If its been asked before apologises,I have ordered or should say bought off of E-bay some extra R.A.M checked the compatibility and it all looks ok,the thing is and I perhaps should have found out before,how will the computer recognize it, will I need to install a programme to get it to run with the new ram. Thanks in advance.

Your PC should "discover" the new memory for itself when it boots up after you install it.

(provided it's compatible, and is the right size)

What machine have you got, how much memory have you currently got, and what have you bought?

It's easy....

1. Computer off
2. Remove power cable (and battery if a laptop)
3. Hold power button to discharge any remaining power
4. Fit new RAM
5. Connect power
6. Enjoy

The computer should reconise the memory and then boot into Windows (assuming you are usign windows) which will just use the new memory.

To check it's detected alreet...... click start > RIGHT click on Computer > Properties and see memory there :)

Cheers

(remember componants are not happy with static - be sure to take precautions when handling. Don't do it on a carpet, wearing a wooly jumper, etc, etc...)

Thanks to the both of you.You've put her mind at rest,thats an achievment.
Pete its a Dell dimension 3100 whatever that means, currently it as 512 ram have bought 1gb.
Billy,you make it sound easy,I hope I don't prove you wrong,thanks again.

You should be fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiine. The biggest trouble people normally have is getting the case off

I shall return and let you know,once again thanks.

There's a video on here:-

http://www.crucial.com/uk/upgrade/compatible-memory-for/Dell/Dimension+3100/list.html

Do NOT remove the power cable. Leave it connected but switched OFF at the wall socket. The earthing of the casing is essential to prevent damage caused by static discharge which can destroy your memory chip quite easily.

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That's a useful tip. Never tried that myself, but I use an anti-static wrist-strap. I always unplug as I regard the cost of RAM quite cheap when my life is at stake but switching off at the wall solves that little issue

The above has been noted! I didnt know that before!

Kelly's advice about leaving the plug in but switched off is fine AS LONG AS the cable is plugged into a switched socket.

Do NOT leave it plugged in if the socket does not have a switch on it.

dave

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You can always tell a Yorkshireman,
But you cannot tell him much.

I remember that practise being abandoned in a well known chain of stores after the earth carrying stray voltage that was suspected of causing damage. I know it's not normal as such, but always a possibility....

which is the ideal way to do it but not accessible to most people.

Also, keep fingers away from the 'gold teeth' at the edge of the device. Leave it in it's protective package until you are going to fit it. Ensure it is the right way around when fitting (it has keyed slots to ensure this is so) and make doubly sure you push it firmly home (giggidy) and the tabs at the ends of the socket 'click' to the upright position.

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Many thanks to all,they came this morning and following the instructions from above fitted and working a treat.

Glad you got it sorted! :)