Can Ram be tested if the Mac doesn't boot? Sounds like a funny joke, but please read on....

6x6 wrote:

I would most certainly not use compressed air in this situation. You would basically blow dust/residues into the computer (instead of out) which may lead to other undesired consequences.

The small amount of dust seen in the pictures won't be an issue as there is likely much more dust inside the iMac anyway. Besides the compressed air will be aimed at the memory slots themselves and will likely blow most of the dust outward except for the dust outside of the slots themselves. Besides vacuums are not always able to pull some debris from a recessed slot.

Macs Are War Horses wrote:

should I stand the mac up when I'm doing it and should I take the working chip out of it's slot? I probably should, but please confirm it.

Yes remove all the memory so all the slots are free of dust.

If you have no one to assist, then would probably place the iMac face down on the glass on a solid flat table or desktop with a soft clean cloth underneath to protect the glass. If you have someone else to assist you, then you can have them hold the iMac in a position that makes it easiest for you to see what you are doing while keeping the can upright.

One more thing. HWTech said their might be a black dot. If so, what does that mean? Thanks ALL for your help!

I saw some dark spots within the memory slots, but due to the dust and unclear pictures I cannot tell what I'm seeing. Either it is debris of some sort or there is an issue with the contacts within the memory slot.

After cleaning the dust out take a few clear pictures so we can see the inside of the memory slots clearly. The pictures will need to be in focus, with good lighting plus you may need to take several pictures from slightly different angles in order to get a good view of both sides of each memory slot so we can see all the contacts. Do this with all the memory removed so nothing is blocking our view or casting a shadow.

Macs Are War Horses wrote:

i know that you're right on with your diagnosis, but when did the new bent pins happen? I gently put this one working chip back into the one working slot this last time. It worked for the rest of the night last night. I did no changes today. It should have worked in my opinion.

If a pin is bent, then each time you insert or remove the memory it is possible the pin gets bent even more to where it may short out with a pin next to it. Or the bin can become completely broken as the metal contacts are fragile when pulled away from their normal position.

I can also be having a problem with the multi outlet that I plug it into. I have an older mac that is plugged into it with no problems, but my internet seems to be in and out until I secure the cord. Coincidence, probably? It might also be due to other things?

Power problems can definitely cause problems with a computer. You need to make absolutely sure the computer is plugged into a known good electrical outlet. If you are using a surge strip, then make sure the surge strip is good as well, otherwise plug the iMac directly into the wall outlet.

Well, I plan to try it again and if it doesn't work I'll set up an appointment with an apple authorized dealer. Unless that short meant that the mac is gone? Oh, well! Having the new ram was supposed to help relieve stress, but I tried so many times I probably damaged it!....pay the extra money is what I should have done!

Thanks.

Troubleshooting can sometimes be extremely difficult and frustrating. I've been driven crazy a few times ;-)

Hi babowa,

I had to look twice. It was hiding in OP's response to HWTech's first question:

Allan

Be careful with that and, if yours is like my handheld, it won't have enough power/suction to pull up much of anything.