When a customer comes to me for computer repair and tells me that their computer powers on but doesn’t show any video on  their monitor, I immediately tell myself “it is very likely the RAM that’s the problem”.

First you’ll need a ”cross head” screw driver. First remove the screws. Then either remove the side-panel from the tower or if it is a laptop, the plastic panel underneath the laptop. Then I will attempt to CAREFULLY remove the RAM stick, while being grounded, from its slot. Usually there are two levers to help remove or “eject” the RAM from the computer.

 Once I have successfully removed the RAM I will place it on a non-conductive surface (i.e. rubber, wood, plastic). Then I will double check the RAM connector type (i.e. DDR or DDR2). Once I have determined what type of RAM is needed, I just either pick one up from a local computer repair shop or insert one that I have on-hand.

 The inserting process is identical to the removal process, only backwards. Instead of “ejecting” you are “inserting”. Make sure the RAM is seated well in the slot and not just partially in. Once you’ve determined the RAM is seated well plug the computer in and hook up your monitor and keyboard (if its not a laptop) and turn it on.

 If it works then great! If it doesn’t work, that means the RAM wasn’t the problem and the next thing to do is either remove all devices except the RAM and CPU from the motherboard and reboot again or take your computer to a local computer repair shop.

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