Troubleshooting
your computer after an unsuccessful attempt at installing RAM
Beeping Noises
If you hear beeping noises when turning on your computer immediately
after installing RAM, that means your RAM was either defective,
incompatible with your computer or not seated properly. Unplug
everything, turn off the computer and try again.
One beep - Your
computer doesn't detect any memory. First, make sure that the memory
chip(s) is seated properly. If you replaced your computer's memory,
shut down your Mac, swap out the current memory with the original
RAM, and restart your computer.
More than one
beep - Your memory may be damaged or incompatible with your computer.
First, make sure that the RAM is seated properly and verify that
it is compatible with your Mac. If it is, shut down your Mac, remove
all third-party memory (reinstall the original RAM if you removed
it), then restart your computer to make sure that it starts up normally.
If you don't hear any beeps, shut down your Mac and reinstall your
memory one card at a time. If you hear beeping, the last chip you
installed is the culprit. Contact the memory vendor and chew their
ear off Mike Tyson style.
Blank Screen
If your computer powers up but only displays a black screen this could
mean either a) the monitor isn't powered on or plugged in properly
or b) a static shock has fried the daughter card inside of your Mac
Mini. Let's hope it's not option B.
Blinking Icon
at Startup
Do you see a blinking question mark or a blinking globe icon?. This is
your computer's way of telling you that it can't find the system software
it needs to start up. Hopefully you didn't fry the hard drive with a
static shock.
- Restart your
Mac and immediately press and hold the X key.
- Your computer
will start up to a gray screen and then restart again.
- Let go of the
X key after your Mac starts up the second time.
- You can also
try zapping the PRAM (Parameter RAM). You do this by restarting while
the Command-Option-P-R keys all held down. Don't let go until you've
heard the startup sound at least twice. If this doe
If none of these
troubleshooting tips helps, then it's time to let a professional take
a look. |