Helppp! Just brought my New computer home from walmart

Your system memory while a true total is 256mb, of that 64mb is being used for the "video" if build-in, in other words not a video card, that's common. I suggest you check the bios area to review what the cpu setting are under FSB, etc. play with them. I suggest you get this pgm. to better review all the aprmeters of your system:
http://www.lavalys.hu/index.php get the free Everest.

tada -----Willy

what exactly does this do besides give the system info?

The program's only reason for existence is to provide the user with every microscopic detail about the system he/she is using. Geeks will be able to recite their list of specs before they can remember how much they paid for it all. However, those that built it themselves already know the list by heart...they don't need a program to tell them anything. For the general user, it is simply a way of determining the specs required to help solve a particular problem.

In your case, it would verify that you actually received the specs that were listed on the box. If you go motherboard->CPU, it will verify the type and speed of processor, and at the bottom it will tell you it's current utilization. Then, if you go motherboard->SPD it will list each stick of RAM that is installed (in your case, just one), as well as its properties. (Next to "Module size" it should/will state 256MB, indicating you have the correct amount of RAM installed.)

For the most part, you'll never need/want to use Everest. However, if a complicated problem comes up and we need your exact specs, you'll be able to find them out without cracking open the case.

Hope this helps,
John

im trying to figure out what type of memory i need, so do i look for exactly what everest says is my memory? i know someone sent me a link to best buy who has one on sale but im not sure if thats the correct one? i do have a pc100 128 memory stick from my old compaq, but im not sure if i should try installing it or not.

In Everest, under motherboard->SPD, you'll need the information ''memory type'' and ''memory speed.'' In your case, that will be ''PC2700 DDR SDRAM.'' The rest of the information provided is not important to you. In fact it doesn't even matter what brand your memory is, as they are all pretty much created equally.

As far as using your old memory in your new computer, don't. Memory types are not interchangable unless your motherboard supports multiple types, which yours doesn't. In addition, PC100 SDRAM won't fit into a PC2700 DDR SDRAM slot unless you take a hammer, pair of pliers, and screwdriver to it. In that case, you might want to start shopping for a new 'new computer' right now.

Hope this helps,
John


P.S. You can view your computer's data sheet by clicking here.

LOL I Got it now. Thanks!

The difference (64MB) between the 256MB physical memory and the 192MB reported by Windows is what's reserved for integrated graphics. Integrated graphics use your system resources (primarily RAM) to simulate a real graphics card. The small chip on your motherboard does a fairly good job, especially for the price, but it does take away from your system resoyrces (as you've seen), and can't produce as high-quality graphics as a graphics card. Thus, for optimum results, it's recommended that you purchase a ''true'' graphics card, although it's not needed, especially considering it's a budget/low-end system that's not going to be used for a lot of gaming or multitasking.

As far as the processor registering slower than it's supposed to be, it might just not be running at full speed because it's not needed at the present time. This helps save power (cost of running it) and reduce the amount of heat created (allowing the fans to work less, reducing both cost and noise).

All in all, it sounds like it's running as it should. However, I'd consider watching the flyers for deals on RAM in the near future. It's recommended that you have at least 256MB of RAM to run Windows XP, and 64MB have already been allocated to graphics. Also, with only 40.62MB available with what I'm assuming is just basic programs, you may find yourself out of resources if you try to perform more intensive tasks. I looked at your specs, and if you do choose to upgrade your RAM, look for a single 256MB stick of PC2700 SDRAM, which will double your memory. (Best Buy currently has a stick of K-Byte 256MB PC2700 SDRAM on sale for $30.) Instructions on how to install the RAM are usually included, but I'm sure one of your friends or someone from Best Buy, Circuit City, etc could install it for you.

Hope this helps,
John

That puts so much more in perspective..thanks alot, and i will be upgrading the memory, its pretty easy to install. Its a really nice computer so im happy.....for now. Lol

im browsing on the internet, and sometimes the pages stall, or real slow, when switching pages, could more memory fix this?

A lack of enough RAM could cause a momentary freeze when switching between multiple browser windows, but it doesn't really affect the speed of a webpage loading. A slow/stalling page load can be caused by many things, including a problem with the specific site (overload of traffic, faulty coding, etc), a browser incompatibility (some sites only work swith IE, and some require Java, Flash, etc to work properly), or simply a slow internet connection. Let us know what internet service (dial-up, DSL, cable) you have, which browser you're using (IE, Firefox, Netscape, etc), and if it is a specific group of websites and hopefully there'll be something you can adjust on your end to correct the problem.

John

is my cable company, i was on mtv.com and trying to watch a video clip and everything got stuck so i pressed alt ctrl delete, and tried ending it but it just got stuck and overloaded, it finally shut down after a few minutes literally. it also happens if i have more than one program running, it slows down alot.

...getting more RAM (Random Access Memory). I'll back up that suggestion wholeheartedly. 256 MB is bare minimum for Windows XP and the more programs you run at the same time, the more RAM it needs.

In my opinion, you need at least 512 MB and preferably more. You'll definitely notice the difference.

Hope this helps.

Grif

I had assumed that everything was working properly, but that your internet connection was slow. Since it was your computer as a whole slowing to a crawl, RAM is your best friend, and right now you don't have enough. (Playing a video requires a media play to launch, which put more strain on your already tight system resources, leading to the browser freezing, followed by Windows when a new command was issued.) As a temporary fix, try to shut down any unnecessary programs that are running in the background. To do so, go start->all programs->startup and right-click and delete any that aren't needed. Then go start->run->msconfig and uncheck any services or startup programs that aren't needed. (Just be careful of what you disable, as a good portion of the list is necessary for Windows.) After reboot you'll receive a message about having modified your system configuration...just tell it to not alert you in the future and hope it freeed up enough resources for the time being. However, you'll definately need to install more RAM in the near future.

Hope this helps,
John

That breakdown helped. thanks alot!

Am very untekkie!! How do I know what RAM stick to buy? I have HP Pavillion 505n, Windows XP w/SP2, 2.2 Ghtz, 256 RAM. From reading here I see I really do need more ram, but how do I know what to buy? I see that you were able to tell someone else what is on their system, would you be able to figure out what mine is? Thank you so very much.

Hi Lyrical56

Crucial.com will guide you through the steps and recommend the proper ram stick for your computer.

HTH
Ray

For your computer, you'll need a stick of PC2100 SDRAM. You already have one 256MB stick of PC2100 SDRAM installed, so you'll need another stick of the same to bring it up to 512MB, the recommended amount for Windows XP.

There are three ways of checking this:
* Go to HP.com and run a search for your model number. Then scroll down to the article with a title of "HP Pavilion 505n Desktop PC - Product Specifications."

* Go to a memory manufacturer's website and use the memory finder to determine which type you need for your computer. (Crucial's is found by clicking here.)

* You can download a program (such as the free Home version of Everest), which will give you details about all hardware installed, including brand, model, and serial numbers, if available. This may be overkill for identifying the type of memory, but it sure is a nice tool to have.

Hope this helps,
John

i cannot my floppy disk drive, all i see is memory slots..?

i found out a floppy drive comes with my computer, but i was trying to save a game, and it saved it to my hard drive which worked fine. thanks anyway

drive?? many new ones do not.

If you have a floppy drive there should be an opening in the front panel through which you insert and remove floppy disks.

Floppy drives are considered obsolete, and most new computers no longer come with floppy drives installed. Modern technology beats the floppy in every respect: they only have 1.44MB of space, are more susceptible to electromagnetic forces, heat, etc, and take up more space. CDs can hold around 700MB, DVDs 4.7GB, flash drives hover around 1GB, and even memory cards can gold several GBs of data.

The downside is that some older programs still require floppy drives for installation/backup/recovery, and any data you still have stored on such media cannot be read. The solution is to purchase an internal or external floppy drive so that your new computer can still access legacy software/disks. You can get the MadDog or Memorex external drives, which connect to your computer via USB port, for $40, and even less if you watch for sales or shop online. Internal drives are about half the cost, but will require you to crack open your PC's case, and assumes you have space for it (which I believe you do).

Hope this helps,
John

Hi, it did not come with the os cds, i was a bit worried about that but i called and asked and they said it comes with the backup cds, so if i had to restore the computer all the files for xp are on the cds. it took about 10 cds to back up all the files, which seemed crazy to me..anyway thanks for all the help!