Sony VAIO memory install problem

I am helping a family member install some additional memory in her Sony VAIO laptop, but seem to be having a problem. Its a VGN-C290 model (May 2007) and currently has one 1GB chip installed & has one open slot. It allows a max of 2GB.

Now, I have purchased an additional 1GB chip from Crucial.com, but after installing it in the one open slot, it appears that it is not recognizing it at all. The laptop will turn on, but doesn't get to the XP screen. Not even the Sony VAIO/Phoenix welcome screen either.

I have never had a problem with Crucial memory, but I contacted them directly to maybe help with this problem. They basically told me to make sure it is really seated in there good and apply a lot of pressure. They also had me put the Crucial memory in the slot #1 where the original Sony memory was. Neither worked.

The only other thing they suggested was that it was a BIOS related issue & to somehow update the BIOS. I checked & it currently is running BIOS version #R0080J4. I'm trying to determine if this is the latest version. If not, then how to update it. Anybody know if this is the latest version? I tried Googling it, but didn't have much luck.

Family member leaves the country Wednesday so I'm trying to get this all straightened out by then. HELP!!!!

 

If it posts without the new stick then obviously something is wrong with the new RAM. Are you sure the new stick clicked when you plugged it in? You never know .

Who knows...maybe a BIOS update will work but it is a long shot...the motherboard should see the memory...

 

http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/swu-list.pl?mdl=VGNC290

Here is the Sony support page for your model. The weird thing is that no BIOS updates are listed here at all. If you have another laptop that can use that type of RAM, you could test it using a bootable program called memtest86+.

You can also try cleaning the contacts on the RAM chip using a cotton swab moistened with water.

 

Yea, the memory stick clicked in place so I'm pretty sure its in there all the way. I can return it if needed, but would rather not. Plus, it was only about $18 so not a huge investment either, but I would rather it work than going through the hassle for returning a simple $18 item. I'm starting to think it must be a bad chip or something.

This family member is leaving the country for a while. I was trying to set them up and max their laptop out so they wouldn't have to worry about it. I have a local Fry's store in my area and I might just wind up going there by tomorrow to see if I can get it from them and install it right there at the store (to make sure it works good). Probably should of done that to begin with since I am really limited on time here, but oh well. Live and learn.

 

Here is the way you can check.
The old stick are working and you add another one caused the laptop won't boot up.
Your laptop has two memory slots. Swap the old module to other slot to make sure the open slot is not an issue.
If the laptop boots with old RAM in either slot, then you test your laptop with new RAM only also in each slot.
You will see what causes the problem.

 

Yea, I tried all kinds of scenarios. I tried the original Sony memory in both slots by itself and no problems. I tried the new Crucial memory stick in both slots by itself as well and same problem where it basically won't boot up.

Since I was limited on time & couldn't wait for a replacement in the mail from Crucial, I just wound up getting another memory chip from my local Fry's electronic store. Installed it right there on the spot at the store after purchasing it and WALAA!! It booted up fine with 2GB of memory showing. Probably should of just done that to begin with.

Just for kick, when I got home later, I tried the Crucial memory stick again, but still no luck. I REALLY tried to push it in there too, but nothing. The memory from Fry's that ultimately has worked out did not need to be pushed in that hard so I guess the Crucial stick was bad. Odd and I've never had that happen, but I guess there is always a first time.