ok i went into msconfig and looked at the /maxmem option but it was already
unchecked so i guess it isnt that but thanks for trying.

errrm well i wrote down everything on the paper stuck to the inside of my pc
case and gave it to the man at the shop and he told me what i needed, it
said.. i think.. DDR DIMM pc2700 184 pin and all the ram i bought is that
same type.

right my motherboard.. i dont know how to find this out =/ i see something
that says P4 DDR SKT478 M45P8-MLF Motherboard but no manufacturers name. Can
anybody tell me where to find the name please?

thanks