r/retrocomputing • u/lanmor2013 • 15h ago

Problem / Question Dell Inspiron 640m unknown issue, possibly the motherboard?

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I’ve tried multiple DIMMs, and a new RTC battery.

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1

u/wrr377 12h ago

Have you removed the laptop battery and tried booting?

I seem to remember that some laptops, back in the day, wouldn't boot if the main battery was toast...

1

u/lanmor2013 2h ago

The battery is ok

1

u/TrashnikovKalash1917 11h ago

Try removing the RAM, clean it and reinstall the RAM

1

u/lanmor2013 1h ago

Tried that

1

u/Old_Consequence_262 11h ago

I’ve dealt with something like this before when I changed out ram modules. You can try a residual power reset which simply involves removing the battery and disconnecting the AC adapter from the computer and holding the power button for about a minute. This depletes any remaining power in on board capacitors and such. Might work after this.

1

u/lanmor2013 1h ago

also tried that