This is the basic process in finding out how much RAM in installed in your computer.  Note that this will report an amount that is available to the system, so don't worry if it is not exactly "256mb" - "254400kb" is close enough to 256mb.  There are some wonderfully complicated reasons why different amounts are reported, but it should give you a good idea of the amount of RAM installed in your computer.

These steps apply to most Windows-based computers.  

1. Print these instructions.  It will help as you may not be able to see this screen throughout the process.
2. Make sure that your computer is on, and that you have no other programs open.  You should be seeing your windows desktop.
3. Locate the "My Computer" icon.  If you cannot find the "My Computer" icon on your desktop, don't worry - click on "Start", then find the "My Computer" menu item.
4. Once you have found the icon or menu item, RIGHT CLICK on "My Computer"
5. This should bring up a small menu and from the list, select "Properties".
6. Give the machine a moment, and this should bring up a small window with several tabs at the top.  By default the "General" tab should be active - just look at the lower right hand side of the window - this should display the properties of the system such as the RAM installed.
7. Click on "OK" to close this window and return to your previous windows.

Generally, the amounts of RAM installed on your computer will increase in certain multiples.  The most basic multiple is 64mb for modern machines (if your machine is increasing in multiples of anything less, then please contact us). Most newer machines (post 2002) will actually increase in multiples of 128mb or 256mb.

So, simply pick the memory that you have from the closes match from the list below:

• 64mb
• 128mb
• 256mb
• 512mb
• 1024mb ... (1 Gigabyte)
• 1536mb ... (1.5 Gigabytes)
• 2048mb ... (2 Gigabytes)