Different memory configurations causing errors or XP boot failure

Question

I have one specific IBM machine that is having problems booting up.

Specifications:

• Intel Pentium 4 1.8 GHz
• 512MB (2x256MB) PC133 SDRAM
• IBM 40GB IDE HDD
• NVIDIA Vanta LT 16MB AGP

One thing to note is that one of the memory modules only has chips on one side and the other has double-sided chips.

When both modules are installed in either of the two configurations, the machine will boot up to the Windows XP boot screen, but will only lead up to a black screen. On one specific occasion, the machine suddenly powered off after the Windows XP boot screen.

When either module is installed on its own, the machine will sound a beep code and the screen will show a "0164: MEMORY SIZE ERROR". Afterwards, the Intel Boot Agent will loop, saying "Media test failure, check cable" and then "Operating system not found". I switched the hard drive IDE cable, but still had the same results.

I'm thinking that the hard drive is the issue here, but I'm unsure as Windows XP will partially boot sometimes or not boot at all. What could possibly be the problem?

Answer 1

You should post the motherboard make and model. It is possible that your memory modules are not compatible with your motherboard. While unlikely, that could be why the error only happens to show up as Windows starts up.