Puppy Linux Discussion Forum

strixx · Joined: 25 Mar 2009 Posts: 19

Hi, I have a problem. I have just upgraded my old laptop with a 256MB SODIMM, but in Puppy it still says that I ony have 64MB.
If I enter BIOS it says 319MB, and if I use a memorytesting rpogram it finds all memory if I force it to probe the amount. And the memory pass 1,5 hour stresstest.
If I in the memorytesting program chooses BIOS-amount of memory it only fins 64MB.

As I understand BIOS finds all memory but doesn't properly tells the OS the correct amount. GRUB can´t find it either.

What to do? Can I force Puppy to probe the amount and use it all?

I am at the moment trying to find a update for the BIOS without any luck. Its a Phoenix BIOS 4.0 Release 6.0, BIOS version 0F0B.

Burn_IT · Joined: 12 Aug 2006 Posts: 3142 Location: Tamworth UK

Try http://www.memtest86.com/ and see whether it sees it.

What are the details of your machine??

Bruce B · Posted: Fri 01 May 2009, 12:53 Post subject:

I don't know how you are measuring total RAM, but the
command below will tell you how much Linux sees.

< /proc/meminfo head -n 1

I'd hope to know what the command produces, if you don't mind.

strixx · Joined: 25 Mar 2009 Posts: 19

strixx · Joined: 25 Mar 2009 Posts: 19

Bruce B · Posted: Fri 01 May 2009, 13:45 Post subject:

Hardinfo displays verbatim /proc/meminfo with slightly different formatting. meminfo is always a zero byte file.

strixx · Joined: 25 Mar 2009 Posts: 19

Does anyone know what to do?

(BUMP)

sikpuppy · Joined: 29 Mar 2009 Posts: 431

Bruce B · Posted: Tue 05 May 2009, 03:54 Post subject:

strixx · Joined: 25 Mar 2009 Posts: 19

strixx · Joined: 25 Mar 2009 Posts: 19

strixx · Joined: 25 Mar 2009 Posts: 19

Bruce B · Posted: Tue 05 May 2009, 08:15 Post subject:

I suspected a low level problem. But wanted to make
sure. Now I'm sure.

A genuine Compaq is way different and that's what you
have.

Sometimes they come with factory base ram which is not
in the ram slots. In this case you might have 8MB or 16MB
with no RAM chips inserted.

I would open the case

I would go into the setup and see if there is something like
a fast or slow boot option. The slow boot option if it
exists would likely slowly count RAM 3 times over.

If it is there, set it that way. But I can't say if the option
even exists.

If parity checking exists, don't even mess with it.

Considering Compaq you could have compatibility issues.

Size issues. But some times size issues are workable. If
only 64 is supported a 128 might work at 64

Ground yourself and touch the metal frame of your
grounded computer to discharge all static electricity from
you body, in order that your fingers do not damage the
chips.

Now begins a procedure. After the video card displays it's
message on the monitor, the ram count starts. Position
yourself to be able to reset the computer and watch the
monitor at the same time.

Trial and error. Start with zero chips installed if the
Compaq has built in RAM. Watch the count.

Then install a chip, watch the count.

Remove the chip and install the other, watch the count.

If you have two. Then you know what each one does
individually. Next is the combinations.

On older computers, which chips goes in what slot often
matters. Try the combinations and watch the ram count
displayed.

No results guaranteed, outcome unknown, until you
systematically try your combinations.

Wishing the best.

Report back.

strixx · Joined: 25 Mar 2009 Posts: 19

strixx · Joined: 25 Mar 2009 Posts: 19

OK, here is the result:

I removed the original 64MB and inserted the 256MB. BIOS told me 256MB, but Grub started and told me 0kB RAM.

I removed both, but forgot to look for wath BIOS sad, Grub says 0kB.

Only original 64Mb, BIOS says 64Mb and Grub/Linux tells me 64MB ( or 60800 kB wich not i 64MB)

Another strange thing is that if i boot DSL instead it tells me something like 62000kB.