How to increase RAM

[ice2013]

Hello
I recently bought a second hand laptop with a Window vista and 3gb RAM pre-installed but when i entered the activation code the RAM went from 2.99gb to 2gb. How do I get the 3gb back? I would be grateful if any body can help
Thanks
Ice

 

[jappe66]

Is there only one 3GB ram stick inside or is there for example one 1GB and one 2GB sticks? Did you buy the laptop new or used? If you have 2 sticks and it's used, there is a possibility that one of the sticks is broken or not installed properly.

 

[mjmacka]

Two things are likely here.
1) The memory is not seated properly.
2) The BIOS is using 1 gb of ram for graphics (sounds like a lot, right?).

For item 1)
There should be a cover about 2-3 inches by 2-3 inches secured by at least one screw.
Remove that cover and re-seat the ram... remove and put back in to make sure it's installed properly.

Check to see if you still have 2 GB of ram or if you have fixed the issue.

This will also let you verify that you really have 3 gb of ram and you haven't made a mistake or been cheated somehow.

For item 2)
Go back into the bios, check the amount of memory dedicated to the integrated graphics. Since it's a Vista machine, keep at least 128 mb of ram but check the amount. Make your changes and save the BIOS settings.

 

[ice2013]

Thank you for your swift response. However, by the time I read your answer, I noticed that the 3gb RAM were showing again as before in the Welcome Center without me having to do anything. But thanks all the same