original msg.(clipped)

<<<< I have a Dell, XPS 400 with 3 gig ram >>>>>

<<<< I don't want to believe it's the ram because it's fairly new. I have removed the ram and tried different slots and sequences but that changed nothing. Gloria >>>>>

Hi,

from this i believe you have installed

(1) 1 or 2 sticks of new ram after u purchased the dell (which you say is out of warranty)

(2) you are comfortable working inside the box and know the essential precautions like anti-static measures to be taken

(3) there are 3 sticks of one gig each

shut the machine and take out all the sticks of ram and reboot. see if you get "a beep code". i will be surprised if you don't.


now shut down again and insert ANY ONE stick and reboot. if it works shut down (if no boot that is the bad ram)  then insert another one and reboot.if it does not boot that is the bad ram. if ok  try the last one.

at some point you should find the machine not booting.

that should be the bad ram.

let the list know how it works out and we will try other troubleshooting measures.

goodluck----Venkat

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