Invalid Configuration

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Dell Christopher

Dell Dimension 4600
WinXP Home

I just tried to upgrade my RAM and, after installing the new chips, I got
the following message:

invalid configuration info, please run setup program
performing IDE configuration
time of day not set, please run setup program

I tried all combinations of the old and new RAM chips and slots, including
going back to the original setup, but I still get this message. If anyone
has any input into why I'm seeing this message, especially why I just can't
get back to where I was before, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks!
 
Not a Windows problem. You may need to replace the CMOS battery. Contact
Dell Support.
 
Dell Christopher said:
Dell Dimension 4600
WinXP Home

I just tried to upgrade my RAM and, after installing the new chips, I got
the following message:

invalid configuration info, please run setup program
performing IDE configuration
time of day not set, please run setup program

I tried all combinations of the old and new RAM chips and slots, including
going back to the original setup, but I still get this message. If anyone
has any input into why I'm seeing this message, especially why I just
can't get back to where I was before, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

This means that you need to run the setup program, often referred to as the
BIOS.

Try pressing F2 as the machine powers up - during the time you see the words
"Press f2 to enter setup" on the screen.

You basically only need to enter it, and then exit saving changes.

HTH
-pk
 
I actually did try booting to F2 for set-up, but it just froze on a black
screen with just a hint of a cursor in the upper left corner of the screen.
 
Dell Christopher said:
I actually did try booting to F2 for set-up, but it just froze on a black
screen with just a hint of a cursor in the upper left corner of the screen.
Click to expand...

That's not a good sign, because at that point, the system is not aware of an
OS, meaning that the Windows install has no bearing on the problem.

That is an indication of a hardware problem. Power down, take the RAM out
and basically set the system back the way it was (I am not referring to
Windows here, just the hardware).

If that allows the system to start, power down and put the new RAM back in.
If that causes the problem again, the RAM is likely not compatible.

HTH
-pk
 
Everything was fine until I tried the RAM upgrade.

The original configuration was two 256 mb chips in the 1st and 3rd slot. I
then added two 512 mb chips in the 2nd and 4th slot. After booting up from
there, I got the error messages in question, but I was able to get to the
Desktop. I changed the Date/Time and then confirmed the RAM change thru
Control Panel > System.

A subsequent reboot started the problem with the error messages, and then
just staying stuck on that screen. At that point, I tried taking out the
original two 256 chips, trying different slots for the new 512 mb chips,
then ultimately just putting the 256 mb chips back alone. That is where I
am now, still with the error message.

Is it possible that by simply adding these new 512 mb RAM chips, something
in the hardware configuration got screwed up? I'm confident the RAM is
compatible as the specs match up with what the system requires.
 
I'm not sure if you can use two 256 MB chips in two slots PLUS two 512 MB
chips in the other two slots in such a combination. (I would have expected
if you kept the two 256MB chips you would have to use two more 256 MB chips
(to keep the memory banks balanced), but I'm not positive. Maybe you can
put it back exactly the way it was, and then boot up into the BIOS screens
and make sure the RAM is properly recognized there.
 
Dell Christopher said:
Everything was fine until I tried the RAM upgrade.

The original configuration was two 256 mb chips in the 1st and 3rd slot.
I then added two 512 mb chips in the 2nd and 4th slot. After booting up
from there, I got the error messages in question, but I was able to get to
the Desktop. I changed the Date/Time and then confirmed the RAM change
thru Control Panel > System.

A subsequent reboot started the problem with the error messages, and then
just staying stuck on that screen. At that point, I tried taking out the
original two 256 chips, trying different slots for the new 512 mb chips,
then ultimately just putting the 256 mb chips back alone. That is where I
am now, still with the error message.

Is it possible that by simply adding these new 512 mb RAM chips, something
in the hardware configuration got screwed up?
Yes.

I'm confident the RAM is compatible as the specs match up with what the
system requires.
Click to expand...

If the PC isn't completing POST, if it can't get into the BIOS setup,
there's a problem that has nothing to do with the OS.

Remove the RAM, clear the CMOS, try again.

HTH
-pk
 
Dell said:
Everything was fine until I tried the RAM upgrade.

The original configuration was two 256 mb chips in the 1st and 3rd slot. I
then added two 512 mb chips in the 2nd and 4th slot. After booting up from
there, I got the error messages in question, but I was able to get to the
Desktop. I changed the Date/Time and then confirmed the RAM change thru
Control Panel, System.

A subsequent reboot started the problem with the error messages, and then
just staying stuck on that screen. At that point, I tried taking out the
original two 256 chips, trying different slots for the new 512 mb chips,
then ultimately just putting the 256 mb chips back alone. That is where I
am now, still with the error message.

Is it possible that by simply adding these new 512 mb RAM chips, something
in the hardware configuration got screwed up? I'm confident the RAM is
compatible as the specs match up with what the system requires.
Click to expand...

Just yesterday I had a message that the new, larger RAM 512MB sticks
needed to be placed in slot 1 and 3 "for optimal performance". Of
course, I got the RAM from Crucial.com so I'm sure their analysis
program suggested the correct RAM. hth..
 
Dell said:
Everything was fine until I tried the RAM upgrade.

The original configuration was two 256 mb chips in the 1st and 3rd slot. I
then added two 512 mb chips in the 2nd and 4th slot. After booting up from
there, I got the error messages in question, but I was able to get to the
Desktop. I changed the Date/Time and then confirmed the RAM change thru
Control Panel > System.

A subsequent reboot started the problem with the error messages, and then
just staying stuck on that screen. At that point, I tried taking out the
original two 256 chips, trying different slots for the new 512 mb chips,
then ultimately just putting the 256 mb chips back alone. That is where I
am now, still with the error message.

Is it possible that by simply adding these new 512 mb RAM chips, something
in the hardware configuration got screwed up? I'm confident the RAM is
compatible as the specs match up with what the system requires.
Click to expand...

Make sure the RAM is inserted completely. You should press each stick
in, pressing with one thumb on either side, till the levers on the sides
swing up into the detents on the RAM sticks. hth.
 
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