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John61254

Q: Bad memory slot?

I recently had an issue where my son's powerbook G4 would not boot, and thanks to this forum, found that the "three beeps at start-up" indicated a memory problem. So, I removed the card and re-inserted. This worked for awhile, but when it happened again, this time I moved the card to the other (empty) slot. That seemed to solve the problem permanently. Wasn't sure if it was the card or the slot, but since he only had one 512MB card anyway, I ordered another 1GB card (so that way in case it was the card going bad, at least he could boot his machine. Well....I installed the card (in the original slot) and it didn't work. Switched the cards, and now the old card won't work. So, it seems as though the slot (lower) and not the memory card was the problem.
My question: is there any (safe) way I can perhaps clean the lower slot, so that he can take advantage of both cards? I realize it could be a hardware problem, but it did work (for awhile at least) when I first took out and reinserted the card, so I am wondering if it might not just be a poor connection caused by dirt.
Would compressed air be a good thing to try?
Any type of solvent (alcohol?) worth (or safe) to try?
I've tried pushing in the card firmly but it doesn't seem to help.

20" intel imac /17" macbook pro/iphone 3G, Mac OS X (10.6.2)

Posted on Jul 18, 2010 1:09 PM

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Q: Bad memory slot?

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  • by Texas Mac Man,Helpful

    Texas Mac Man Texas Mac Man Jul 18, 2010 1:49 PM in response to John61254
    Level 8 (46,611 points)
    Jul 18, 2010 1:49 PM in response to John61254
    Use a soft rubber eraser on the contacts of the RAM module. And don't touch the contact surfaces with your fingers.

    BTW - This forum, Older Power Books, is for PowerBooks older than a G3. You should post G4 PowerBook questions in the appropriate forum. here. http://discussions.apple.com/category.jspa?categoryID=120

     Cheers, Tom

  • by John61254,

    John61254 John61254 Jul 18, 2010 1:59 PM in response to Texas Mac Man
    Level 4 (2,515 points)
    Jul 18, 2010 1:59 PM in response to Texas Mac Man
    I'll try the eraser, on the module, but, again, I am afraid the problem is with the slot, and not the module (both modules work in the upper slot; neither module works in the lower slot (which is where the original module was originally installed).
    Any way to clean the slot?
    Also, sorry about the mis-directed post: I didn't realize there was a more appropriate forum.
    I will repost there.
    thanks
  • by Grant Bennet-Alder,

    Grant Bennet-Alder Grant Bennet-Alder Jul 18, 2010 3:23 PM in response to John61254
    Level 9 (60,904 points)
    Desktops
    Jul 18, 2010 3:23 PM in response to John61254
    Sometimes tiny bits of junk or hairs can get into the slot. Inspect with a bright light.

    Clumsy insertion of the memory card into the slot does a little wiping. Hold the card partially down as you slide it firmly in, and then push it down into place. That is about the best you can do.
  • by Texas Mac Man,

    Texas Mac Man Texas Mac Man Jul 19, 2010 5:40 PM in response to John61254
    Level 8 (46,611 points)
    Jul 19, 2010 5:40 PM in response to John61254
    At Radio Shack & probably at most computer stores, you can get a spray can of contact cleaner. The cleaner would be ideal for internal contacts.

     Cheers, Tom