A person should know how to clear memory when operating a graphing calculator such as the TI-84 Plus or the TI-83 Plus. Memory clearing can also help in case you are having problems with low memory space or slow performance, or you begin to get errors like, RAM Cleared.
In this guide, I will provide you with information on how to clear the TI-84 memory. We will talk about different types of memory, their usages, and then a process for clearing them.
Understanding TI-84 and TI-83 Memory
The calculator’s memory contains 32K bytes of Random Access Memory; the archive memory is non-volatile and accessible in the future if needed. The memory in TI-84 and TI-83 has a memory capacity of 32K RAM, and the archiving memory is not volatile and can be accessed at any given time.
We must briefly mention the two types of memory of a TI-84 Plus or a TI-83 Plus calculator: RAM and the archive memory, before we get into the process of clearing memory.
What is RAM?
RAM is temporary memory. It stores:
- Active calculations
- Variables
- Lists
- Those programs that are not archived.
RAM is volatile. This means that in case the battery of the calculator goes dead or in case you restart the machine, you will lose the information in the RAM. Such as, all the temporary calculations, variables and lists would be lost once you clear the RAM accidentally, but the archive memory would remain unchanged.
What is Archive Memory?
Permanent memory is the archive memory. It stores:
- Apps
- Programs
- Pictures
- Archived variables.
In contrast to RAM, the information in the Archive memory is not lost when the battery of the calculator breaks down or when the calculator is restarted. This makes the Archive memory the most preferable store to store valuable files, applications, and programs that we require to have in the long term.
How to Clear TI-84 Memory?
Clearing the memory of your calculator may also help solve a slow-running calculator or one that shows storage errors. Here are the steps to follow to clear the TI-84 memory safely:
Step 1: Back-up Your Data (Not obligatory, yet suggested)
You must save any valuable data or programs that you may have in your calculator before resetting the calculator. Here’s how you can do that:
Once on the official site, download the software to install on your Windows or Mac computer.
Insert a USB cable in order to connect your calculator to your computer.
You can save your information by clicking on Open TI connect and selecting Backup, and then what is on the screen.
Step 2: Reset Your TI-84
After you have backed up (as necessary) your data, you are now ready to reset your calculator. Here’s how to do it:
Press 2 nd button on the calculator.
Press the mem button (the second action of the + key).
A menu will appear. Select 7: Reset.
- Use the right arrow button to scroll over and select 1: All Memory.
- Finally, press 2: Reset.
Your TI-84 will reset, and the screen will show “RAM Cleared”. This means your calculator has been reset to its factory settings.
Step 3: Restoring Apps (e.g., PlySmlt2)
If you had apps like PlySmlt2 that were deleted during the reset, don’t worry. You can reinstall them by following these steps:
- Go to the website URL to find the apps you need.
- Download the app you want to reinstall.
- Open TI Connect, and use it to send the downloaded app back to your TI-84.
How to Clear Ti-83 Plus and Ti-84 Plus Memory?
The two models, TI-83 Plus and TI-84 Plus, are both common in schools and colleges. Whether you are attempting to release memory, correct mistakes, or simply want to erase your memory, it is important to know how to use the memory on the two calculators.
The clearing memory process of these two devices is quite similar, with some differences in features, storage capacity, and options.
1. Clearing RAM Memory
Temporary data like calculations, variables, and unsaved programs are stored in RAM. Clearing the RAM could fix a slow or error-prompting calculator. This is how it is done on both calculators:
Clear Memory Of TI-84 Plus
- Press and release [2nd] key and then press [+] key. This will raise the MEM menu in blue.
- After which, choose 7: Reset on the menu items.
- Choose 1: All RAM. This alternative will remove all information in RAM, but will have no impact on applications and programs that are in Archive memory.
- Authenticate the action by clicking Yes.
Clear Memory TI-83 Plus
- Press [2nd] and then [+] to get to the menu of MEM.
- Choose 7: Reset from the menu.
- Select 1: All RAM. The option will erase all short-term data from RAM.
- Indicate the decision by clicking Yes.
Once these steps are done, the two calculators will be empty of temporary data, and this may assist in enhancing performance.
2. Clearing Archive Memory
Permanent data, like programs, apps, and other files, is stored in the archive memory. To remove the unused space or to clear the cache memory, you can delete unused programs and apps.
For TI-84 Plus
- Press [2nd] and then [+] to access the Memory Management/ Delete menu.
- Select 7: Program editor to see all programs that have been stored.
- The up and down arrows will help to scroll through the list.
- In order to archive a program, one needs to pick it and press [ENTER]. The program name will be followed by an asterisk (*), which means that the program is archived.
- In order to unarchive a program, choose a program and press [ENTER]. The asterisk (*) will disappear.
- In order to delete a program, choose a program and press [DEL] to delete it. The decision is to be confirmed by clicking Yes.
For TI-83 Plus
- Press [2 nd ] pressed together with [ + ] to launch the Memory Management/ Delete menu.
- Use Select 7: Program editor to check all the programs saved.
- Click on the up/down buttons to navigate your shows.
- In order to archive a program, choose it and press [ENTER]. The program will now be archived.
- In order to unarchive a program, press [ENTER] on the archived program, and the asterisk (*) will disappear.
- In order to eliminate a program, you have to pick it and press [DEL]. Affirm when asked to do so.
3. Restoring Default Settings
You can also restore the default settings in case you have customised and wish to get the original settings of your calculator without losing the apps and programs.
For TI-84 Plus
- Press [2 nd ] + [+] to enter the Reset menu.
- Choose Defaults. This will revert all settings to the actual factory settings.
- All your programs and apps will stay the same; however, the settings will go back to default.
For TI-83 Plus
- Press [2nd] + [+] to get to the Reset menu.
- Select Defaults to reconfigure the calculator to factory default.
- Your data and programs will remain secure; however, the settings will be reverted to default.
Differences Between the TI-84 Plus and TI-83 Plus
Although both calculators have similar steps for clearing their memory, some differences are significant between them:
1. Memory Size
The Archive memory of the TI-84 Plus is bigger (approximately 3.5 MB), which means that it can store more apps and programs. TI-83 Plus has less Archive memory, and thus, you must be extra careful about the usage of the space.
2. Menu Layout
TI-84 Plus has a more sophisticated menu structure that has more features in managing apps, files, and programs. It also contains additional functions for the TI-83 Plus that are easier to access in the menu structure.
3. Performance
TI-84 Plus is also speedier and stronger than TI-83 Plus, which can cause the TI-84 Plus to require more frequent memory management in cases where large volumes of information or complicated computations are involved.
FAQs
What occurs when I delete the RAM on my TI-84?
Deleting the RAM will delete temporary data such as calculations, variables, and unsaved programs, but the archive apps or programs are not deleted.
How to clear TI-84 Memory?
You are able to delete the memory on your TI-84 by completing the simple steps provided above.
How can I back up my TI-84 Data before deleting memory?
You can back up your data using the TI Connect software and the USB cable to connect the TI-84 to a computer and save the data.
After resetting the TI-84, can I restore the apps?
Yes, you will just download an app to the TI-84, just like you did when you bought it. You will want to access the TI website to get the apps like PlySmlt2 to transfer back to the TI-84 via the TI Connect software.
Conclusion
Deleting the memory on your TI-84 Plus or TI-83 Plus is necessary for better usability. If you know the difference between the RAM and the Archive memory, then deleting or resetting either is the easy part. By following the steps in our guide on how to clear TI-84 memory, you can easily fix errors and free up memory.