HomeIn this guide I explain how to add more RAM aka memory into a Toshiba Satellite A45 laptop. If you search for memory slots on the bottom of the laptop, you will not find any because both memory slots are hidden under the keyboard. Yep, in order to access both memory slots you’ll have to remove the keyboard. Don’t worry, it will take about 5 minutes even for inexperienced users.
Before you start, turn off the laptop, unplug the power adapter and remove the battery and of course, proceed at your own risk. 
STEP 1.
Insert a small flat head screwdriver between the keyboard bezel and keyboard and lift it up.
STEP 2.
Continue removing the keyboard bezel with your fingers until it’s completely separated from the laptop.
STEP 3.
Remove three screws securing the keyboard. Also, remove the metal plate/bracket under the screw in the middle.
STEP 4.
Lift up the keyboard as it shown on the picture below and place it upside down on the palm rest.
STEP 5.
On the picture below you can see both RAM slots. The slot 1 has one memory module installed. I’m going to remove the original memory module and replace it with a larger one.
In order to remove the memory module from the slot you’ll have to spread latches on both sides of the module until it pops up at a 20-30 degree angle.
The memory module popped up.
STEP 6.
Now you can grab the memory module by the edges and pull it from the RAM slot.
On the picture below you can see the original 256MB memory module installed into the laptop.
According to specifications a Toshiba Satellite A45 laptop will take up to 2GB RAM total. You can install up to 1GB memory module into each slot. You should use PC2700 (DDR333) SO-DIMM RAM modules.
You can use different size memory modules in different slots. For example if you have an original 256MB module in the slot 1 and install an additional 1GB module into the slot 2, the laptop will detect 1.25GB RAM total. No additional configuration needed. You simply install new memory and start the laptop, it will be detected by the BIOS automatically.
If your laptop will not start after you added more memory, make sure the memory module is seated correctly.
January 31st, 2012 at 9:11 pm
WTF? That is the WORST case design I’ve ever seen on a laptop. I opened every panel on the bottom (also shittily designed) looking for the memory.
And you should see the cooling setup on this thing. There are literally three copper pipes running from the CPU to a heat sink at the back. What’s in them I don’t know.
THANKS FOR THIS GUIDE, THOUGH.
October 7th, 2011 at 10:57 pm
hi i upgraded the ram in my toshiba tecra m3 with 2 gig and only 1 gig is showing up i have reseated the ram twice and still the same any ideas it is running xp pro serice pack 3 thanks for any help joe
November 10th, 2010 at 3:38 pm
Hi, I had 2 1 giga RAM in my laptop (2 giga total) and my laptop was supposed to accept until 4 giga RAM, i bought 2 2giga RAM and installed it in my laptop, but when i check my laptop information it shows 3 giga of RAM memory. How is this possible?
August 1st, 2010 at 8:42 pm
Hello
my laptop when i switch on screen is black, i cant seen anything what could be the problem
April 25th, 2010 at 10:29 pm
todd,
Try ESC or F1 keys.
April 25th, 2010 at 8:50 pm
how ot access the BIOS is it f2 or what i cant get to the BIOS Thanks
i found memory on ebay easy to find 200 pin DDR2 memory
April 25th, 2010 at 12:40 pm
MARCI DAIBAC,
It’s hard to tall what is causing the problem without testing the laptop.
Can you boot your laptop in Safe Mode? Will it stay on in Safe Mode?
Also, enter the BIOS setup menu and leave the laptop in there. Will it shut down while in BIOS?
April 24th, 2010 at 9:36 pm
hi, i have a problem with my toshiba satellite sa40. when windows loading/booting. it autimatically turn off and restart again. what is the problem of my laptop? i did’nt change anything its all stock. please help me, i have a new 1 but i love this most and this is very important to me. thanks
April 13th, 2010 at 9:30 am
Hi,
I have a Kingston memory, DDR, Size 1024 MB, Speed 400 MHz, PC3200, CAS Latency 3 ms, 200 pin memory in my hand. Can I install it to the Toshiba Satellite A45 on which the original memory is DDR333 PC2700 256MB (X2)? Can I combine 1 DDR333(256MB) and 1 DDR400 (1GB) together? thanks a lot.
February 9th, 2010 at 8:49 pm
jaime,
Probably not.
Turn off the laptop and reconnect memory modules.
Make sure that both memory modules are installed correctly. Test the laptop again.