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.
February 9th, 2010 at 7:14 pm
i replaced my ram on my toshiba u305-s5077. i replaced it with ddr2 which is correct according to the internet info i got. but i forgot to turn off the computer before i removed the old one and replaced it with a new one, when i started it the screen would not show anything the power buttons are on but nothing on the screen, did i kill my computer? if i did, is there anything i can do to “revive” it? thanks
August 23rd, 2009 at 9:43 am
Hi
I have a Toshiba SA40-231, which seem to be built pretty much the same as the one in the article. I found this article while looking for a description on how to get access to the fan, in order to change it. Your article is the closest I have got that describes how to access at least the memory slot.
Could you please discribe how I could continue to remove the keyboard, the motherboard and other things needed to get access to the fan? Must I remove the memory slot, keyboard with cable and other things from the motherboard first?
I would really appreciate it. I’ve had my Toshiba for years now and I love it.
I got a system warning about problem with the fan system and the computer starts to work extremely slow. Have already cleaned the hetsink and other things. But I still get a system warning about the fan system and the computer begins to work extremely slow after a few minutes. Installed SpeedFan. All values seems to be okej now, cpu, hard drive and ACPI. However, three tiny grey plastic pieces dropped out from within. They may come from the fan, but don’t manage to detect this. The fan seems to work okej.
May it be an erroneous message that still makes the system to work slower. I updated the bios, but it didn’t change anything. I also looked for the cmos battery to reset the values, but could find it.
/Martin
August 9th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
Wes,
In a Satellite 1800 both memory slots can be access through the bottom of the laptop. Take a look at the step 2 in this guide.
This model will take up to 512MB of RAM. You can install up to 256MB RAM module into each slot.
You’ll have to use PC133 SDRAM SODIMMs.
August 9th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
How do you install ram in a Satellite 1800-S204? Thanks
July 21st, 2009 at 4:17 pm
Where is the best place to get ram for the Toshiba a45-s151. Also, how much should I get. I currently have the standard 512 that it came with.
Thanks in advance,
Brian
July 19th, 2009 at 12:53 am
emsi,
It shouldn’t make any difference.
Do you mean the speaker cover? Yes, it just snap back in. There are small plastic latches holding it in place.
July 12th, 2009 at 6:19 pm
hi i am emsi and i have the satelite a45 but on the 1st step when you remove the speakers thing i have buttons next to the power button will this make a diference?
also does the plastic speaker thing just snap back in place? if not how do you install it
June 24th, 2009 at 10:45 am
Amre,
That’s a newer laptop and I haven’t seen it yet. It must have two memory slots. If there is only one memory slots on the bottom, most likely the second one somewhere under the keyboard. Maybe your Tecra M10 is similar to this Tecra M9 laptop? Take a look at the step 7, it pictures the second memory slot under the keyboard.
June 23rd, 2009 at 11:19 am
Can you post instructions for a Toshiba Tecra M10? I can’t find the 2nd memory module!
Thanks,
April 23rd, 2009 at 7:09 am
Thank you for this walk-through. I had no troubles popping off my keyboard and replacing my ram. Thank you!