"The amount of system memory may have changed"

Okay, this error is really pissing me off.

I keep getting it whenever I boot up my Inspiron 5100. It began after I gave Puppy Linux a test run. The reason this is so annoying is because I'm trying to install Xubuntu, but I can't because whenever I have a disk inserted when the computer boots this error won't let me boot from the disk. It will either sit their behind a black screen, or say push F1 to continue, but then when I push F1 nothing happens until I take out the disk (I know the disk works, I tested it in my other computer.)

My computer also occasionally brings up a blue screen right after I log in, or my computer just won't boot, and I have to try several times before it lets me get into Windows.

 

Looks like a loose memory module. Remove the memory modules and reinsert them firmly. Finally after you boot once successfully, go to the BIOS and reset the settings to Factory Defaults. Boot again and then configure the BIOS to your liking.

Is this information helpful? Do reply!

 

Or the known problem with the Dell 5100

 

Thanks for the replies.

Could I possibly get an explanation on how to remove the memory modules? And also, I forgot to mention, when I first got this error the laptop made a very strange sound, I almost thought it was fried. But luckily it turned back on.

 

Don't worry about it and here is your guide: http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins1501/en/sm_en/memory.htm#wp999869

 

I8kfanGUI?

 

That works for awhile, but unless it was installed and run from day one the damage has been done and recurs with or without the fan utility.

After a half dozen laptops and a couple of desktops of my own and thousands of PCs at work, Dell lost a customer on this one here.

 

Alot has changed since the days of the Inspiron 5100. Everyone knows they overheat, but that was alot more common several years ago. I wouldn't hold it against Dell, their laptops have improved 1000x since you bought the 5100. If I had one that was still covered by some extended warranty, I'd press for an exchange.. it's not that difficult.

 

1000s of Dells and then you get 1 lemon and it's over? ok.

 

I did. I'm not typing on a Dell at this very moment! In any case, hardly 1 lemon. The 8000 and 5150 series were both recalled for the exact same thing. The class action lawsuits on the 5100 are still outstanding. A known design flaw that is propagated through multiple lines and is fought on each one separately by Dell? Not really interested in doing business with that, thanks anyway.