Re: Memory Upgrade for Ancient Enspiron 2600

[rhkramer]

On Monday, March 20, 2017 01:52:16 PM Curt wrote:
> On 2017-03-20, cbannis...@slingshot.co.nz  
wrote:
> >>* 1 GB HDD ~$50
> > 
> > You're being ripped off for that size HDD!
> 
> I think some zeros got lost in that gauzy electronic region between
> the sender and the sendee.
> 
> Or maybe a T.


Oops, yeah, you're right--1 TB HDD.

Re: Memory Upgrade for Ancient Enspiron 2600

[rhkramer]

On Monday, March 20, 2017 01:19:54 PM cbannis...@slingshot.co.nz wrote:
> On Wed, Jan 18, 2017 at 04:38:19PM -0500, rhkra...@gmail.com wrote:



> >* 8 MB RAM $40 to $50
> >* 1 GB HDD ~$50
> 
> You're being ripped off for that size HDD!

Prices change--I haven't bought an HDD or any RAM in probably 2 years.  HDDs 
have gone down, RAM has gone up.

Re: Memory Upgrade for Ancient Enspiron 2600

[Curt]

On 2017-03-20, cbannis...@slingshot.co.nz  wrote:

>>* 1 GB HDD ~$50
>
> You're being ripped off for that size HDD! 
>

I think some zeros got lost in that gauzy electronic region between
the sender and the sendee.

Or maybe a T.

-- 
"It might be a vision--of a shell, of a wheelbarrow, of a fairy kingdom on the
far side of the hedge; or it might be the glory of speed; no one knew." --Mrs.
Ramsay, speculating on why her little daughter might be dashing about, in "To
the Lighthouse," by Virginia Woolf.

Re: Memory Upgrade for Ancient Enspiron 2600

[cbannister]

On Wed, Jan 18, 2017 at 04:38:19PM -0500, rhkra...@gmail.com wrote:
> On Wednesday, January 18, 2017 04:08:09 PM Doug wrote:
> > Whether or not this is all economically worth while, or you should throw
> > the machine out and buy a new one is up to you.
> 
> I typically build replacement computers (for myself, son, and a few others) 
> for $200 to $300 (or less) (without Windows).  I do this by watching for 
> items 
> on sale at places like Newegg and Tigerdirect.
> 
> A typical build has a 64 bit AMD processor, 8GB of memory, and at least 200 
> GB 
> of disk.  
> 
> A typical budget:
> 
>* Motherboard and CPU $70 to $100
>* case and power supply $30 to $60 (I typically get a new power supply for 
> ~$20), if I can, I'll re-use a case (if it is a size that I like (and holds 
> the MB)
>* 8 MB RAM $40 to $50
>* 1 GB HDD ~$50

You're being ripped off for that size HDD! 

-- 
The media's the most powerful entity on earth. 
They have the power to make the innocent guilty 
and to make the guilty innocent, and that's power.
 -- Malcolm X

Re: Memory Upgrade for Ancient Enspiron 2600

[Martin McCormick]

I want to thank those who suggested getting the service
manual from Dell. I've got it and it is really going to be
helpful as the disassembly process is a lot like I expected but
not quite so it should save a lot of headaches later on and the
likelihood of damage is much less.

I expect this will run debian jessie with enough memory
for reasonable projects. The memory modules should be here in a
few days and then it's time to make it happen.

Martin McCormick WB5AGZ

Re: Memory Upgrade for Ancient Enspiron 2600

[Martin McCormick]

Doug  writes:
> As you watch the youtube, please note that he DID NOT USE ANY ARCTIC 
> SILVER
> when he installed the CPU!
> 
> I doubt that he'll have much life with that laptop!
> 
> --doug
Jimmy Johnson  writes:
> Here's a 2650 replacement, maybe it will help. https://www.youtube.com/
> watch?v=t5kzYN8FuHU

It is similar but Dell has made it a little easier in the
2650. I am going to ask a dumb question, here but explain why.

As someone who has no usable vision, I have done this
sort of technical work complete with small parts and the need to
be gentle with them, for almost 50 years. The idea is to make it
better, not destroy it.

In the video, Mr. Lord mentions being able to lift up the
thin panel containing the keyboard to reach the under side of the
keyboard. Does the 2650 also have the touch pad and two large
mouse buttons between it and the  edge that normally would be
closest to you?
The 2600 has as much room devoted to those items
as is taken up by the keyboard whose top row is maybe two
finger-widths from the lower edge of the screen. If you tried to
lift it up high enough to reach the bottom of the keyboard and
remove the screws, I think you would hear the sounds of
over-stressed plastic cracking. Those two remaining screws
blocked by the bottom of the screen, if out, probably would let
you tilt it up, being mindful that there are several fragile
cables that shouldn't be stressed.

At least he did tell folks to remove the battery. There
are probably some who wouldn't even give that lithium hydroxide
bomb a second thought until it gave them 3rd-degree burns. This
stuff is never really off unless all batteries are out.

I take it that Arctic Silver is thermal grease. Ya'
gotta' have it.

Martin

Re: Memory Upgrade for Ancient Enspiron 2600

[Doug]

On 01/19/2017 11:54 AM, Jimmy Johnson wrote:

On 01/18/2017 09:01 PM, Martin McCormick wrote:

Jimmy Johnson  writes:

Hi Martin,

How much memory does the Dell Inspiron 2600 Series Laptop take?


I gave Dell the service tag number and found that this model can
only hold 512 MB maximum and I was able to contact a company that
is shipping two 256 MB modules. One is the easy one, the little
door in the bottom near the battery. The other is the fun one,
called the factory configurable slot under the keyboard.

Getting to this second slot is not terribly hard  as it
appears that the keyboard and touch pad panel will come off or
at least raise up but there is one last hurdle which I am trying
to jump without breaking something.

The bottom edge of the screen exactly hides the last two
screws. You can't move it to any position which will expose them.

The hinges and screen work fine and I want to keep it
that way but it looks like if one could temporarily take the
hinges loose from the screen, it would probably move enough to
take out the last two screws.

I have been googling to find out if there is a way to
temporarily take the screen out of the grasp of the hinges and am
running in to the usual mechanized help syndrome of people who
want to sell you services and tons of articles about the wrong
models of Dell.

I also know that one or both hinges probably also pass
the screen's electrical cables so whatever one does to the hinges
must be done with care to keep from cutting or damaging those
flex cables.

Otherwise, I'm mostly there.

When I do get it upgraded, it should run Debian as I have
gotten systems to run it on 384 MB without gnome.

Thanks for any suggestions. In a previous life, I repaired AV
equipment in the eighties and the hinge problem is very similar
to a few others I have dealt with in that there is probably a
trick that makes all the difference between making things worse
and fixing it. Those screws do have to come out.

Martin McCormick


Here's a 2650 replacement, maybe it will help. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5kzYN8FuHU
As you watch the youtube, please note that he DID NOT USE ANY ARCTIC 
SILVER when he installed the CPU!

I doubt that he'll have much life with that laptop!

--doug

Re: Memory Upgrade for Ancient Enspiron 2600

[Jimmy Johnson]

On 01/18/2017 09:01 PM, Martin McCormick wrote:

Jimmy Johnson  writes:

Hi Martin,

How much memory does the Dell Inspiron 2600 Series Laptop take?


I gave Dell the service tag number and found that this model can
only hold 512 MB maximum and I was able to contact a company that
is shipping two 256 MB modules. One is the easy one, the little
door in the bottom near the battery. The other is the fun one,
called the factory configurable slot under the keyboard.

Getting to this second slot is not terribly hard  as it
appears that the keyboard and touch pad panel will come off or
at least raise up but there is one last hurdle which I am trying
to jump without breaking something.

The bottom edge of the screen exactly hides the last two
screws. You can't move it to any position which will expose them.

The hinges and screen work fine and I want to keep it
that way but it looks like if one could temporarily take the
hinges loose from the screen, it would probably move enough to
take out the last two screws.

I have been googling to find out if there is a way to
temporarily take the screen out of the grasp of the hinges and am
running in to the usual mechanized help syndrome of people who
want to sell you services and tons of articles about the wrong
models of Dell.

I also know that one or both hinges probably also pass
the screen's electrical cables so whatever one does to the hinges
must be done with care to keep from cutting or damaging those
flex cables.

Otherwise, I'm mostly there.

When I do get it upgraded, it should run Debian as I have
gotten systems to run it on 384 MB without gnome.

Thanks for any suggestions. In a previous life, I repaired AV
equipment in the eighties and the hinge problem is very similar
to a few others I have dealt with in that there is probably a
trick that makes all the difference between making things worse
and fixing it. Those screws do have to come out.

Martin McCormick


Here's a 2650 replacement, maybe it will help. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5kzYN8FuHU

--
Jimmy Johnson


Debian Sid/Testing - Plasma 5.8.4 - Kernel 4.8.0-2 - EXT4 at sda24
Registered Linux User #380263

Re: Memory Upgrade for Ancient Enspiron 2600

[Martin McCormick]

David Christensen  writes:
> On 01/18/17 22:02, Doug wrote:
> The Service Manual can be downloaded from the support page I posted
> previously:
> > http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/19/product-support/product/
> inspiron-2600/manuals

Thank you! I will certainly do that.

Also, remembering the eighties when I worked as a
technician in our audio visual repair shop, the advice about
labelling removed parts for later re-assembly is a great idea.
It's amazing how fuzzy one's memory can get when working on some
device that is new to you, especially if there is a delay between
tear-down and re-assembly.

We were officially classified as electronic technicians
but back then most of what broke was mechanical and involved that
inner circle of Hell which is the interface between electronics
and things that move. It's kind of fun but agrevating when one is
trying to really fix it so that it stays fixed.

Martin McCormick

Re: Memory Upgrade for Ancient Enspiron 2600

[Lisi Reisz]

On Thursday 19 January 2017 06:02:08 Doug wrote:
> On 01/19/2017 12:01 AM, Martin McCormick wrote:
> > Jimmy Johnson  writes:
> >> Hi Martin,
> >>
> >> How much memory does the Dell Inspiron 2600 Series Laptop take?
> >
> > I gave Dell the service tag number and found that this model can
> > only hold 512 MB maximum and I was able to contact a company that
> > is shipping two 256 MB modules. One is the easy one, the little
> > door in the bottom near the battery. The other is the fun one,
> > called the factory configurable slot under the keyboard.
> >
> > Getting to this second slot is not terribly hard  as it
> > appears that the keyboard and touch pad panel will come off or
> > at least raise up but there is one last hurdle which I am trying
> > to jump without breaking something.
> >
> > The bottom edge of the screen exactly hides the last two
> > screws. You can't move it to any position which will expose them.
> >
> > The hinges and screen work fine and I want to keep it
> > that way but it looks like if one could temporarily take the
> > hinges loose from the screen, it would probably move enough to
> > take out the last two screws.
> >
> > I have been googling to find out if there is a way to
> > temporarily take the screen out of the grasp of the hinges and am
> > running in to the usual mechanized help syndrome of people who
> > want to sell you services and tons of articles about the wrong
> > models of Dell.
> >
> > I also know that one or both hinges probably also pass
> > the screen's electrical cables so whatever one does to the hinges
> > must be done with care to keep from cutting or damaging those
> > flex cables.
> >
> > Otherwise, I'm mostly there.
> >
> > When I do get it upgraded, it should run Debian as I have
> > gotten systems to run it on 384 MB without gnome.
> >
> > Thanks for any suggestions. In a previous life, I repaired AV
> > equipment in the eighties and the hinge problem is very similar
> > to a few others I have dealt with in that there is probably a
> > trick that makes all the difference between making things worse
> > and fixing it. Those screws do have to come out.
> >
> > Martin McCormick
>
> For most Dell laptops, there is a service manual. See if there is one for
> this model, and download it. The manual I used for my machine was
> very useful--it specifies the exact series of procedures you need to run
> to get at any particular module in the machine. Then you don't have to
> guess and maybe break something.

The time I had to do something to a Dell laptop, I downloaded the service 
manual and it gave detailed and easy-to-follow instructions a) on how to 
dismantle it and b) equally good instructions for putting it together again.

It was quite complicated, with all sorts of things layered.  I would not have 
been able to guess, but it was really easy (if some of it fiddly) with the 
instructions.

Lisi

Re: Memory Upgrade for Ancient Enspiron 2600

[David Christensen]

On 01/18/17 22:02, Doug wrote:


On 01/19/2017 12:01 AM, Martin McCormick wrote:

I gave Dell the service tag number and found that this model can
only hold 512 MB maximum and I was able to contact a company that
is shipping two 256 MB modules. One is the easy one, the little
door in the bottom near the battery. The other is the fun one,
called the factory configurable slot under the keyboard.


For most Dell laptops, there is a service manual. See if there is one
for this model, and download it. The manual I used for my machine
was very useful--it specifies the exact series of procedures you need
to run to get at any particular module in the machine. Then you don't
have to guess and maybe break something.



The Service Manual can be downloaded from the support page I posted
previously:

On 01/18/17 12:04, David Christensen wrote:

Here is the Dell support page for your Inspiron 2600:

>
> 
http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/19/product-support/product/inspiron-2600/manuals



Dell provides step-by-step instructions for removing and installing 
every part in their Service Manuals.  The service manuals are one of the 
reasons I will purchase and work on Dell products.



Read "Before You Remove or Replace Parts" on p. 6.  You're going to need 
the right tools (see p. 7).  I also recommend an anti-static wrist strap 
and anti-static work practices.  Don't touch any electrical contacts (if 
you do, clean them with a Q-Tip and rubbing alcohol).  Vacuum out the 
dust while you have the case open.  I find it useful to put parts into 
zip-lock baggies with a Post-It note identifying where they came from.



"Removing the Memory Module/Modem Cover" starts on page 77.  Follow the 
links to other pages as you encounter them.  Re-assembly is usually in 
the opposite order of disassembly, but I haven't read the procedures for 
your machine in detail.



If you want to upgrade the CPU, you might want to do that at the same 
time you have the case open for the internal memory module.  Use a 
credit card and/or plastic or wooden tools to remove old heat sink 
compound (steel tools will damage aluminum parts).



Follow Dell's and the heat sink compound manufacturer's instructions 
carefully and you should do fine.  Post here if you have any questions.



David

Re: Memory Upgrade for Ancient Enspiron 2600

[Doug]

On 01/19/2017 12:01 AM, Martin McCormick wrote:

Jimmy Johnson  writes:

Hi Martin,

How much memory does the Dell Inspiron 2600 Series Laptop take?

I gave Dell the service tag number and found that this model can
only hold 512 MB maximum and I was able to contact a company that
is shipping two 256 MB modules. One is the easy one, the little
door in the bottom near the battery. The other is the fun one,
called the factory configurable slot under the keyboard.

Getting to this second slot is not terribly hard  as it
appears that the keyboard and touch pad panel will come off or
at least raise up but there is one last hurdle which I am trying
to jump without breaking something.

The bottom edge of the screen exactly hides the last two
screws. You can't move it to any position which will expose them.

The hinges and screen work fine and I want to keep it
that way but it looks like if one could temporarily take the
hinges loose from the screen, it would probably move enough to
take out the last two screws.

I have been googling to find out if there is a way to
temporarily take the screen out of the grasp of the hinges and am
running in to the usual mechanized help syndrome of people who
want to sell you services and tons of articles about the wrong
models of Dell.

I also know that one or both hinges probably also pass
the screen's electrical cables so whatever one does to the hinges
must be done with care to keep from cutting or damaging those
flex cables.

Otherwise, I'm mostly there.

When I do get it upgraded, it should run Debian as I have
gotten systems to run it on 384 MB without gnome.

Thanks for any suggestions. In a previous life, I repaired AV
equipment in the eighties and the hinge problem is very similar
to a few others I have dealt with in that there is probably a
trick that makes all the difference between making things worse
and fixing it. Those screws do have to come out.

Martin McCormick



For most Dell laptops, there is a service manual. See if there is one for
this model, and download it. The manual I used for my machine was
very useful--it specifies the exact series of procedures you need to run
to get at any particular module in the machine. Then you don't have to
guess and maybe break something.

--doug, WA2SAY

Re: Memory Upgrade for Ancient Enspiron 2600

[Martin McCormick]

Jimmy Johnson  writes:
> Hi Martin,
> 
> How much memory does the Dell Inspiron 2600 Series Laptop take?

I gave Dell the service tag number and found that this model can
only hold 512 MB maximum and I was able to contact a company that
is shipping two 256 MB modules. One is the easy one, the little
door in the bottom near the battery. The other is the fun one,
called the factory configurable slot under the keyboard.

Getting to this second slot is not terribly hard  as it
appears that the keyboard and touch pad panel will come off or
at least raise up but there is one last hurdle which I am trying
to jump without breaking something.

The bottom edge of the screen exactly hides the last two
screws. You can't move it to any position which will expose them.

The hinges and screen work fine and I want to keep it
that way but it looks like if one could temporarily take the
hinges loose from the screen, it would probably move enough to
take out the last two screws.

I have been googling to find out if there is a way to
temporarily take the screen out of the grasp of the hinges and am
running in to the usual mechanized help syndrome of people who
want to sell you services and tons of articles about the wrong
models of Dell.

I also know that one or both hinges probably also pass
the screen's electrical cables so whatever one does to the hinges
must be done with care to keep from cutting or damaging those
flex cables.

Otherwise, I'm mostly there.

When I do get it upgraded, it should run Debian as I have
gotten systems to run it on 384 MB without gnome.

Thanks for any suggestions. In a previous life, I repaired AV
equipment in the eighties and the hinge problem is very similar
to a few others I have dealt with in that there is probably a
trick that makes all the difference between making things worse
and fixing it. Those screws do have to come out.

Martin McCormick

Re: Memory Upgrade for Ancient Enspiron 2600 (clarification)

[David Christensen]

On 01/18/17 13:23, Doug wrote:

Note that the following applies to a Dell E1505, as I said in a previous
post. I do not know how it fits with the computer under discussion
here.  --doug

The CPU upgrade I installed was not something from the Dell website.
You can replace the CPU with a T7600, and upgrade the BIOS to the
latest, and you will then have a 64 bit
machine that will run any 64-bit Windows OS and any 64-bit Linux OS. I
have PCLinuxOS KDE 64-bit on it right now. I have seen some reference
to adding something to the BIOS
that would enable the entire 4 GiB ram, but I have not done that. With
4 GiB installed, you can use 3.2 GiB. You should be aware that the
WIFI chip is Broadcom, and it will run
without a problem in Windows and in Mint 17 Linux, but will give you
fits to get working in PCLOS, altho it can be done. You can also
change the small HD to a larger SSD.
Whether or not this is all economically worth while, or you should
throw the machine out and buy a new one is up to you.


From memory, the T7600 was $75 and the T7400 was $25 at the time. 
Triple the money for 167 MHz wasn't worth it.



Yes, I've seen posts that 4 GB works.  I had previously upgraded to 2 
GB, and it was enough for my needs.



David

Re: Memory Upgrade for Ancient Enspiron 2600

[Jimmy Johnson]

On 01/18/2017 08:28 AM, Martin McCormick wrote:

Felix Miata  writes:

Are you sure? I searched for "inspiron 2600 RAM" and found lots of hits on
dell.com and elsewhere.


Thanks to you and all others who responded.




has 256 MB of RAM. I am of the understanding that the 128-MB
memory card under the little door on the bottom can be replaced
with a 512 MB card and that pretty much does it. There is another
128 MB block under the keyboard but I think for what I was
planning to do with it, 640 MB is sufficient.



From what I saw you'll need to do more investigating. It looks to me like
that model might be limited to 512M in total only in the form of two 256M
SODIMMs.


That is certainly a possibility. This version of the 2600
has one and only one socket under the door which is above and to
the right of the battery compartment and that card is  presently
128 MB. I don't know yet if the other 128 MB of RAM is soldered
right to the board under the keyboard or if it can also be
removed when excavated.


My next task is to checkout Dell's web site. We did write
down the service tag numbers and all the numbers on the memory
module. It sounds like it is worth checking out how much of an
upgrade is practical with this system.

Martin McCormick WB5AGZ


Hi Martin,

How much memory does the Dell Inspiron 2600 Series Laptop take?

You can upgrade your Dell Inspiron 2600 Series Laptop to up to a maximum 
memory capacity of 512MB Memory.


How many total memory slots to install memory?

The Laptop has 2 sockets (1 user-accessible, 1 factory configurable) to 
install memory, already with 128 or 256MB (non-removable) standard 
memory installed. For best Inspiron 2600 Series Laptop performance use 
the maximum amount of 512MB, fill all the slots with the max allowed 
memory per slot for your Laptop.


http://www.dellmemoryram.com/dell-laptop-ram/DellInspiron2600Series.html

You can run a small footprint linux system, Puppy has an upgradeable 
Ubuntu system and it's super-fast, plus there are many options using 
Debian, but Puppy is an expert at usable small footprint systems.


regards,
--
Jimmy Johnson


Debian Sid/Testing - Plasma 5.8.4 - Kernel 4.8.0-2 - EXT4 at sda24
Registered Linux User #380263

Re: Memory Upgrade for Ancient Enspiron 2600

[rhkramer]

On Wednesday, January 18, 2017 04:08:09 PM Doug wrote:
> Whether or not this is all economically worth while, or you should throw
> the machine out and buy a new one is up to you.

I typically build replacement computers (for myself, son, and a few others) 
for $200 to $300 (or less) (without Windows).  I do this by watching for items 
on sale at places like Newegg and Tigerdirect.

A typical build has a 64 bit AMD processor, 8GB of memory, and at least 200 GB 
of disk.  

A typical budget:

   * Motherboard and CPU $70 to $100
   * case and power supply $30 to $60 (I typically get a new power supply for 
~$20), if I can, I'll re-use a case (if it is a size that I like (and holds 
the MB)
   * 8 MB RAM $40 to $50
   * 1 GB HDD ~$50

Mice and keyboads I have or will reuse old ones.  Don't even install a floppy 
drive anymore--shouldn't bother with a CD or DVD drive, but I typically 
install an old one "just in case".

The prices I mention do require patience (to wait for sales) and a willingness 
to go through the rebate process.

Re: Memory Upgrade for Ancient Enspiron 2600 (clarification)

[Doug]

On 01/18/2017 04:08 PM, Doug wrote:



On 01/18/2017 03:04 PM, David Christensen wrote:

On 01/17/17 19:00, Martin McCormick wrote:

I have an old Dell Enspiron 2600 which still works but it only
has 256 MB of RAM. I am of the understanding that the 128-MB
memory card under the little door on the bottom can be replaced
with a 512 MB card and that pretty much does it. There is another
128 MB block under the keyboard but I think for what I was
planning to do with it, 640 MB is sufficient.

/snip/


When discussing Dell, it helps if you enter your Service Tag into the 
Dell Support site and post the components URL.  For example, here is 
my Inspiron E1505:


http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/04/product-support/servicetag/C86YXB1/configuration 




Here is the Dell support page for your Inspiron 2600:

http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/19/product-support/product/inspiron-2600/manuals 




The Specifications chapter of the Owner's Manual indicates:

Microprocessor (Inspiron 2600) Mobile Intel Pentium III processor-M or
  Mobile Intel Celeron® processor

System chip set (Inspiron 2600) Intel 830MG

Memory

Architecture (Inspiron 2600) PC133 SDRAM
Memory module connector one user-accessible SODIMM sockets
Memory module capacities 128 and 256 MB
Memory type 3.3-V SODIMM
Standard memory 128 MB
Maximum memory 512 MB


The Service Manual indicates:

Memory Module

HINT: This procedure covers removing and replacing the memory module 
located under the memory module/modem cover on the bottom of the 
computer. A second memory module resides on the upper surface of the 
system board under the EMI shield. To replace the memory module under 
the EMI shield, perform the procedure for removing the EMI shield. 
Then replace the memory module.



Therefore, if you want to max out the memory, Dells says you can 
install two 256 MB PC133 SO-DIMM modules.



I've never seen Dell provide information for CPU upgrades.
Note that the following applies to a Dell E1505, as I said in a previous 
post. I do not know how it fits with the computer under discussion 
here.  --doug
The CPU upgrade I installed was not something from the Dell website.  
You can replace the CPU with a T7600, and upgrade the BIOS to the 
latest, and you will then have a 64 bit
machine that will run any 64-bit Windows OS and any 64-bit Linux OS. I 
have PCLinuxOS KDE 64-bit on it right now. I have seen some reference 
to adding something to the BIOS
that would enable the entire 4 GiB ram, but I have not done that. With 
4 GiB installed, you can use 3.2 GiB. You should be aware that the 
WIFI chip is Broadcom, and it will run
without a problem in Windows and in Mint 17 Linux, but will give you 
fits to get working in PCLOS, altho it can be done. You can also 
change the small HD to a larger SSD.
Whether or not this is all economically worth while, or you should 
throw the machine out and buy a new one is up to you.


--doug, WA2SAY



Parts People has useful information and various parts for Dell 
computers:


https://www.parts-people.com/index.php?action=category=141=50=cpu+processor 




You could upgrade to a 1.2 GHz P3 CPU and 512 MB RAM for under $50. 
This only makes sense if the computer has an Ethernet port. For 
desktop use, you will be looking for lightweight desktops and/or 
distributions (Damn Small Linux).  With a USB drive, it would make 
for a slow file/ backup server (even slower with encryption).  With a 
PC card or USB NIC, it would make for a basic firewall/router (no VPN).



Upgrading old computers is a double-edged sword.  If you stay within 
specs, you will spend time and money to end up with something of 
limited use.  If you do the research, get lucky, and can get 
over-spec parts working, you will spend more time and money, to end 
up with something of less limited use.  Only you can do the 
cost-benefit analysis and make a decision for your case.



I watch CL and eBay, and see some amazing deals now and then.


David






--
Blessed are the peacemakers...for they shall be shot at from both 
sides.--A.M,Greeley

Re: Memory Upgrade for Ancient Enspiron 2600

[Doug]

On 01/18/2017 03:04 PM, David Christensen wrote:

On 01/17/17 19:00, Martin McCormick wrote:

I have an old Dell Enspiron 2600 which still works but it only
has 256 MB of RAM. I am of the understanding that the 128-MB
memory card under the little door on the bottom can be replaced
with a 512 MB card and that pretty much does it. There is another
128 MB block under the keyboard but I think for what I was
planning to do with it, 640 MB is sufficient.

/snip/


When discussing Dell, it helps if you enter your Service Tag into the 
Dell Support site and post the components URL.  For example, here is 
my Inspiron E1505:


http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/04/product-support/servicetag/C86YXB1/configuration 




Here is the Dell support page for your Inspiron 2600:

http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/19/product-support/product/inspiron-2600/manuals 




The Specifications chapter of the Owner's Manual indicates:

Microprocessor (Inspiron 2600) Mobile Intel Pentium III processor-M or
  Mobile Intel Celeron® processor

System chip set (Inspiron 2600) Intel 830MG

Memory

Architecture (Inspiron 2600) PC133 SDRAM
Memory module connector one user-accessible SODIMM sockets
Memory module capacities 128 and 256 MB
Memory type 3.3-V SODIMM
Standard memory 128 MB
Maximum memory 512 MB


The Service Manual indicates:

Memory Module

HINT: This procedure covers removing and replacing the memory module 
located under the memory module/modem cover on the bottom of the 
computer. A second memory module resides on the upper surface of the 
system board under the EMI shield. To replace the memory module under 
the EMI shield, perform the procedure for removing the EMI shield. 
Then replace the memory module.



Therefore, if you want to max out the memory, Dells says you can 
install two 256 MB PC133 SO-DIMM modules.



I've never seen Dell provide information for CPU upgrades.
The CPU upgrade I installed was not something from the Dell website.  
You can replace the CPU with a T7600, and upgrade the BIOS to the 
latest, and you will then have a 64 bit
machine that will run any 64-bit Windows OS and any 64-bit Linux OS. I 
have PCLinuxOS KDE 64-bit on it right now. I have seen some reference to 
adding something to the BIOS
that would enable the entire 4 GiB ram, but I have not done that. With 4 
GiB installed, you can use 3.2 GiB. You should be aware that the WIFI 
chip is Broadcom, and it will run
without a problem in Windows and in Mint 17 Linux, but will give you 
fits to get working in PCLOS, altho it can be done. You can also change 
the small HD to a larger SSD.
Whether or not this is all economically worth while, or you should throw 
the machine out and buy a new one is up to you.


--doug, WA2SAY



Parts People has useful information and various parts for Dell computers:

https://www.parts-people.com/index.php?action=category=141=50=cpu+processor 




You could upgrade to a 1.2 GHz P3 CPU and 512 MB RAM for under $50. 
This only makes sense if the computer has an Ethernet port. For 
desktop use, you will be looking for lightweight desktops and/or 
distributions (Damn Small Linux).  With a USB drive, it would make for 
a slow file/ backup server (even slower with encryption).  With a PC 
card or USB NIC, it would make for a basic firewall/router (no VPN).



Upgrading old computers is a double-edged sword.  If you stay within 
specs, you will spend time and money to end up with something of 
limited use.  If you do the research, get lucky, and can get over-spec 
parts working, you will spend more time and money, to end up with 
something of less limited use.  Only you can do the cost-benefit 
analysis and make a decision for your case.



I watch CL and eBay, and see some amazing deals now and then.


David




--
Blessed are the peacemakers...for they shall be shot at from both 
sides.--A.M,Greeley

Re: Memory Upgrade for Ancient Enspiron 2600

[David Christensen]

On 01/17/17 19:00, Martin McCormick wrote:

I have an old Dell Enspiron 2600 which still works but it only
has 256 MB of RAM. I am of the understanding that the 128-MB
memory card under the little door on the bottom can be replaced
with a 512 MB card and that pretty much does it. There is another
128 MB block under the keyboard but I think for what I was
planning to do with it, 640 MB is sufficient.

It actually has a 2009 version of vinux which is a port
of debian optamized for people who are blind so it talks and
works  with text applications but there is no memory left for
much of anything else.

Just for fun, I ran the free application after bootup and
out of 256 MB, there are 193 MB available as long as you don't
dare run anything.

Just for fun, I booted a newer version of linux which did
come up but after booting the live CD, there was a whapping 4.5
MB left.

My wife used this machine in college running Windows in
2000 with just that 256 MB but this is a different world today so
my question is what should one expect to pay for a 512-meg DIM
card that, of course, would work in this system?

The speed printed on the module is 133 MHZ and the
processor is near 1 GHZ so it is certainly not cutting edge by
todays standards but it would have more uses with more RAM. It
would almost be a raspberry pi.:-)


When discussing Dell, it helps if you enter your Service Tag into the 
Dell Support site and post the components URL.  For example, here is my 
Inspiron E1505:


http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/04/product-support/servicetag/C86YXB1/configuration


Here is the Dell support page for your Inspiron 2600:

http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/19/product-support/product/inspiron-2600/manuals


The Specifications chapter of the Owner's Manual indicates:

Microprocessor (Inspiron 2600) Mobile Intel Pentium III processor-M or
  Mobile Intel Celeron® processor

System chip set (Inspiron 2600) Intel 830MG

Memory

Architecture (Inspiron 2600) PC133 SDRAM
Memory module connector one user-accessible SODIMM sockets
Memory module capacities 128 and 256 MB
Memory type 3.3-V SODIMM
Standard memory 128 MB
Maximum memory 512 MB


The Service Manual indicates:

Memory Module

HINT: This procedure covers removing and replacing the memory module 
located under the memory module/modem cover on the bottom of the 
computer. A second memory module resides on the upper surface of the 
system board under the EMI shield. To replace the memory module under 
the EMI shield, perform the procedure for removing the EMI shield. Then 
replace the memory module.



Therefore, if you want to max out the memory, Dells says you can install 
two 256 MB PC133 SO-DIMM modules.



I've never seen Dell provide information for CPU upgrades.


Parts People has useful information and various parts for Dell computers:

https://www.parts-people.com/index.php?action=category=141=50=cpu+processor


You could upgrade to a 1.2 GHz P3 CPU and 512 MB RAM for under $50. 
This only makes sense if the computer has an Ethernet port.  For desktop 
use, you will be looking for lightweight desktops and/or distributions 
(Damn Small Linux).  With a USB drive, it would make for a slow file/ 
backup server (even slower with encryption).  With a PC card or USB NIC, 
it would make for a basic firewall/router (no VPN).



Upgrading old computers is a double-edged sword.  If you stay within 
specs, you will spend time and money to end up with something of limited 
use.  If you do the research, get lucky, and can get over-spec parts 
working, you will spend more time and money, to end up with something of 
less limited use.  Only you can do the cost-benefit analysis and make a 
decision for your case.



I watch CL and eBay, and see some amazing deals now and then.


David

Re: Memory Upgrade for Ancient Enspiron 2600

[Martin McCormick]

Felix Miata  writes:
> Are you sure? I searched for "inspiron 2600 RAM" and found lots of hits on
> dell.com and elsewhere.

Thanks to you and all others who responded.
> 
> 
> 
> has 256 MB of RAM. I am of the understanding that the 128-MB
> memory card under the little door on the bottom can be replaced
> with a 512 MB card and that pretty much does it. There is another
> 128 MB block under the keyboard but I think for what I was
> planning to do with it, 640 MB is sufficient.
> 
> 
> 
> From what I saw you'll need to do more investigating. It looks to me like
> that model might be limited to 512M in total only in the form of two 256M
> SODIMMs.

That is certainly a possibility. This version of the 2600
has one and only one socket under the door which is above and to
the right of the battery compartment and that card is  presently
128 MB. I don't know yet if the other 128 MB of RAM is soldered
right to the board under the keyboard or if it can also be
removed when excavated.


My next task is to checkout Dell's web site. We did write
down the service tag numbers and all the numbers on the memory
module. It sounds like it is worth checking out how much of an
upgrade is practical with this system.

Martin McCormick WB5AGZ

Re: Memory Upgrade for Ancient Enspiron 2600

[Ric Moore]

On 01/18/2017 12:32 AM, Doug wrote:



On 01/17/2017 10:38 PM, Felix Miata wrote:

Martin McCormick composed on 2017-01-17 21:00 (UTC-0600):


I have an old Dell Enspiron 2600 which still works but it only


Are you sure? I searched for "inspiron 2600 RAM" and found lots of
hits on dell.com and elsewhere.


The older Dell I wrote about is an Inspiron E1505. I am very sure of
what I wrote about.


I did the same with an ancient Thinkpad. I just plugged them in and it 
worked. Ric




--
My father, Victor Moore (Vic) used to say:
"There are two Great Sins in the world...
..the Sin of Ignorance, and the Sin of Stupidity.
Only the former may be overcome." R.I.P. Dad.
http://linuxcounter.net/user/44256.html

Re: Memory Upgrade for Ancient Enspiron 2600

[Doug]

On 01/17/2017 10:38 PM, Felix Miata wrote:

Martin McCormick composed on 2017-01-17 21:00 (UTC-0600):


I have an old Dell Enspiron 2600 which still works but it only


Are you sure? I searched for "inspiron 2600 RAM" and found lots of 
hits on dell.com and elsewhere.


The older Dell I wrote about is an Inspiron E1505. I am very sure of 
what I wrote about.

(4 meg ram, providing an actual usable 3.2 meg.)
Incidentally, that same machine that came with a 32 bit processor can 
(now) be upgraded to a 64 bit
processor, which I did. It requires updating the BIOS also. Now it runs 
64 bit PCLinuxOS, and would
run 64 bit Windows, If I had an spare 64 bit copy of Windows to put on 
it, and if I cared. The conversion
information is available on the 'net. I don't have an URL right at hand 
to pass on. The conversion
to 64 bit requires a significant disassembly and reassembly of the 
machine! If you're not handy

with small parts and tools, don't try it.

--doug



has 256 MB of RAM. I am of the understanding that the 128-MB
memory card under the little door on the bottom can be replaced
with a 512 MB card and that pretty much does it. There is another
128 MB block under the keyboard but I think for what I was
planning to do with it, 640 MB is sufficient.


From what I saw you'll need to do more investigating. It looks to me 
like that model might be limited to 512M in total only in the form of 
two 256M SODIMMs.



It actually has a 2009 version of vinux which is a port
of debian optamized for people who are blind so it talks and
works  with text applications but there is no memory left for
much of anything else.



Just for fun, I ran the free application after bootup and
out of 256 MB, there are 193 MB available as long as you don't
dare run anything.



Just for fun, I booted a newer version of linux which did
come up but after booting the live CD, there was a whapping 4.5
MB left.



My wife used this machine in college running Windows in
2000 with just that 256 MB but this is a different world today so
my question is what should one expect to pay for a 512-meg DIM
card that, of course, would work in this system?


You may have asked the wrong question. Because that model is so old, 
RAM to fit it is plentiful. On http://www.ebay.com/itm/321774526573 
you could buy a pair of 256M sticks for $7.99 delivered, but you need 
to be sure of the exact RAM type to buy and compatibility before being 
concerned with price. From what I see on eBay searching for Inspiron 
SODIMM, you should be able to get what you need for under $10.



The speed printed on the module is 133 MHZ and the
processor is near 1 GHZ so it is certainly not cutting edge by
todays standards but it would have more uses with more RAM. It
would almost be a raspberry pi.:-)


Good chance a 512M stick would not be compatible. Try going to Dell's 
support site and plug in the 7 character service code from the bottom 
of the 2600 as a start to getting exactly the information you need to 
start on the road to a successful upgrade.



Thanks for your thoughts.-

"The wise are known for their understanding, and pleasant
words are persuasive." Proverbs 16:21 (New Living Translation)

 Team OS/2 ** Reg. Linux User #211409 ** a11y rocks!

Felix Miata  ***  http://fm.no-ip.com/




--
Blessed are the peacemakers...for they shall be shot at from both 
sides.--A.M,Greeley

Re: Memory Upgrade for Ancient Enspiron 2600

[Felix Miata]

Martin McCormick composed on 2017-01-17 21:00 (UTC-0600):


I have an old Dell Enspiron 2600 which still works but it only


Are you sure? I searched for "inspiron 2600 RAM" and found lots of hits on 
dell.com and elsewhere.



has 256 MB of RAM. I am of the understanding that the 128-MB
memory card under the little door on the bottom can be replaced
with a 512 MB card and that pretty much does it. There is another
128 MB block under the keyboard but I think for what I was
planning to do with it, 640 MB is sufficient.


From what I saw you'll need to do more investigating. It looks to me like that 
model might be limited to 512M in total only in the form of two 256M SODIMMs.



It actually has a 2009 version of vinux which is a port
of debian optamized for people who are blind so it talks and
works  with text applications but there is no memory left for
much of anything else.



Just for fun, I ran the free application after bootup and
out of 256 MB, there are 193 MB available as long as you don't
dare run anything.



Just for fun, I booted a newer version of linux which did
come up but after booting the live CD, there was a whapping 4.5
MB left.



My wife used this machine in college running Windows in
2000 with just that 256 MB but this is a different world today so
my question is what should one expect to pay for a 512-meg DIM
card that, of course, would work in this system?


You may have asked the wrong question. Because that model is so old, RAM to fit 
it is plentiful. On http://www.ebay.com/itm/321774526573 you could buy a pair of 
256M sticks for $7.99 delivered, but you need to be sure of the exact RAM type 
to buy and compatibility before being concerned with price. From what I see on 
eBay searching for Inspiron SODIMM, you should be able to get what you need for 
under $10.



The speed printed on the module is 133 MHZ and the
processor is near 1 GHZ so it is certainly not cutting edge by
todays standards but it would have more uses with more RAM. It
would almost be a raspberry pi.:-)


Good chance a 512M stick would not be compatible. Try going to Dell's support 
site and plug in the 7 character service code from the bottom of the 2600 as a 
start to getting exactly the information you need to start on the road to a 
successful upgrade.



Thanks for your thoughts.-

"The wise are known for their understanding, and pleasant
words are persuasive." Proverbs 16:21 (New Living Translation)

 Team OS/2 ** Reg. Linux User #211409 ** a11y rocks!

Felix Miata  ***  http://fm.no-ip.com/

Re: Memory Upgrade for Ancient Enspiron 2600

[Doug]

On 01/17/2017 10:00 PM, Martin McCormick wrote:

I have an old Dell Enspiron 2600 which still works but it only
has 256 MB of RAM. I am of the understanding that the 128-MB
memory card under the little door on the bottom can be replaced
with a 512 MB card and that pretty much does it. There is another
128 MB block under the keyboard but I think for what I was
planning to do with it, 640 MB is sufficient.

It actually has a 2009 version of vinux which is a port
of debian optamized for people who are blind so it talks and
works  with text applications but there is no memory left for
much of anything else.

Just for fun, I ran the free application after bootup and
out of 256 MB, there are 193 MB available as long as you don't
dare run anything.

Just for fun, I booted a newer version of linux which did
come up but after booting the live CD, there was a whapping 4.5
MB left.

My wife used this machine in college running Windows in
2000 with just that 256 MB but this is a different world today so
my question is what should one expect to pay for a 512-meg DIM
card that, of course, would work in this system?

The speed printed on the module is 133 MHZ and the
processor is near 1 GHZ so it is certainly not cutting edge by
todays standards but it would have more uses with more RAM. It
would almost be a raspberry pi.:-)

Thanks for your thoughts.

Martin WB5AGZ


I have an old Dell laptop--not as old as yours--that came with 1 GB ram, 
and the user manual says you can only run 2GB. (It had two sockets, one 
empty.)  I found two 2GB cards
each designed for that Dell, and plugged both in, and now I have about 
3.2 GB of usable ram. Not 4, for 3.2 is better than 2! So try to get at 
least 1GB in your machine, or maybe more,

who knows? It won't blow up the machine, it may just not work.

--doug

--
Blessed are the peacemakers...for they shall be shot at from both 
sides.--A.M,Greeley

Memory Upgrade for Ancient Enspiron 2600

[Martin McCormick]

I have an old Dell Enspiron 2600 which still works but it only
has 256 MB of RAM. I am of the understanding that the 128-MB
memory card under the little door on the bottom can be replaced
with a 512 MB card and that pretty much does it. There is another
128 MB block under the keyboard but I think for what I was
planning to do with it, 640 MB is sufficient.

It actually has a 2009 version of vinux which is a port
of debian optamized for people who are blind so it talks and
works  with text applications but there is no memory left for
much of anything else.

Just for fun, I ran the free application after bootup and
out of 256 MB, there are 193 MB available as long as you don't
dare run anything.

Just for fun, I booted a newer version of linux which did
come up but after booting the live CD, there was a whapping 4.5
MB left.

My wife used this machine in college running Windows in
2000 with just that 256 MB but this is a different world today so
my question is what should one expect to pay for a 512-meg DIM
card that, of course, would work in this system?

The speed printed on the module is 133 MHZ and the
processor is near 1 GHZ so it is certainly not cutting edge by
todays standards but it would have more uses with more RAM. It
would almost be a raspberry pi.:-)

Thanks for your thoughts.

Martin WB5AGZ