How to install more memory in a PC

First, you will need to find out if your PC is running the 32- or 64-bit version of Windows. This is important because the 32-bit version of the operating system can only make effective use of between 3GB to 3.5GB of memory, so upgrading further is pointless. To check click Start, right-click Computer (or My Computer) and select Properties. In Vista and Windows 7, take a look at the System Type entry: this will read either ‘32-bit Operating System’ or ‘64-bit Operating System’. Almost all Windows XP installations are 32-bit, but a 64-bit version is indicated under the System label (it will read ‘Professional x64 Edition’).

An easy way to find out more information about the computer’s memory type and requirements is to use a free online scanning tool, such as Crucial’s System Scanner. Launch a web browser and visit www.crucial.com/uk/systemscanner. Tick the ‘By selecting this box and clicking the download the scanner button, I agree to the Terms and Conditions’ box and then click the blue Download the Scanner button. If the File Download Security Warning dialogue box appears, click Save and then choose a location for the downloaded file, such as the Windows Desktop. Firefox users should select Save File to save the download to Firefox’s default download folder. Now locate and double-click the download file to run System Scanner (no installation is required). A report will be generated, detailing how much memory is installed, how many slots are free and what the maximum memory capacity is. Scroll down to see suggested purchase options. To buy elsewhere (it’s always worth shopping around), note down the details of the suggested memory modules.

Notebook owners should skip to Step 6. If you are upgrading a desktop PC, first shut down the computer and switch it off at the mains. Next, unscrew the panel on one side and slide if off – it’s important to be careful not to dislodge any other components or pull out any wires while working inside the computer. Although rare, static electricity can damage sensitive computer components such as memory. Touching the PC case should discharge any built-up static, but to be safe as possible use an antistatic wrist strap – expect to pay around £5 for one of these.

Now locate the memory slots on the PC’s motherboard. There should be either two or four slots all in a row. If only two slots are present and both are occupied with memory modules, one or both will need to be removed in order to add more memory. If there are spare slots, follow the advice offered by System Scanner (Step 2) to buy suitable memory modules and insert them alongside the others to boost the total memory available.

To remove an existing module, pull back the plastic catches at either side. Now carefully remove the module by pulling up one side, then the other. If you are inserting a new module into an empty slot, first pull back the plastic catches. Next, line it up so the groove in the module matches the raised section in the slot. Place one end in the slot, then do the same at the other end, and slowly but firmly push it into place until the catches click back into place. Now replace the case’s side panel.

The physical process of upgrading the memory on a notebook is similar to that of a desktop, but not all notebooks have user-accessible memory slots. To check, take a look at the underside of your notebook. If the memory modules can be accessed, there should be a panel that can be opened by removing a few screws. If there are multiple panels, look for one with a small image of a memory module. With the computer switched off, remove the appropriate panel, taking care not to lose the screws.

As with a desktop PC, check how many slots are free. Many notebooks have two slots placed on top of each other, so the first module may need to be removed in order to see whether the second one is occupied. To remove one, pull back the metal clips at either side of the module. When you pull the second clip back, the module should pop up from the slot; if not, carefully pull the top edge of module towards you so it’s at a slight angle. Now remove the module.

Most notebooks have both memory slots occupied, while some only have a single memory slot. The upshot is that upgrading a notebook’s memory usually involves ditching one or more memory modules so as to free up a slot. To insert a new module, line up the groove with the raised section in the memory slot. Now insert the module at a slight angle: the exact angle depends on the type of notebook, but it’s usually at around 10° to the case. Once it is inserted, push the top of the module down until the catches click into position. Now replace the panel.

With the new memory inserted in either a desktop or notebook PC, it’s time to switch the computer back on. Most computers run a memory check a few seconds after being switched on, so keep a look out for this to see how much memory the computer recognises. The total memory figure will be displayed in either megabytes or kilobytes, so you’ll need to divide by 1,024 or 1,048,576 respectively to convert to gigabytes. Alternatively, let the computer launch into Windows and repeat the memory diagnostic test from Step 2.

If the computer fails to launch Windows, and instead lets out a series of beeps soon after being switched on, it could be that the modules haven’t been inserted correctly. To rectify this turn off the computer and open it up. Check that all modules are securely in place; it’s best to remove and then replace them all. If you are upgrading a desktop PC, check the other components (such as the graphics card) haven’t been knocked out of position. If problems persist, it could be due to faulty memory modules.