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    Dell Latitude C540 ... no power up

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by inzpecter_gadget, Jul 31, 2007.

  1. inzpecter_gadget

    inzpecter_gadget Newbie

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    Im working on a Dell laptop, and I cant get it to even post. I was thinking it was a memory issue. Does any one have any troubleshoot tips to figure out what it can be. It is a latitude C540 and I am unfamiliar with this perticular model as far as common problems go.

    Oxford Town PC repair ~Eric Jones
     
    inzpecter_gadget, Jul 31, 2007
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  2. spitfire9703

    spitfire9703 Newbie

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    I am not particularly familiar with this model, but with laptops i always try taking out the battery and only using the ac adapter or vice versa. If it is a memory issue i would try replacing the stick/s or trying one at a time if it has two. This is probably all stuff you knew already but GOOD LUCK!!!!
     
    spitfire9703, Jul 31, 2007
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  3. inzpecter_gadget

    inzpecter_gadget Newbie

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    ok thank you i just wanted a second oppinion before doing much else. battery was my second guess.
    ~Eric
     
    inzpecter_gadget, Jul 31, 2007
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  4. inzpecter_gadget

    inzpecter_gadget Newbie

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    Ok, troubleshooting has shown that ram power adapter and battery are in working order. All the laptop does is.... Power led comes on after pressing power button.... and the caps lock starts blinking... this goes on for about five seconds and it's back to it's lifeless state. Id almost dare ask dell but i know they would dare charging me for tech support haha. Id apriciate any help.

    Oxford Town PC repair ~Eric Jones
     
    inzpecter_gadget, Jul 31, 2007
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  5. Charles P. Jefferies

    Charles P. Jefferies Lead Moderator Super Moderator

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    A RAM module went bad in my ThinkPad a few weeks ago and I had to have it replaced. Basically what happened when I tried to turn it on with the bad module installed was similar to what you are describing - the screen didn't even illuminate for me.

    Find out what RAM configuration the computer has - if there are two sticks, take one out and see if the machine boots up. If not, try the other stick. Make sure you try both sticks in both slots separately.

    I can tell you right now that it's unlikely that this is a hard drive issue because you would be getting further than you are right now if it was dead.

    Did the machine have any weird activity prior to this?
     
    Charles P. Jefferies, Aug 1, 2007
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  6. inzpecter_gadget

    inzpecter_gadget Newbie

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    ok there is a bad ram module, do you think it is likley to replace it without replacing the whole motherboard?
     
    inzpecter_gadget, Aug 1, 2007
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  7. Charles P. Jefferies

    Charles P. Jefferies Lead Moderator Super Moderator

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    If it is a bad RAM chip then simply replace the module and you'll be good to go. Make sure you get the correct memory type for your machine. I suggest going to Dell.com and putting in your service tag.
     
    Charles P. Jefferies, Aug 1, 2007
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