Need more ram .  Dell has told me they will instruct me over the  phone and it's not hard to do.   Has anyone ever done this over the phone with Dell? And if so is it as easy as they say?    Is this something I should do myself?   Thanks in advance.

   I have replaced RAM by myself without Dell on the phone.  It is easy.  Just turn off the computer, open the case, find where the RAM is kept, insert the new RAM, close the case, turn on the computer.

Thanks, sounds easy enough.  Will try.

Just do not ever touch the contacts on the RAM chips and always keep yourself grounded by touching the metal frame of the computer with one hand (or use a grounding strap).

make sure you align the RAM module correctly (check the notch on the connectors) before pushing down. Once you have pushed down and hear the click, make sure that both retaining snaps at the ends of the RAM module are closed.

Best of luck

Mission accomplished-- thanks for your help . It's great to have a place to get questions answered.