Dell Optiplex gx110 won't come on after trying to update memory. need help

Question

I tried to upgrade memory for a Dell Optiplex gx110 pc, but when installed it wouldn't start up. I made sure to replace with similar type of memory, PC 100 168 pin, 2 256MB SDRAM. Then when it didn't work, I put the old Ram back in, but pc still wouldn't come on. Can this be helped?

Answer 1

First, a question: did you *unplug* the computer from the power before removing/installing the RAM? Pretty much all computers anymore are constantly trickling a small amount of power. The power button itself is a software switch on the motherboard rather than something which actually turns the flow of current on and off. If you attempted to remove/install the memory with the power still connected you have quite possibly damaged the RAM and or the motherboard.

Take a can of compressed air and blow out the channels for the memory to be sure they are clear of dust and debris.

Use the canned air to blow off the RAM as well.

Reinsert one stick of RAM being careful to be sure that the locking tabs click fimly into place