Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Did I ruin my computer?

by ekkokat Jun 1, 2007 6:31AM PDT

First and foremost: I realize now what I did was incorrect, and I'm afraid that my actions may have ruined my computer! I was trying to install new RAM in my computer and stupidly was working on carpet. I opened the case twice: the first time I monkeyed around, my computer worked when it was started up. After the second time going through the computer, it started up by then restarted after getting to my desktop. Then it started to beep two different tones like a European ambulance. What should I do now...?

Discussion is locked

4 Posts
- Collapse + Expand Details
- Collapse -
What to do?
by Kees Bakker Jun 1, 2007 6:41AM PDT

1. Restore the RAM to its original condition. See if everything is OK.
2. Then carefully add the new stick and check again.
3. Final test with the program on www.memtest86.com (let's you make a bootable diskette that runs through the memory for a few thorough tests).
This is assuming you added a stick. You're not clear on that.

Are you sure you've got the right kind of RAM (same as the old one) and the configuration is supported by the motherboard?

Hope this helps.


Kees

- Collapse -
Re:
by ekkokat Jun 1, 2007 6:50AM PDT

Well, the two sticks of RAM I monkeyed with were original to the computer and have had no problems in the past. I was not installing new RAM- I have new RAM coming in the mail and wanted to see how to install it once it gets here. So, in essence, since I put the sticks back in the same position that I found them, shouldn't everything be OK?

- Collapse -
That leaves step 2 and 3.
by Kees Bakker Jun 1, 2007 7:16AM PDT

2. Carefully remove and reseat the sticks.
3. Test with the software I mentioned.
and, of course, go into the BIOS setup (del or f10 or a key like that early in the boot process) and see how much RAM that reports.

Good luck. If damaged by static, let's hope it's limited to the memory sticks you're about to replace.

Kees

- Collapse -
Yay!
by ekkokat Jun 1, 2007 7:50AM PDT

I was very hesitant to do step two, since it's what started this whole mess in the first place. But, I reseated the memory and tentatively started up my computer. I was biting my nails the whole time, but my computer started up fine in normal mode and all 480mb of ram are recognized by my computer. Now I'm excited to get my new upgrade in the mail knowing that my computer is alright. Thanks for your timely advice!!

Back to Computer Newbies forum

CNET Forums

Operating Systems
Software
Electronics & Gadgets
Hardware
Tablets & Mobile Devices
General Help
Brand Forums
Roadshow Autos
Off Topic

Other Forums

Forum Info