Hi,

I have old EMachine av31, fsb 333mhz, which is using a 512Mb DDR333 PC2700 RAM.

I bought a Centon 1GB PC3200 DDR-400/333/266 compatible RAM to replace the old one.

Now WinXP can't start, and keep asking me to "Start Windows Normally".

How can I make the RAM work with my old emachine?

Thanks,

No exact matching models found for "FIC AV31", however there are other matches which likely represent your system. Feel free to peruse either of the links below...

FIC website

Unofficial eMachines Tech Info

Troubleshooting tips...

1. Restore the system back to its original RAM configuration. Does the system return to normal, stable behavior? If no, there may be some other issue unrelated to the Centon RAM. If yes, proceed to next step.
2. Test the system with only the Centon 1GB part installed in the first DIMM slot (closest to the CPU), leaving the second slot empty.
   • Boot to the CMOS Setup screen, and verify if it recognizes the installed RAM correctly. (To enter the CMOS Setup utility, when you start your computer, check the boot-screen for setup key - it will likely be the DEL key. Press this key quickly after powering on the PC, and prior to the OS load to enter the CMOS Setup utility.)
   • If the CMOS Setup utility boots and correctly identifies the Centon 1GB part, then save changes and exit the setup screen. The system will restart. Allow Windows to boot. If Windows boots properly, check System Properties to verify that Windows also correctly identifies the Centon 1GB part.
3. If both the BIOS and Windows correctly boot and report the Centon part correctly, try installing your second DIMM in the empty DIMM slot. If the system did not boot correctly with the Centon DIMM, proceed to next step.
4. Update the BIOS. Be sure to do this only when the system is 100% stable. (Upgrading with larger DIMMs can create a larger load on the memory address lines of your PC. Newer BIOS revisions typically will address timing issues for increased system stability.) You may be able to obtain a BIOS update directly from eMachines, or from the Unofficial eMachines Tech Info link given above. Be careful to exactly follow the BIOS update instructions. (An incorrect, or improperly performed BIOS update can render a system inoperable.) After the BIOS has been successfully updated, try the previously attempted RAM configurations again (e.g. Centon 1GB alone, or Centon 1GB in DIMM1, other RAM in DIMM2).
5. If necessary, run a RAM diagnostic - try either Windows Memory Diagnostic or Memtest86+.

If the Centon part fails to pass the RAM diagnostic, try exchanging it through the original place of purchase. If the original place of purchase has a tech center, you may consider requesting that they test the DIMM in one of their systems (to rule out any possible issues with your system).

If you require further support from Centon, please contact our Tech Support team using the following link.

Contact Centon Tech Support