2KXL Memory/SCSI issue...

Part 1:
I have a 2000XL that "hangs" upon startup (screen says "detecting memory" for 20+ seconds or more). Sometimes I'm able to get to the main screen, but not always. Although I have 32mb of memory installed, it sometimes tells me I have less (especially when sampling). I've switched the chips around but still have the same problem. Any help is appreciated.

Part 2:
I also have an External SCSI drive chained with a 100 Zip & a PC (Windows XP Pro). Does the External SCSI drive have to be formatted by the PC to work in both environments just like a zip disc?

I think the problem described above in Part 1 could be affecting the problem in Part 2, but I would like some help please. Thanks all & please respond with any and all suggestions.

suenos09 wrote:Part 1:
. Although I have 32mb of memory installed, it sometimes tells me I have less (especially when sampling).

When does it say that? I have the 32mb installed also and when I go into my sample screen it still says that I have 10sec sampling time, but if you wind up the data wheel, the time scrolls up. Or, "highlight" the sampling time it says that you have and press "OPEN WINDOW" and it will tell you how many mb are installed

beets wrote:

suenos09 wrote:Part 1:
. Although I have 32mb of memory installed, it sometimes tells me I have less (especially when sampling).

When does it say that? I have the 32mb installed also and when I go into my sample screen it still says that I have 10sec sampling time, but if you wind up the data wheel, the time scrolls up. Or, "highlight" the sampling time it says that you have and press "OPEN WINDOW" and it will tell you how many mb are installed

It says less than 32mb when I "highlight the sampling time and ...press OPEN WINDOW". But I know I have 32mb installed because it sometimes tells me 32mb.

suenos09 wrote:

beets wrote:

suenos09 wrote:Part 1:
. Although I have 32mb of memory installed, it sometimes tells me I have less (especially when sampling).

When does it say that? I have the 32mb installed also and when I go into my sample screen it still says that I have 10sec sampling time, but if you wind up the data wheel, the time scrolls up. Or, "highlight" the sampling time it says that you have and press "OPEN WINDOW" and it will tell you how many mb are installed

It says less than 32mb when I "highlight the sampling time and ...press OPEN WINDOW". But I know I have 32mb installed because it sometimes tells me 32mb.

I'd check your ram. Take it out and put it back in firmly. If you keep getting it saying you got less than 32mb, then it's the ram.
What I'm thinking is if you have 2 x 16mb chips in there, and when it says less than 32mb, if it says you have 18mb, then one of your 16mb dimms is phucked .

Yeah, I hope it's just a matter of replacing the 16mb chips. I'll cross my fingers and let you all know what happens. Thanks for the help so far y'all.

Can anyone help with Part 2 of the original post? The PC wont recognize the External SCSI HD.

Part 1:
I have a 2000XL that "hangs" upon startup (screen says "detecting memory" for 20+ seconds or more). Sometimes I'm able to get to the main screen, but not always. Although I have 32mb of memory installed, it sometimes tells me I have less (especially when sampling). I've switched the chips around but still have the same problem. Any help is appreciated.
Your RAM is going bad.

Part 2:
I also have an External SCSI drive chained with a 100 Zip & a PC (Windows XP Pro). Does the External SCSI drive have to be formatted by the PC to work in both environments just like a zip disc?
Yes

Thanks, Everyone.

Use 1 stick of RAM at a time and see which one (or both) maybe going bad.

Ok, Lamp. I'll do that. I'm thinking about buying new sticks just in case. Any suggestions on proven/reliable specific models & manufacturers? Anyone?

pg 192 in the xl manual.

Also works for the 2k classic.

Just checked the manual. It only specified the chip memory size (16mb or 32mb). http://www.mpc2000xl.com/MPC_memory.htm helped me find the model/manufacturers for the correct chips. Thanks Lamp and everyone for the help.