monitor problems after installing new RAM

Gaz1701 · 28 Dec 2010

For Christmas I got a 2GB DDR2 stick of RAM for my desktop PC (as DDR2 is what my PC uses - I already had two 1GB DDR2 RAM sticks that came with my computer, and have 2 slots free); I'm using Windows 7 32-bit btw.

First of all (foolishly enough) I hadn't read the instructions properly [this is the first time I've installed hardware - I usually let my brother do it], and I'd slotted the 2GB stick in the 3rd spare slot, which obviously didn't work - the monitor screen was "on"/plugged in 'on', but it wasn't "on" [the screen wasn't displaying anything].

After I put the 2GB stick in the first slot and after slotting them in order it eventually worked.

Now, I applied one of those PAE patches [*waits for the groans and laments from the SevenForums members*] (I DID create a system restore point before I applied the patch) which let's Windows use more than 3.5[?]GB RAM.... and it worked the first time (after it told me to restart my computer)! I didn't actually use any high RAM-intensive games to try it out, I just played LEGO Indiana 2.

But anyway, I turned the computer back on this morning, and my monitor won't come on again! I've tried juggling around with the RAM (just putting the 1 2GB stick in; tried just the two 1GB sticks in) but none of them fixed it.

There's no beeps at all, and Windows does actually load up (I could hear that Windows 'chime' before the login screen comes on) but of course I just can't see anything.

Is my computer a lost cause now, or is there some sort of reset button that sets it all to default?

Anthony · 28 Dec 2010

Sounds like you have accidentally knocked a cable loose when you installed the RAM!
RAM wouldn't stop your monitor from working.

Check Cables & expansion cards to see if they have come loose, use caution & turn the system off!!

Gaz1701 · 28 Dec 2010

Bah! I had typed up this long explanation of what the problem is, only to be bamboozled by using your "manage attachments" 'page'! Using Firefox, it opens the "manage attachments" in the same window as the reply - and I can't "close" the window, nor can I go back a page to post it!

To cut a long story short, I did got a BSOD later on - after I first put the new RAM in correctly (which is included in this post - using IE 9 this time!). I didn't think it was related at first, but now I get the feeling it might be.

I've got two GeForce 8800GTS' via SLi. When I plug my monitor in the bottom card, it works (but it says it's not attached to an NVIDIA GPU, and there's no Aero etc. - although I can up the res to 1280x1024, so it's not like SafeMode in that respect), but when I plug it in to my top card - the one I've always used - the monitor doesn't come on.

So does that mean my graphics card has died? It can't really be dislodged, as both cards are physically fixed together by that bar which allows the SLi thing to work, I guess.

*edit* I've also got a "Code: 43" for my graphics card, and a "Code: 28" under 3D Video Controller in the Device Manager.

Gaz1701 · 29 Dec 2010

It'd gotten on to page 2 now, and I still could do with some help on this please.

Gaz1701 · 30 Dec 2010

Sorry to bump it again, but I still need help here!