Where’s my memory? I don’t remember.



You’ve just installed a new memory module into your computer, but your BIOS startup message doesn’t show any increase in memory. Which of these would most likely cause this issue? Pick two.

A) The BIOS needs to be upgraded to the latest version

B) The memory module is the wrong type

C) The memory module is not completely inserted into the slot

D) The operating system must be booted to add drivers and recognize the new memory

E) I can’t remember what memory I should remember


The answer: B) The memory module is the wrong type, and C) The memory module is not completely inserted into the slot

Memory modules all look very similar, but they have dramatically different technical specifications. Always check with the manufacturer of the motherboard to make sure that you use the correct memory specifications, and always confirm that the memory is fully seated into the memory slots. It is unlikely that a BIOS upgrade is required, and it’s not necessary to start the operating system to recognize the new memory module.

Want to know more? Watch “Troubleshooting Memory.”

The process of troubleshooting memory is a combination of physical troubleshooting and software diagnostics. In this video, you’ll learn what to look for when troubleshooting the memory installation on the motherboard and how to use memory diagnostics software to diagnose memory issues.