I am trying to upgrade the RAM in my VA1. Im planning on putting in 2 1GB mondules but when I do this the system wont boot up. The memory is recognised in the BIOS however.
I tried to update the BIOS to the latest version but when I run the installer I get an error saying that it cant find my system information.
Any idea how I can get the new memory to work ok? Im running Windows 7.
I have had conflicting reports about this. A number of web sites say it will take take a max of 2GB and the company i got the memory from said it would take it.
If it ony takes 1GB i will send the memory back but wondered if there was a way.
The VGC-VA1 does seem to work with 2GB. This was discussed in threads 2006/2007 Thalamus (may have been someone similar) was I believe involved. Crucial whose site advises 1GB (following sony spec) when they got data back from their downloaded software on a VA1 advised it should work.
Most memory companies still list 2GB which I believe would of been the original info from sony. I assume that the system is perhaps sensitive to poor memory and wonder whether sony altered the spec after problems. Mine works well with 2GB Kingston memory. If you check the USA site the VGC-VA11G and VGC-VA10 also don't apparently seem to limit the spec - they though run on pentium 4s not a peutium D.
I can't figure how to search for old threads perhaps the moderator could help?
After reading the posts on a RAM upgrade to a VGC-VA1 I took the plunge and ordered 2 1Gb ram modules from ORCA. http://www.orcalogic.co.uk/asp/Sony_VAIO_Desktop_VGC-VA1_Memory-20631-m-1.htm I gave these to a local computer maintenance company and £60 later had an upgraded VA1. Its almost back to its original self (before XP SP3 and Explorer 8 were in use).It is faster and definately worth giving it a try if you want a couple more years use from the machine. Best Wishes R
