DS3L + 4 Gig Memory and XP = No Boot :(

[iqwertyi]

So, I finally got my computer going. During the entire setup, I was using 2 gig of memory.
After I was all done, I went ahead and installed the other two (same brand/speed). Windows won't boot. I kept on hitting the reset till it finally did. Checked the system info and it showed 3.7 Gigs. I was very happy.

Well, that was short lived. It keeps having the same problem. With 4 Gigs, when I hit the power button, the fans kick in and I don't hear any beeps and windows never starts. As soon as I pull 2 gigs (leaving 2) Everything is fine.

Now, I had asked this before I bought the memory.
I am running Windows XP SP2 32-bit
I was told it will not see all 4 gigs, which was fine with me, since at least I'll be prepared when I go to Vista. But I never thought it just won't start.

Any ideas? Is this the norm?

Spec:
CPU: E6550
Motherboard: Gigabyte DS3L
Ram: G Skill 1x4 Gig DDR2 800 mhz

Thanks

 

[Nicksterr]

Hmm, so you have 4 1gig sticks. The original 2 you used during setup worked fine. You popped in 2 more and started to have problems. My guess would be that 1 or both of those 2 sticks are dead.

 

[iqwertyi]

ok, I don't think it's the memory.
I pulled the 2 gig I had in there and replaced with the other 2 gig and it booted fine.
I swapped them back and forth and it booted up fine.

So, I add the third 1 gig and it booted fine.
Added the last 1 gig and booted fine.
I reboot it (with 4 gig still installed) and didn't load Windows
Pulled 1 stick and it was fine again
Put back the 4th stick and boots again.

I don't get it. It seems to be intermittent.

Edit:
Ok, it seems to be ok for now (crossing fingers)
I hope the settings stick.
System Memory shows as being 3.62 gig