memory installation killed computer

[danimal]

I'm trying to resurrect a computer that my brother broke by trying (and failing) to install more memory. Apparently, he didn't push the chip in all the way. When he turned the computer back on, the only thing that seemed to do anything was the hard drive. It just spins and spins and spins. So he took the new memory chip out and tried again. Same thing happened.

I'm somewhat adept at fixing things, but with nothing but a blank screen, I'm lost. Does it sound like the motherboard got fried or maybe just the memory? How can I test this? Where do I begin? Any ideas or links to good sites would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Target]

If nothing happens when the puter is turned on, there are several things that could be wrong.

If there are some beeps coming from the puter when its powered on, please let us know how many there are and their pattern as they are helpful with a correct diagnosis. IN fact, please list your entire system specs (motherboard, CPU, RAM type, etc.) if you know them.

For starters though, since you said your brother was working with the memory. I would start with two things:

1) remove the RAM and re-seat it (re-install). Pay attention, and make sure that you place it in the slot in the correct orientation, and that it seats properly in the slots/fasteners.

2) its also possible, though you don't list the processor you have, that your brother also did something to it. If it is also not properly seated in its socket or slot, you may also not receive any output on your screen when its powered on.

Again, there are other things that could cause your current issue, but this is a start. Its possible that either your memory or the motherboard was damaged in the process, but there is a good chance that they are still ok.

Let us know what happens after you check the two things above and how it progresses.

[commodsquad]

I might also add , checking all of the cables (IDE,power, etc..) to make sure they are seated properly also..since in my own experiences mucking around inside my toy usually ends up with me accidentally knocking some of them out of place sometimes even just a little...so I usually just make it a habit of double checking them whether I know I moved them out of their seating or not...saves me some troubleshooting downtime in case things dont go as planned...also, since you mentioned that your brother tried to install the memory and some cases make it hard to get at them or at least very complicated, that he might have had to unhook some components and might not have reconnected them back up the way they were before...just some speculation and some points to keep in mind..hope that helps...

[This message has been edited by commodsquad (edited 01-07-2000).]

[This message has been edited by commodsquad (edited 01-07-2000).]

[Axel]

I think CS's comments are the most likely - he probably knocked something loose while making the install attempt.

The only thing I really fear is that, in the process of botching the RAM install, bro may have damaged the SIMM/DIMM slot, or had a "static" issue and fried a chip.

If carefully unseating and reseating all of your components and cables doesn't help, you might attempt to get into your CMOS/BIOS set-up and checking the settings there for errors. Also - the RAM itself may be damaged or possibly the wrong type which could cause similar problems. Check that out in the mobo manual.

If all else fails, take it into your local computer shop and have them test the board, CPU chip, and RAM chips to make sure everything's still doing what it's supposed to.

And don't hurt your bro too bad - we've all had a similar experience along the way. Just make him compensate you for any real damage you can tie to his efforts and make the experience "educational" without coming down too hard on him. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

[danimal]

I can't believe how easy that was. I tried the first suggestion (reinstalling the RAM) and it booted up nicely. Thanks to everyone for the help! And don't worry, I won't go hard on my brother -- I'm actually trying to figure out how to break the news to him gently. He had given up on the whole thing, so he bought a new computer. I took this one off his hands because he was going to put it on the curb. So I ended up with a computer for nothing.
Thanks again!

[BBA]

Then tell him what a terrible experience you had reviving it!

Make him feel guilty about dumping it on you AND...Now that you got it working, it ain't getting out of your site! (because of all the heartache you went thru putting it right, you get to keep it ).