Laptop memory (RAMS) problem

[keyplus90]

I have Toshiba L20. Original memory was 500 MB and it was slowing down a bit too much. Someone advised me to buy extra memory and out it in. I bought IGB and put it in.

It has two slots but after puting extra memory in it still shows 896MB under system. With old (500MB) only, it shows 384MB. Should it not show about 1500MB with two together?

Is there anything else I have to do once I have inserted the memory into the slot?

Thanks.

[LeMarchand]

Check the sticker/invoice on what you bought. Sounds like you have 2x 512MB sticks.

[keyplus90]

No, It is only one stick of 1 GB. I already ahd another one in.

[LeMarchand]

Try using ONLY the new stick (you may have to put it where the original was) and see what memory it thinks you have.

[daffy654]

Did you check that your laptop can support more than 1gb RAM before you installed the new chip?

[squarebear]

Also, the laptop will reserve some memory for itself and not show a true figure.

[Answerprancer]

I think the type of OS you are using might limit the amount of RAM your laptop can use.
eg. my setup uses 32-bit Windows XP, I have 4 gig of RAM installed but it only acknowledges 3.24gig.

[NJPride]

All good answers:

1. Verify the computer can support that much memory - Link to your computer manual is: http://www.csd.toshib...rchString=l20&x=0&y=0
2. Verify the Operating System can handle that much memory (Microsoft site)
3. As someone mentioned, put the 1GB chip in primary
4. Check Bios and you may see that the 'missing' 384 is being used for video memory
5. Make sure you have the EXACT memory and speed for you computer (should be listed in manual)
6. Whatever else was mentioned in the other posts all are good things to try

[keyplus90]

So many good answers and very helpful too. Thanks.

I tried putting new stick in the primary slot and it still gives me 896MB. I think it is as few of you said that computer is saving (and not showing) other memory for something else. Good thing is that my laptop is a lot faster now.

[keyplus90]

And now I checked under BIOS and guess what? As few people suggested here. It reads as,
System memory= 640
Extended memory= 894
Video memory = (128)

Thanks to all of you.