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General discussion

Startup disk / Adding RAM

Dec 11, 2003 1:48AM PST

I have a HP Pavillion 6630, WIN 98SE, that did not come with a Win 98 CD. Should I create a startup disk for it? If so, is it as easy as putting in a floppy disk as it says in the control panel? It says only one disk required. Do I just put in the disk and click create disk? Is there any thing else I need to know? 2nd question: My unit came with 64MB SDRAM (unit purchased in beginning of 2000). Is it easy to upgrade the RAM (do myself), or should I get a pro to do it? Although I have cable, it does seem slow at times, and I was told that upgrading the RAM would help that a lot. Also, your suggestion as to how much to install. Thanks for your help, Tom...

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Re:Startup disk / Adding RAM
Dec 11, 2003 2:10AM PST

1. I have a HP Pavillion 6630, WIN 98SE, that did not come with a Win 98 CD. Should I create a startup disk for it? If so, is it as easy as putting in a floppy disk as it says in the control panel? It says only one disk required. Do I just put in the disk and click create disk? Is there any thing else I need to know?

No. Doesn't make much sense since an Emergency Startup Disk/EBD is really nothing more than an open door to the MS-DOS prompt, which anyone can do simply by booting there instead of into Windows.

2. My unit came with 64MB SDRAM (unit purchased in beginning of 2000). Is it easy to upgrade the RAM (do myself), or should I get a pro to do it? Although I have cable, it does seem slow at times, and I was told that upgrading the RAM would help that a lot. Also, your suggestion as to how much to install.

You don't need to be a computer whiz to figure out your system's RAM needs but you do need to know where to look and what questions to ask. The facts, which you need, should all be in the manual for your PC or motherboard. Upgrading a major-brand desktop PC can usually be done by calling a memory dealer and giving them the model number, perhaps Crucial can identify it if you access this site and in the box Top manufactures select the system you have. IMHO, probably no more than 256MB would be about right.

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Please let me add to that paragraph one however.
Dec 11, 2003 2:13AM PST

Of course an EBD would be convenient and useful should your system totally fail to boot from the hard drive. At least an EBD would contain enough information to access and perhaps fixing certain problems.

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Re:Please let me add to that paragraph one however.
Dec 11, 2003 3:42AM PST

Many thanks Cowboycursor. As usual, you guys respond quickly and with the correct info needed. Much obliged again, take care, and have a good holiday season.Tom..