[RESOLVED]Umax laptop: Where is the ram insalled??

[Loko]

I have a Umax 320T that needs more ram. But, where does it go? Not under the battery, anyway. I removed the keyboard with some difficulty, but apparently not there either, altho' there was a piece of metallic tape, covering a hole at the bottom, that I hesitated to tear off. I even have the replacement ram that I need to install.

Does anyone have any ideas that don't involve totally dismantling the laptop? The manual is useless and just says don't try replacing it by yourself.

Loko

[3fingersalute]

Well, I can honestly say I've never worked on any of Umax's notebooks (I don't think they even manufacture them anymore), and a quick google didn't help me out much either.

Most laptops have a small panel on the bottom side you open up with a screw or two and the ram is seated inside. Do you see any small doors of flaps on the bottom side?

[Loko]

Thanks for the reply. Umax hasn't made laptops for years, and Google has nothing on the subject. Also, I've opened everything there is to open on the bottom, with no luck. Wish it was that simple.

Regards ... Loko

[slgrieb]

You might try contacting Umax at: http://www.umax.com/company/contact.jsp

But I doubt they will be helpful. This product is ancient. You should just bite the bullet and replace it. It will never run current software or give you a decent level of performance by current standards.

[Loko]

Thanks, slgrieb. Umax is notorious for not replying when you ask for laptop support. Sure, the laptop's ancient. However, it is only used for e-mail on dialup, where it would be adequate (with Win98) if it had more memory. Besides, solving the problem would be fun!

Regards

[geeksRus]

if there isnt a access panel on the bottom then the RAM is probably under the keyboard. good luck.

[RLKnecht]

Had to register to post this (saw it on a search and saw the incorrect answers). The standard memory (32mb) is soldered to the mainboard, but there is an additional memory slot. It is on the bottom under the access pannel for the fan. First remove the 4 screws on the fan cover, and expose the fan unit (the fan unit is about 2.5" x 5"). Now remove the 4 screws to remove the fan unit itself. Be careful of the wire (I broke mine and it was like finding a needle in a haystack to get a replacement plug). The max RAM that can be added (according to internet sources) is 64MB (only about $14 from Coast to coast memory (18004memory.com). I can't find my owners manual for my laptop so I had to explore to find out this info.
HTH
Rick

[confus-ed]

Had to register to post this (saw it on a search and saw the incorrect answers)...

Aww man the answers weren't bad for guesswork, somebody did say look underneath, but knowing you had to take the fan out as well, put you at a distinct advantage in answering ! :eek2:

However thanks for taking the time to register to share with us the exact/correct procedure :thumbs:, & welcome to windrivers forums :).

[Loko]

Well, RLKnecht, THANK YOU! Never expected to find the answer. Haven't had a chance to use your solution yet, although I did get down as far as the fan once and then gave up. I join with confus-ed in welcoming you to the forum.

Regards.

[Loko]

Just to report back that RLKnecht's solution worked perfectly. I've been wanting to install that extra ram for years. Thanks again Rick, and thanks to all those that responded.

Regards

[3fingersalute]

Had to register to post this (saw it on a search and saw the incorrect answers).Rick

The posts previous to yours were offering suggestions, both with the disclaimer that we were not familiar with the machine, and were giving general ideas where to look. We didn't offer incorrect answers, as we didn't offer answers, only suggestions.

That said, thanks again for taking the time to register and post the reply! By doing so, people can now find this answer later, even when simply googling the topic.

Welcome to Windrivers RLKnecht, hope you stick around!!! :thumbs2:

[Loko]

It would appear that I unnecessarily maligned Umax when I said they were notorious for not replying to questions abour laptops. I was proven wrong, as you can see from their reply to my query:

Dear customer,

For 320T, memory slot is underneath the cooling fan. You look at the
bottom of the laptop. After taking the cooling fan cover out and also
taking the cooling fan out, you will see one memory slot available.

Thanks,

Repair Depot
UMAX Technolgies, Inc.

Loko

[DonJ]

That's good to know, Loko.

btw, how long did it take them to reply to your original question? Just curious.

[Loko]

Hi DonJ

9 days. slgrieb suggested I email them on 14 Aug, I did so on 15 Aug. They replied on 24 Aug.

Regards

[keetah]

This is my first time here so I don't really know what I'm doing,so please bare with me.First I'd like to say that I found this amazing to be directed here by google.I too have a Umax 320T and need more memory.Thanks for the great info.(I'm waiting for a 64mb in mail)guys.I guess I was wondering if I can upgrade the processor too?Or anything else.I'm not too computer savy though.I understand that if I want virus protection,I need more memory.Anyways thanks for all your help,you guys are awesome. :sad:

[3fingersalute]

This is my first time here so I don't really know what I'm doing,so please bare with me.First I'd like to say that I found this amazing to be directed here by google.I too have a Umax 320T and need more memory.Thanks for the great info.(I'm waiting for a 64mb in mail)guys.I guess I was wondering if I can upgrade the processor too?Or anything else.I'm not too computer savy though.I understand that if I want virus protection,I need more memory.Anyways thanks for all your help,you guys are awesome. :sad:
Most laptop processors can not be upgraded, and based on the age of this machine, I'm going to say I seriously doubt itd upgradeable, and if so, odds are it will be a hard thing to locate. If you're adding RAM, the only other upgrade you could possibly make is to increase the hard drive space.

Welcome to Windrivers !!!

[Loko]

Keetah

You'll find that the extra ram will speed things up a bit, but that processor is just slow. On my 320T, after the 64mb addition, I managed to install Sygate Personal Firewall and Anti-Vir Personal Edition virus checker (both free). You can get them at www.majorgeeks.com . I intend to try Avast! Home Edition virus checker instead as it works just great on my desktop and is easier to update. Also, try to keep the number of startup items to a minimum to conserve memory.

Good luck and Regards ... Loko