problem adding RAM to Compaq laptop

[pianowizard]

I just bought a used Compaq Armada 1573DM (233MHz Pentium) laptop from eBay. It has 32MB of EDO RAM on board and has an empty slot that's supposed to take up to 64MB. I have tried putting a 16MB, 32MB or 64MB module into that slot but all of them caused Windows 2000 to stop at a blue screen with error messages. I ran the Compaq diagnostics test which also showed an error, namely:

Error 203-01
System Memory - Failed Write/Read Test
Pattern miscompare
Address: 02000004h, Cache: Off, EDC: Off
Expected: 55555555h - Actual 55555155h
Error on System board, DIMM Slot 1

All 3 modules work well on other machines, and so the problem is with this particular Armada laptop. With only 32MB RAM, Windows 2000 runs very slow, and adding memory would be helpful. Do you guys have any advice for me? Are there multiple types of EDO RAM, and perhaps I am using the wrong type? What does that error message mean? Do you think I can get it fixed easily?

[batmeat]

generally speaking, ram for laptops is somewhat proprietary. Do a google search for ram that is made specifically for that model of laptop. Also, check out Pricewatch

[eminem_rh25]

You should have no problems as I have upgrade RAM in Compaq Laptops with no problem.

You may just have a bad memory slot. Try taking out the 32MB one and testing each one in there to see if it works

[pianowizard]

Thanks both of you for offering suggestions. I just ordered a 64MB module from Coast to Coast Memory that's supposed to work for Armada 1573DM. If it doesn't work, then that means the memory slot is indeed bad. Unfortunately, the 32MB onboard memory is soldered to the motherboard and can't be taken out.

Can a bad slot be repaired easily? I don't see any pins missing in the slot though.

[pianowizard]

BTW, does anyone know of a Compaq online forum? There are forums for Dell computers and IBM Thinkpads which I find very helpful.

[batmeat]

If indeed you have a bad memory slot, you should just send it in to get fixed. It's not worth the hassle IMO assuming you do have the circuitry skill to take your lappy apart and figure out whats going on. As for compaq forums here's what google revealed

[discountdude]

Great search tool to figure out what ram you system can take.

[FTLOSM]

SO what ever happened with the ram you were gonna try from coast to coast? Sorry so late on reply, just found thread, have same model, don't even know how to get keyboard off to access ram.

Also anyone know where i could find the drivers for the touchpad on this? Bought it for $40, loaded w2k on it runs fine but is slow with the 32mg of onboard ram and wanna add 64 more, everything works except the touchpad I dont have the actual drivers and such for.

Also if anyone knows where I can find assembly disassembly instructions, pics, manuals etc I would greatly appreciate it.

[FTLOSM]

Originally Posted by discountdude

Great search tool to figure out what ram you system can take.

I did try crucial as first pick btw, for this model it says

We're Sorry!
No products are currently available for the system you selected. Your system may require proprietary or non-standard parts.

[pianowizard]

No, that stick from Coast2coast didn't work, but that's most likely just because that computer had a bad slot. My solution of that problem was selling the laptop on Craigslist for really cheap ($20)!