Member Avatar for lagmywagon

I recently took the RAM card (DDR 1) out of my parents 5+ year old computer to get more memory. Well, as it turns out, the store didn't have what I needed in stock. Tried to reinstall it and now when I turn the computer on the monitor is getting no signal, same with the mouse. I was very careful in removing the RAM and reinstalling it. What could be wrong? How do I proceed?

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by flipsheldon

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For 's situation — removing and reinserting a DDR module and then getting no video or input — follow a short, orderly diagnostic sequence to isolate the fault.

First, confirm what the PC actually does when powered: front-panel LEDs, fans, HDD activity or any BIOS beeps. No lights or fans points at power/short issues; lights/fans but no video usually means POST failed (often memory, GPU, or CPU-related). A small system speaker helps identify POST codes.

Safe, ordered checks (power off and PSU unplugged before touching internals):

  1. Reduce to bare essentials: CPU, one DIMM, and video (or onboard graphics). Use a single stick in the slot closest to the CPU and test each slot one at a time.
  2. Inspect the DIMM edge and slot for bent pins, debris, or scorch marks. Align the module with the notch and press evenly until both latches engage — do not force it.
  3. Swap parts to isolate the fault: test the suspect DIMM in a known-good machine, or try a known-good DIMM here. That separates a bad stick from a bad motherboard slot.

Other practical checks: verify the 24‑pin and CPU 4/8‑pin power cables are fully seated, look under the board for misplaced standoffs or screws causing a short, and reseat the video card or use onboard video to rule out GPU issues. Listen for beep codes and consult the board manual for their meanings.

Following 's CMOS tip, prefer the motherboard's clear‑CMOS jumper per the manual and discharge capacitors by holding the front power button with the PSU unplugged before restoring power. As pointed out about ESD, inspect for any visible damage that would indicate static failure. If none of the above resolves it, the most likely culprits are a damaged DIMM or a motherboard fault; bench testing with spare parts or a shop diagnosis will confirm which.

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Member Avatar for crunchie

Remove power from the the PC then remove the battery from the motherboard. Wait 5 minutes then put the battery back in.
Try starting now.

Member Avatar for flipsheldon

Make sure to ground yourself to the computer with professional grounding equipment like an anti-static wristband or hold a metal part of the chassis. If you haven't done this when taking out the ram, hope that you have not damaged it with static electricity.

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