Need help with shared memory Help Me Please

[ctrl_alt_del]

Here's my problem, I was trying to fix my buddies computer, he has a celeron which has shared memory, by mistake I put the shared memory to zero in the bios, now the video is screwed up, I can't see anything on the screen beside a lot of different colored lines scrolling. I took the battery out to see if it would restart the mobo, but it didn't work. What can I do to get the video back, I can't see what I doing.

Thank you in advance!!!

[Lesley]

Depending on the motherboard you may need to switch a jumper to reset the bios to default. Most motherboards made in the last few years are like this. If he has his manual you should be able to find the info on how to do it in there. Follow the instructions exactly or it won't work and you'll have to try again.

I guess you understand now what shared memory is all about? ;) You can unshare it if you put in a new video card - it sounds like this board has onboard video.

[Drthorne]

You could also try a pci or agp video card if you still can't see anything

[Dr.Dan]

You'll need to reset the bios. Usually there is shorting pins to do that.

You'll probably need to look up the manual for the MB that you have to see where they are.

Unplug the system, Remove the battery, short the pins for a few minutes (might need to be longer), and try again.

[AMD]

Hold the insert key down and start the machine - go into the BIOS and reset shared memory to default.

If that doesn't work, clear CMOS memory with the jumper (on motherboard) + set BIOS settings appropriately for that machine. If you don't know what the appropriate settings are, tell you're friend to get somebody else to do it. There is absolutely no need to change the amount of memory reserved for integrated video.

[ctrl_alt_del]

I do understand what the shared memory is now. It's an old system.

I really don't want to play around with the jumpers unless I know what i'm doing.
Will I be able to see the bios if I hold the insert key down and start the machine???

[AMD]

Yes - it will temporarily boot with failsafe settings.

Can't guarantee that it will work though.

[eots]

If you don't want to rest the BIOS to defaults then your best option is to install a separate video card and then go into the BIOS and change the shared memory setting.