Desktop Memory Installation Guide

Installation Requirements:

A Screwdriver (usually a Phillips head)
Your computers manual
Anti Static Wrist Wrap (Recommended)
Compressed Air (Recommended)

1. Ground Yourself:    
Before opening up your desktop to install your memory it is extremely important that you ground yourself.  Computer Memory is extremely sensitive to static electricity and a slight charge of static electricity can cause the module to not work properly. 

The best way to ground yourself is using an anti static wrist wrap.   Turn your computer off and leave it plugged in.  Place the anti static wrist wrap around your wrist making sure the metal part touches your skin.  Then take the grounding wire from the wrist strap and connect it to any metal part of your computer.  If you don't have an anti static strap be sure to install your memory on a surface that is not carpeted.  Every 5 minutes or so be sure to touch the metal part of your computer to discharge any static electricity. 

2. Opening up your Computer Case:
Start by shutting off the computer and everything the computer is attached to.  You will need to open up your computers case; please see your computer manual for details on how to get it open.  Usually this involves taking screws out and sliding one of the side panels off.  Be sure to keep track of which screws go where.  Once you have the case open lay the computer on its side so that the opening is facing upwards.   

3.  Finding your Memory Sockets: 
The memory sockets will be grouped together with little plastic/metal clips on the sides for holding the memory in place.  Depending on your systems configuration there can be anywhere from 2-6 (or more if its a server) sockets.  There will be at least 1 socket that will have memory already in there. 

4.  Removing existing memory: (if necessary) 
Removal of existing memory is done by pressing down on the clips holding the memory module in its socket.  The memory module should pop right out.  Store your old memory in an anti static bag to prevent any damage.

5.  Installing your new memory:
Make sure all the clips on the sockets are open.  If they are not open you can press down on them and they will open up.  If they are open they will be resting at an angle to the memory socket rather than straight up and down.  Match up the notch in the memory stick with the ridge in the memory socket and press firmly down.  The clips should click right into place holding the memory stick in its socket.  You should also be barely able to see the tops of the gold contacts.