Computer Dead becuase of RAM?

[Da Pirates]

Ok, I haven't been here in a while but I have a bad problem. I was messing around with my Compaq laptop and took both 1GB sticks and put them in a paper CD case with a clear plastic cover. I then (stupidly) booted without any ram in and my power button flashed and the wifi button was red. Then 4 days I put the ram back in and now my computer won't boot whatsoever. It behaves exactly like the battery is dead. When I push the power button absolutely nothing happens. In get the same results on batter, on batter with AC plugged in and AC with no battery in. I think it may be the ram because static electricty might've fried them, but even if that's the case the comp should still boot? I don't even get the flashing light when the ram isn't in when I boot anymore, its like the motherboard is gone or something. When I plug AC in the light on the side lights up signifying its chargin, so that's a good thing.

[Will H]

Booting without RAM is not harmful to your computer, it just doesn't achieve much. The flashing light just tells you that it doesn't have any RAM in. On the other hand, putting RAM somewhere where it isn't intended such as a CD case can damage it easily due to static or dust.

 

Here's what I'd do. If a step doesn't fix it, move on to the next one:

 

Step 1: Clear out any dust in the RAM slots, compressed air is ideal. Put the RAM back in and try again.

Step 2: Experiment with different combinations and locations of the RAM modules. Computers can work fine with only one RAM module and the other empty.

Step 3: See if you can get hold of another RAM module from somewhere else that should work with your laptop, and try it with that.

Step 4: Your motherboard might be broken. Check with a professional laptop repair specialist.

[Solartide]

Even without ram a computer can power up, it just won't POST. Your laptop doesn't power on at all. The problem here is a connection between the power supply and the motherboard. Either the power supply is fried or the connection between the power supply and motherboard is loose.

 

Worst case scenario: psu is fried and took all your hardware with it. Solution: New computer/warranty.

 

Best case scenario: loose connector. Take it apart and re-seat.

 

Actually the best case scenario is that you thought you were pressing the on button, but in fact you were just drunk and missed.

 

Also, post above me is complete BS. Sorry man, but it's true. Don't wanna get OP confused.

[Will H]

Even without ram a computer can power up, it just won't POST. Your laptop doesn't power on at all. The problem here is a connection between the power supply and the motherboard. Either the power supply is fried or the connection between the power supply and motherboard is loose.

 

Worst case scenario: psu is fried and took all your hardware with it. Solution: New computer/warranty.

 

Best case scenario: loose connector. Take it apart and re-seat.

 

Actually the best case scenario is that you thought you were pressing the on button, but in fact you were just drunk and missed.

 

Also, post above me is complete BS. Sorry man, but it's true. Don't wanna get OP confused.

 

I'm sorry, what's wrong with my post? If I've got something wrong then please tell me what.

[Solartide]

Booting without RAM is not harmful to your computer, it just doesn't achieve much.

 

Alright, I'll agree with this.

 

The flashing light just tells you that it doesn't have any RAM in.

 

No, the flashing light tells you the computer didn't successfully POST.

 

On the other hand, putting RAM somewhere where it isn't intended such as a CD case can damage it easily due to static or dust.

 

Actually, I've been putting all my spare ram in my desk drawer since '92, and every stick still works! Ram is a lot more durable than you think!

 

Step 1: Clear out any dust in the RAM slots, compressed air is ideal. Put the RAM back in and try again.

 

The computer doesn't power up. The ram slots don't impact the computers ability to power up.

 

Step 2: Experiment with different combinations and locations of the RAM modules. Computers can work fine with only one RAM module and the other empty.

 

The computer doesn't power up. The computer never reached the point of checking for ram.

 

Step 3: See if you can get hold of another RAM module from somewhere else that should work with your laptop, and try it with that.

 

Once more, the ram has nothing to do with the problem he's having right now.

 

Step 4: Your motherboard might be broken. Check with a professional laptop repair specialist.

 

I wouldn't call it broken, it just isn't being powered. The motherboard is very likely just fine! The issue here is the power supply!

[PlzPuddngPlz]

I'll second that booting a computer without any RAM won't (or shouldn't) break anything because I did it a bunch of times when I was screwing around with my first computer build (forgot to put the RAM back in -.-).

 

 

Step 1: Clear out any dust in the RAM slots, compressed air is ideal. Put the RAM back in and try again.

The computer doesn't power up. The ram slots don't impact the computers ability to power up.

If there's a ton of dust in the slot, it might impede the RAM's ability to communicate with the rest of the computer, then the memory check might fail.

 

Just follow Will's instructions, and you should be fine.

 

Otherwise, solar might be right, and it's the psu, or perhaps you somehow scratched the motherboard when removing the RAM modules.

 

Or maybe it's something completely unrelated....