So, I have a HP dx2200 desktop, and bought a couple of 1MB memory modules to upgrade the memory, which is 512MB. All the specs are the same as the stock memory (PC2-5300 DDR2 667 MHz). Put 'em in, no worky. All I get is gibberish colored lines on the monitor. Take 'em out, reload stock memory, works good. Talked to 3 HP tech "help" guys that were no help. Asked the local computer repair shop guy, he says I need to update the BIOS. My wallet will not support the fee for him to do it, he says I can download updates from HP, and I found the update, but Mr. computer guy also says that if I do this wrong, my computer will be a goner. I am not a computer expert by any means, but I can do a fair amount of stuff. Is this updating BIOS the kind of thing I can do myself? TIA for any help.

Have you checked that the BIOS update will actually allow the memory your trying to use ?
Just what memory are you trying to install ?
See 1-7 of this: http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/CoreRedirect.jsp?redirectReason=DocIndexPDF&prodSeriesId=1844701&targetPage=http%3A%2F%2Fbizsupport1.austin.hp.com% 2Fbc%2Fdocs%2Fsupport%2FSupportManual%2Fc00873016% 2Fc00873016.pdf
And make sure you have you have the right memory.

What BIOS update did you find ?
What BIOS are you currently using?
Yeah ,you might be able to DIY but let's find out what you have and if an update will help.


I don't see anything in the version release notes that would do you much goog

Thanks for the reply, Mike. OK, 1:Not sure where to get that info. 2: This:http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2485590&CatId=1554 is what I bought (2 of 'em). 3:I have checked that page already doing my homework. I chose memory with the same specs. 4: The BIOS update I found is from the HP website, here: http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/SoftwareDescription.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&prodTypeId=12454&prodSeriesId=1844701&swItem=ir-64576-1&prodNameId=1844702&swEnvOID=1093&swLang=13&taskId=135&mode=5 5: The version I have now is 1.05 (the closest I found at HP is 1.05A).

That's the same updates I looked at earlier and as I said ,there's nothing that I see to help.

Is it possible that the Ultra memory is just not compatible with the HP machine?

Flashing the bios is not difficult but if you flash the incorrect bios to the motherboard it can prevent the motherboard from posting rendering it useless.

I would try different memory first. This website i am showing guarantees compatable memory for your rig. I am not guaranteeing it will work, but they are :P

http://www.edgetechcorp.com/memory/upgrade.asp?cid=30796

I see the link I posted earlier expired.
Try this one and select Hardware reference
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/DocumentIndex.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&taskId=&contentType=SupportManual&prodSeriesId=1844701&prodTypeId=12454#2

Got to 1.7 for the memory specs and verify that you have the correct memory.

Mike and Berto, thank you, you have both helped me and I appreciate it!

I am glad to assist. If your problem is fixed that s all that counts. (btw I didn't do much) :)

I'm gonna wait a couple-few days, until I finish an online college course, then try flashing the BIOS. If that doesn't fix it, I'll return the memory to Tiger Direct (they're good about retuning stuff) and try out the "guaranteed" memory. I will report how it all ends up.

Well, to update, I chickened out on dinkin' with the BIOS, and exchanged the Ultra memory for one that was, "guaranteed." Stuck it in, turned it on, and it worked! Thanks for the help, guys.

Glad it's working now.