Some of these steps may not apply to your computer. Test the system memory after performing each step:

1. If you are receiving error codes during power-on self test (POST) visit Troubleshooting Startup or booting issues document.
   
   
   
   
2. Verify that the latest BIOS for the ThinkPad system has been installed.
    
   Click here to view the latest BIOS files for all ThinkPad systems.
   
   
   
   
3. Run the PC Doctor diagnostics for all current ThinkPad systems.
   PC Doctor for DOS is available by pressing the F11 key or the Access IBM button during startup to access the predesktop menu area. If these methods are not available for your system then PC Doctor for DOS may be downloaded. This DOS version requires two or more floppy diskettes depending on the ThinkPad system.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

   www.ibm.com/i/v14/icons/popup.gif src="https://www.lenovo.com/i/v14/icons/popup.gif" width=16 align=top border=0>

   Go to download page for PC Doctor

   
   
   
   
4. Verify the proper memory module compatibility and installation.
   In general ThinkPad systems have one memory socket available to install upgrade modules. It may be necessary to remove the standard memory module in order to upgrade to the maximum allowable memory. Removal of the keyboard may be required on some systems.

1. Visit the memory option parts document for ThinkPad systems and record the memory part numbers compatible with your system.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

   Go to memory parts - View a list of documents including memory option parts for your system

   
   
   
2. Visit the memory compatibility document for ThinkPad systems and record the information about the maximum size the speed and the type of memory.
   
   
3. Remove all of the memory modules.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

   Go to removal and installation instructions for the memory for your ThinkPad system.

   
   
   
4. Compare the part number and other information collected in steps a and b above with the information listed on the label of each module. If the information does not match then the module may not be supported on the system.
   
   
5. Re-insert the modules one at a time into a different slot than the slot they originally occupied. After inserting each module check to ensure the memory detected matches the memory currently installed. If the memory does not match then a module or slot may be defective.
   If you are testing the system you are currently using use the following automated solution to detect the memory.
    
   If you are testing a different system then open the Microsoft system properties or the BIOS setup utility to see the detected memory.
   To open the Microsoft system properties:
   For Microsoft Windows 2000
   
   
   
   
   
   1. Click Start select Settings and then click Control Panel.
      
      
   2. Double-click System.
   
   For Microsoft Windows XP
   
   
   
   
   
   1. Click Start and then click Control Panel.
      
      
   2. Click Performance and Maintenance and then click System.
   
   To open the the BIOS setup utility
   
   
   
   
   
   1. Turn on the computer.
      
      
   2. While the "Press F1 for BIOS Setup Utility" or "To interrupt normal startup press the blue Access IBM button" message is displayed at the lower left area of the screen press the F1 key blue Access IBM or ThinkVantage button. The BIOS Setup Utility menu will be displayed. If a password prompt appears type the correct password.
      
      
   3. Select the Start BIOS Setup Utility if applicable. The BIOS Setup Utility menu will be displayed. If a password prompt appears type the correct password.

5. Monitor your system's memory use.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

   Get the memory monitor

   
   
   
   
6. If these steps have not solved your problem:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

   Browse for other Memory tips for your system

   Or refer to "Need more help?"