Reseating RAM?

Question

My girlfriend's notebook gives a blank screen at startup even though the hardware and power supply seem to be in working order. After searching here and a few other troubleshooting forums, it appears as though reseating the RAM might help.

Are there any potential hazards to this? Any chance for data loss (we'll back up files anyway)? I'd much appreciate any advice offered.

Answer 1

Yes, there is.

1. Always perform periodic backups - regadless. But changing the RAM module will not affect data loss.

2. ESD - electrostatic discahrge. The main pitfall is the avoidance of blowing the DIMM chips on the module by creating static electicity and touching any part of it. When handling RAM or any component or even opening up case up, always make sure that you are attached to a anti-static wrist strap or are standing on an anti-static mat thile you are handling them.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrostatic_discharge

3. Proper seating technique. It will be different per motherboard & RAM module manufacturer, but here is a general tutorial som you can get an idea:
http://www.kingston.com/tools/umg/umg07.asp

Answer 2

no ..... nothing bad will happen. But if a computer has bad RAM .... most of the time the computer will beep. But you can take it out and re-seat it. But you didn't include what kind of notebook it is .... RAM is sometime under the keyboard as well as on the back. If you push the power button and it power's up but no display it could be something called a LCD Inverter .... if you don't have a service plan you might can find one on e-bay for about 30 bucks and all you have to do is take off the screen and replace it ... it's easy.

Hope this helps!

Caleb

Answer 3

All the ones already given, and cracking the a layer in motherboard if it's not supported directly under the ram socket.

Answer 4

back up your data first then attach yourself to the antistatic wrist band to avoid potential static discharge messing up the computer. then jujst gently push the memory back in to place