Re: [Hampshire] Is it dead or just pretending?

Lists <lists@???> wrote:
> I have a machine which refuses to power up.
>
> It was working fine until I tried to upgrade the
> memory. I replaced 2x512Meg with 2x1Gig. The
> machine started up, but nothing appeared on the
> screen. No bleeps from POST either.
>
> I removed one of the memory sticks and it
> started up showing 1GB of memory. I then added
> one of the original 512Meg. Again nothing on the
> screen.
>
> OK, I thought, lets put back the other 512 to
> get to where I started.
>
> The machine would not even start. Nothing!

Hmm, it could be a dodgy contact on one of your
DIMM sockets.

I'm not sure if this is true of all motherboards,
but it seems that the BIOS needs some memory at
the bottom end of the address space. If there's a
fault with that DIMM, you'll get no response from
the BIOS - either on screen or as beeps.

I'd insert one of your original DIMMs in the lower
numbered socket, taking care that it's firmly
seated. Then try booting.

Then, swap that module to the other socket, and
boot again.

If the system works with one socket populated, but
not the other, that suggests a problem with the
socket. If neither case works, try one of the
other DIMMs in the same sequence.

If it's one socket that's the problem, it's worth
inspecting the socket with a lens. Look for bent
contacts (unlikely), or objects in the socket's
groove. Whether you can see anything or not, it
may be worth cleaning the socket with an old
toothbrush and some IPA.

Nick.

--
Nick Chalk ................. once a Radio Designer
Confidence is failing to understand the problem.