad stick? 

[lordgllynn · Accepted solution]

It's possible that one of the two sticks isn't seated properly. Try reseating both sticks, making sure the locks are properly secured. If you still do not get a good POST, take both sticks out and test each one individually in the same slot. If both are able to boot into Windows, then try both in the second slot. If both boot individually in that slot as well, then you'll want to test each stick using MemTest86+. If both pass, then your motherboard may need some adjustments made to allow you to use two sticks of that capacity.

[bleitzel]

Thanks for the quick solution, lordglynn.

As it turns out, when I test the second stick manually, it does not work.  In either slot. Time to get a new stick!