View original (French)

PC won’t boot after clearing CMOS

ZenkoLespadon Posted messages 2 Status Member -  
txiki Posted messages 6514 Registration date   Status Contributor Last intervention   -

Hello everyone,

For the past hour, it has been impossible for me to start my Dell G3 15 3500 laptop.

Let me set the context:

My RAM in slot DIMM 2 was not detected. That same stick worked in slot DIMM 1 and in the BIOS I had error 0x03808164.

While searching online, I saw that performing a CMOS clear could potentially resolve my issue, so I did that. However, when I reconnected the power cable and battery, I heard crackling noises, and since then, the laptop doesn't start at all; it shows no signs of life (no keyboard light, no screen, and no fan running).

The laptop doesn't start up with just the battery or just the power cable either.

Additionally, I have already tried discharging static electricity by holding down the power button for 30 seconds while unplugged, as well as doing an RTC reset by holding down for 30 seconds while plugged in, but none of that worked.

Is it possible that static electricity damaged the battery?

If that's the case, would replacing the battery allow my laptop to function again?

2 answers

  1.
    txiki Posted messages 6514 Registration date   Status Contributor Last intervention   609
     

    Hello ZenkoLespadon,
    "a static electricity discharge by holding down ON for 30 seconds": it's better to press it several times, between 5 and 10, rather than holding it down for a long time. That's how we used to do it when I worked. It discharges the capacitors.
    "...is it possible that static electricity damaged the battery?": very unlikely but not impossible.
    Best regards!

    0
    1. ZenkoLespadon Posted messages 2 Status Member
       

      Thank you for your response, I just tried it but it didn't work...

      0
  2. txiki Posted messages 6514 Registration date   Status Contributor Last intervention   609
     

    Hello,
    "This same RAM stick worked in slot DIMM 1 and in the BIOS I had error 0x03808164.": so it wasn't working then?
    "My RAM in slot DIMM 2 was not detected": was it already in that slot before the failure?
    "Is it possible that static electricity damaged the battery?": not the battery but the RAM probably if not certainly!

    Few people know that you need to take great care when handling these sticks.
    Personally, I used to put on a static wrist strap and then connect it to the "ground" pin of the wall socket before handling a memory stick.
    Best regards!

    0