? for Computer Savvy

Donna Posted: Dec 16, 2003 11:33 AM

? for Computer Savvy

Hi -

I'm hoping someone can help me - is it possible to add memory to your computer and if so is it hard to do? My mom has a Compaq and I think it's a 56K and has been running really slow, even to just shut down. The computer is about 3 yrs old.

Any suggestions besides buying a new one? Unfortunately that's not in the budget right now.

Thanks

MarcellaBella Posted: Dec 16, 2003 11:34 AM

Re: ? for Computer Savvy

How about taking your PC to Micro Center and having them upgrade it?

Jordan Posted: Dec 16, 2003 11:36 AM

Re: ? for Computer Savvy

You need memory sticks/cards. You could probably go to CompUSA and speak with someone - they should be able to help you/walk you through it.

reallybehind! Posted: Dec 16, 2003 11:36 AM

Re: ? for Computer Savvy

yes you can buy more ram for your computer, and no it's not hard to do. just crack open the top and stick it in there. i did this a few years ago so i don't remember the details that well.

you could also try defragging the hard drive. or check how much room is on the hard drive, you could also get another one of those. i also did that to my computer. also not hard to install.

good luck

yabbobay Posted: Dec 16, 2003 11:53 AM

Re: ? for Computer Savvy

you have to mean 256 otherwise there is really nothing you could run on your computer...

256 should still be good...unless you are running major graphics programs...

you could do this yourself...but being that you havea Compaq...they have made it harder for you (they don't want you to be able to fix your own computer - so when you start up...it is very difficult to get to your BIOS screen...)

also be careful about buying memory...if your computer is 3 years old...you probably have old veriosn (read: really cheap) there are different amounts and speeds out there...

If you want to tell me a little more whats going on - we could trouble shoot...and see if it really is the memory..

- is it slow to open programs (how slow is slow)
- do some (likeMS Office) programs crash after performing certain actions...

Donna Posted: Dec 16, 2003 12:14 PM

Re: ? for Computer Savvy

Thanks so much for your responses - here are the things it does...

Last night I went there and did disk cleanup, which worked, but the computer would not let me defragment. It sounded like it was running but it never changed from 0%.

Now the computer came with MSN access but they use AOL, so you can get on (they have a dial up modem) but once you try to search for anything on AOL or go to a favorite the computer crashes and an error message comes up. Then it wants you to ALT-CTRL - delete.

Sometimes when trying to shutdown the computer, it won't respond.

I'll try to think of more

Danielle&Scott Posted: Dec 16, 2003 01:07 PM

Re: ? for Computer Savvy

56k is the modem, that isnt how much memory you have in the pc. Find out the make and the model number of the computer and I will tell you how much memory you have....Memory is very easy to replace....I wouldnt have a store do it....they will just charge you alot of money. Do you have anyone that can replace the memory for her?

KarenK122 Posted: Dec 16, 2003 01:36 PM

Re: ? for Computer Savvy

Memory is very easily upgraded but each computer has a limit to what it can accept. My advice is to take your computer to a shop and have them upgrade it for you. That way you know your getting exactly what you need and your not buying something that your computer will not accept.