so i installed new ram in my laptop, and then powered it but now it wont boot. A white screen shows, and i get two short beeps
i have a pheonix bios but i DONT understand the codes to well, maybe someone can help me out.
what should i do?

p.s. i tried installing the original ram and the same thing happens now, so im pretty positve that it doesnt have to do with the new ram i installed.

Comp specs
Dell Inspiron 8000 PIII 800mhz
ram 512MB pc100 SDRAM
xp pro SP2Two short beeps is the AMI BIOS audio code for a memory parity error. I believe AMI bought out Phoenix, so this might apply to your BIOS as well.

Try to remove all but one RAM stick and reboot. If there is no error, add a second RAM stick and reboot. When you get the audio error, you have found the bad (or incompatible) RAM stick. Replace it.

Docthe comp was working perfect until i swapped the ram chips, but i took out the new ram and reinstalled the orginal ram that i used before, and it still gave me the same error msg.

so what do i do about a memory parity error?Make sure you installed the RAM correctly. You have to press them firmly until they push into place, but do not push too hard. Also, it is hard to do, but not impossible: Do not put them in the wrong way. See this site:

http://www.pcnineoneone.com/howto/memory1.html

Also, here is some info on purchasing the correct RAM:

http://www.pcnineoneone.com/howto/moreram1.html

If you have installed them correctly, chances are you damaged the RAM sticks. Static electricity (or ESD, which is that LITTLE shock you feel when you rub your feet on a carpet and then try to pet your cat) will permanently damage RAM, expansion cards and motherboards. It is a good idea to place the RAM sticks on paper (not plastic or metal) and to ground yourself by using a static strap or touching a metal surface before touching the memory modules.

Well here is EXACTLY what you should have used:

http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.asp?Mfr%2BProductline=Dell%2BInspiron&mfr=Dell&tabid=AM&model=Inspiron+8000+Series&submit=Go

What exactly did you get (not just the speed please!) and where did you get it?

What was in there originally and what did you try to replace it with?Good Google, GX!

8-)the 'crucial' link says i need pc133, but i initially had pc100 installed and the computer worked fine :-?

Memory Capacity: (1) 256MB
Module Type: 144-pin Sdram Sodimm
Data Rate: PC100, 3.3 Volts
Organized as: 32M x 64, (16x16) , 8 chips
Condition: New - BRAND (Kingston, Micron)
Equivalent to OEM part #: 311-4072

this is the auction where i got the ram
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=018&item=280011054858&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&rd=1
Well it is either an incompatibility or bad RAM.

It looks like the seller will let you return so I would go for that.

Crucial offers a reasonable price (not as cheap as what you paid) but lifetime warranty, quick SHIPPING and guaranteed compatibility. I think I would just get something that's guaranteed to work.

Here is your machine if you ever need the info.

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/plav/sm/index.htmQuote

the 'crucial' link says i need pc133, but i initially had pc100 installed and the computer worked fine :-?

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