New to this, a big problem with Dell Inspiron 1520

Hey, sorry if this post is in the wrong forum, I tried searching for the relevent topic and Dell was the closest one to what I need help with.

Girlfriend has a Dell Inspiron 1520, few days ago she had new Ram put into it from 520 I think to 2 Gig, this was all done in store at a place we always use for computer stuff.

Now this is how it occured, laptop was running fine with new ram up until today, the laptop was on and she opened Nokia music site via interet explorer, then the laptop made a big whirling sound on one side of itself and the screen was distorted with the Nokia music page, on one quarter of screen were purple colours and nothing would respond. The noise was very loud like it was screaming and nothing would work so took the battary out.

Now the laptop won't start up what so ever, nothing on the screen appears, it will turn on but the most we get are the little lights that indicate power...then it cuts out. The laptop is only a year old or just over. Now I know its never good for any electronic when it starts screaming, but I would like to know how and why this could happen and what possible lost of data and software could we expect if we ever get the thing to work again. Thank you for any help provided.

 

I'd start by making sure the RAM module(s) are seated properly in their slots. The Inspiron 1520 is an oddball because one RAM slot is accessible from the bottom side and the other is located underneath the keyboard. To access the one under the keyboard, you must first remove the hinge cover (trim piece above the keyboard) then remove the keyboard itself. Here's a link to the Dell Service Manual with details- 1520 Service Manual.

I'd suggest removing each memory module then reinstall it to be certain it's firmly locked in the slot. If that doesn't correct it, try removing one module at a time and try to boot the system with just one installed. One of them may be defective and trial-and-error is the way to determine that.

If that doesn't work, here's a link to the Dell Support page- LINK.

Hope this helps....

 

Cheers for the info there mate, so by your reckoning it could be the RAM...Is it possible though for it to cause no start up what so ever, meaning the screen doesn't even flash or light up. And shame I can't try the info you gave me, can't find small enough screw driver. Also what about saved content and files, with the problem I described what are the chances of them being ok?

Cheers for any help.

 

RAM can cause that. That's exactly what happened to me about a month ago...I hit power and the power light came on, but the display never lit up or displayed anything, and that's all that ever happened.

Turned out my RAM wasn't seated properly. I took them both out, pushed them back in firmly, put the cover back on, and turned it on...good as new.

RAM can be pretty finicky about how it's seated.

You can find a screwdriver small enough for what you need at pretty much any hardware or computer store. I ended up buying a computer toolkit, a pretty small case with two sizes of Philips head and two flat head magnetic screwdrivers, a pair of tweezers, two different sized socket wrenches, a Torx wrench, and a sort of small mechanical claw that's great for grabbing really small things from really tight spaces. All that for about $12 at Micro Center. Definitely worth the investment if you find one.

As for your data, it should be fine assuming your hard drive is not damaged.

 

Hey cheers again for that Much appreciated.

 

+1 with everyone.

Was it a metal on metal sound, or was just just a sound emitted from the speakers? I guess in the chaos of the moment, determining that may be a bit questionable.

You data should be fine - though if she had any documents open, and unsaved at the time, then all work done on that data without being saved will be lost.

Don't worry, get it running again and take it from there.

 

Hey with the advice, managed to sort it. So thanks to you both.

 

Great! Glad you got it sorted out!