The Dell Latitude laptop series is popular. The 100L model was marketed as an affordable laptop for its time. Upgrading the memory, or RAM, in a Dell 100L laptop is one of the easiest ways to make it more usable and extend the life of your Dell 100L notebook. A business owner can save money by taking on this project. It requires a minimal investment of time and a lot less money than paying a professional. Even if you’ve never worked on a computer’s hardware before, you may want to try this.

Most Dell 100L computers were manufactured with 256 Mb of RAM. The maximum RAM a Dell Latitude 100L can hold is 1 Gb. There's one memory chip in the machine. Upgrade it by purchasing a new chip, take out the old and replace it. You have the option of upgrading to 512 Mb or 1 Gb. Choose 1Gb for maximum performance.

The steps involved are as follows:

1. Learn more about the installation process to determine if you want to try it yourself.

2. Determine the correct memory chip for your Dell Latitude 100L laptop computer and purchase it.

3. Install the new memory in the Dell Latitude notebook.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Watch an online video on how to install memory in Dell Latitude notebook

Even if the laptop shown in the video is not a Dell 100L computer, the memory chip will be in roughly the same place and the video gives you a good idea how easy it is to install.

I recommend: Watch a short how-to video at CNET.com.

Buy the correct memory chip for a Dell 100L computer

All you need to know is the make and model of your Dell Latitude 100L notebook and how much RAM you want.

I recommend: There is a memory finder at the top of the main page at Crucial.com, or you can buy memory for your Dell Latitude laptop directly from Dell.

Get specific information on the hardware in a Dell 100L notebook computer

If you have the service manual that came with the computer, consult it. If not, read it at the Dell website. Pay close attention to the information about opening the computer and the location of the RAM, or memory.

I recommend: The service manual on the Dell.com website has clickable links to the various pages to read before you start.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When completing a do-it-yourself project on a computer make sure and use the proper tools. Don't use a magnetic tipped screwdriver it can damage the computer's memory.
• •  Learn how to clean up and older Dell 100L notebook computer at the link below.