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    BIOS error after RAM upgrade

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by coolguy, Jun 24, 2009.

  1. coolguy

    coolguy Notebook Prophet

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    I had recently upgraded my RAM (laptop in sig.) from 2GB to 4GB. Now, once in a while when I boot up, a POST BIOS "Error 0232: Extended RAM failed at address line 21" error message is displayed. I can then either boot normally or enter the BIOS setup and the OS (Win 7 64-bit) is working normally and recognizes all 4GB of RAM. I dual boot with Vista 32-bit, which uses 3GB of RAM.

    I did the Windows Memory diagnostic upon boot up and it didn't find any error with the memory. I searched online without any conclusive solution. Any thoughts?
     
    coolguy, Jun 24, 2009
    #1
  2. ScuderiaConchiglia

    ScuderiaConchiglia NBR Vaio Team Curmudgeon

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    I'd suggest you get a copy of MemTest86. http://www.memtest86.com/

    Get the CD ISO image. Burn the CD, then boot from it. Let it run through continuous tests overnight. Be sure you keep the lid on the laptop open and make sure all intake and exhaust vents are unobstructed.

    Gary
     
    ScuderiaConchiglia, Jun 24, 2009
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  3. coolguy

    coolguy Notebook Prophet

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    I ran the memtest86. It kept rebooting endlessly. Then I read online that the original memtest86 has issues with some systems with 4GB RAM. So, I went to memtest86+ and it ran with no problems and no errors too.
    I ran the Windows memory diagnostic tool (extended mode) with no errors reported.
    Also I started up with the individual 2GB sticks, there was no BIOS error with either of them. As soon as I insert both the 2GB sticks, the error pops up again.
    So I assume that this POST error has something to do with the BIOS not able to configure my 4GB of RAM. I am using Crucial (Micron) RAM.
     
    coolguy, Aug 14, 2009
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  4. sniper_sung

    sniper_sung Notebook Evangelist

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    just use the memory test tool provided by vista: press F8 while booting, then press ESC and select Memory Diagnostic...
     
    sniper_sung, Aug 14, 2009
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  5. coolguy

    coolguy Notebook Prophet

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    I ran it already (see previous post) with no errors reported.
     
    coolguy, Aug 14, 2009
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  6. ZugZug

    ZugZug Notebook Evangelist

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    If you are getting it only in 64-bit mode, it's possible you need to turn on memory remapping feature (moving a block of addresses in 2/2.5/3 GB area to the above 4GB area) if your BIOS has the setting. It's for addresses of memory-mapped devices that overlap with RAM.

    See here for some information on what memory remapping is about (although the KB article is about reported memory). It also mentions that BIOS support for remapping is needed.
     
    ZugZug, Aug 14, 2009
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