What Did I Do To My Computer?

Factual Questions
1

My Dad gave me a couple older machines, one of which was an HP with PC 3200 RAM, and I attempted to install it. Unfortunately, even though it was PC 3200 RAM, the machine I was attempting to put the 512 sticks into had a different kind of PC 3200 RAM (DDR versus SDRAM, I think). Anyway, the machine booted up fine, but I needed to take the wrong sticks back out after I realized the computer wasn’t seeing them, but I couldn’t get the machine to turn off…so I yanked the power cord from out of the back of the computer.

I removed the incorrect RAM and now my computer won’t turn on. It has it’s original 2x512 RAM sticks in their original slots, they are connected properly, etc.

I did not use a static wristband while doing this, but I was careful to keep a hand on the case while removing them.

Did I fry my motherboad somehow? Or my power supply? Is there a reset or breaker I tripped when I yanked the plug?

Please advise. I have a new computer I ordered arriving soon, but I’m now reduced to this laptop, and I hate using it.

2

To add: the machine I suspect I fried is an HP Pavilion a1230n.

3

The phrase “won’t turn on” leaves a little to the imagination. Are there any beeps? Any fans start running? Any lights on the motherboard or anywhere else turn on?

4

No. When I push the “on” button nothing happens. I suspect I may have fried my power supply, but I don’t know shit so I am guessing.

5

Okay. Try this: unplug the power cord from the power supply and from the wall (never hurts to be sure). Press and hold the power button for … hell, let’s say 30 seconds. Now plug everything back in and report.

6

It sounds like your RAM is not seated properly.

Unplug the PC from the wall.

Take the current RAM sticks out of the slots and swap each one into the other slot. Be VERY careful that you have slotted and seated them properly and firmly.

7

Little red button on the back??? May say 115 and 220 or somesuch. Possibly bumped it into the middle. Set it to the appropriate voltage and make sure it is fully engaged.
Knowledge garnered from moving computers from here to there.

8

Seconded. Some PSUs cannot resume unless they are disconnected for some time from mains.

9

As it turns out, I cheesed the power supply. One of the older machines my parents gave me after they bought their new computers was an HP with an identical power supply.

I just popped my power supply cherry! And it works!

10

It’s pretty nerve-wracking getting that motherboard connector off the first time, innit? :slight_smile:

11

Are you talking about the biggest connection? If so, that thing was a bitch! It was nearly impossible to grab onto due to it being underneath the hard drive…I had virtually zero clearance for my hand. I ended up gently rocking it out with a tiny pair of needlenose pliers.

I thought for sure I was going to break the wires on the connectors to the CD Rom’s…those things were in there tight!