164 Memory Size Error

[Katman_09]

Hello,

I have a computer that has just recently started having problems booting up.  A couple years ago i installed another memory stick, 256mb.  Everything worked fine and now all of a sudden, something happened and it rebooted and gave me a 164 Memory Size Error.  I've tried taking the old and new stick out and retrying and still receive the same error. 
I use this PC just to store data on and for my kid to play games, but not connected to the internet.  It's a Compaq Pent. II if that helps. 

Thank you

[drmsucks]

1) Remove and re-seat the RAM modules.

2) If you have a motherboard manual and can "clear the CMOS," do it, then replace the CMOS battery; otherwise, remove the CMOS battery for 30 minutes and replace the battery with a new one.

[Katman_09]

I did remove and reseat those, i don't know where the battery is though.      Nor do i have a manual so i was just going to take the batter out for 30 minutes.

[RayDude]

First try clearing the cmos (its usually a jumper on the motherboard or you can remove the battery and unplug it for a few minutes with the same effect)

Is the date getting cleared all the time? Perhaps the CMOS battery has gone dead. Usually its easy to replace.

If you've tried each stick of RAM independently and they both fail with that error then you could try some other memory (if you can borrow some), but I'd suspect its not the memory at that point.

If that's a no go, then you could try re-seating the processor. That's a bit tricky with the P-II as you have to unlock tabs on both sides and lift straight up. Once its out you can push it back down again. That might fix your problem.

If those things don't work then chances are fairly good the motherboard has died (it could be power supply but generally when a supply goes, it goes completely, not just enough to allow the machine to post but fail memory tests).

[drmsucks]

I did remove and reseat those, i don't know where the battery is though.      Nor do i have a manual so i was just going to take the batter out for 30 minutes.

The battery will be on the motherboard - there are various types but most look like this:



Unplug the computer from the wall and ground yourself before opening the computer case. Remove the battery carefully and note its orientation so that you can put the new battery in properly.

Best of luck!

[Katman_09]

Ok, i took the battery out and reset it and restarted the PC.  I no longer have the 164 memory error, however, i am still not able to get to my windows.  I also took out the processor and put it back in and my problem now is that it asks me if i want safe mode, normal start up and the other options.  I've tried them all and what it does is takes me to the Windows XP screen as if it's loading, and after 4 seconds, it blinks and you kind of see a blue screen with writing in the background and blinks and goes back to the black screen with all the options.  Any ideas?

[BC_Programmer]

 "is there an option to disable automatic restart on STOP error" or something similiar.

[Katman_09]

No, there is not.   

Just Safe Mode, Safe Mode w/o Networking, Restart with last good settings and Start Windows Normally.

[drmsucks]

Try to boot with just one memory module installed - alternate modules, if necessary.

If discrete video card, remove it and re-seat it.

[Katman_09]

Where can i find the video card?

[drmsucks]

Where can i find the video card?

There may not be one if the system uses onboard video; otherwise, the video card will be in a PCI slot. Look on the "inside" of where the monitor data cable is plugged in.

[Katman_09]

Nope, i don't see anything.  Also, when i alternated between the memory sticks, i received the 164 Memory Size Error again.  PC just continues to restart itself.

[drmsucks]

"is there an option to disable automatic restart on STOP error" or something similiar.

He can't get into Windows to change it

[drmsucks]

1) Enter the BIOS and "Load setup defaults" or similar, "Save & Exit."

2) Download and run the diagnostic software from the website of the manufacturer of your hard drive.

3) Download memtest86 (memtest86.org). For memtest86, you'll need to burn the .iso to CD then boot from the CD. (If you need suggestion for .iso burn program, post back.)

*Run memtest86 on one RAM module at a time for 1 hour at least; longer is better up to 7 passes. Repeat for each RAM module.

*If all modules pass individually, install all RAM and run memtest86 for 2 hours.

(ANY error means a bad module.)

[Katman_09]

Let me know if i did this wrong but i went into Computer Setup by pressing F10.  At the end of the menu, there was "Set Defaults and Reboot" which i selected.  ONce it rebooted, it continued to keep restarting.