What happens if you touch your computer memory?

November 4th, 2008 | by computermemory |
computer memory
Roo asked:


I went to upgrade my PC’s memory, but bought the wrong kind. I had left the old chip on the table, where it got touched, and now my computer won’t boot up. Is there anything I can do to remedy this? :S
Thanks to all the jackasses with the sexual comments. So clever of you.

Anyone with an ACTUAL answer would be greatly appreciated.
Edit again:

I did ground myself against my metal stove before doing this, is it possible that there was still enough static left in me for the chip to fry? :(

COLEMAN

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  1. 11 Responses to “What happens if you touch your computer memory?”

  2. By Mick R on Nov 5, 2008 | Reply

    well untouch it

  3. By Josh on Nov 7, 2008 | Reply

    it moans, sorry, i had to say it. if you don’t have the right version, then you need to get a new comp.

  4. By Teddy Bundy on Nov 10, 2008 | Reply

    Then it gets all clingy and wants you to call it all day everyday. What a mess.

  5. By racerkeith on Nov 11, 2008 | Reply

    You might have installed it backwards. The memory chips fit only one way. Gently remove the chip and hold it up next to the slot and see if the tabs and notches line up.

  6. By alex :] on Nov 14, 2008 | Reply

    If you touch a chip with your bare hands there’s the possibility that you kill it (aawww :( ) because of a static electricity discharge (no matter how insignificant of a discharge it may seem). That’s why technicians either use gloves or touch a metallic surface before working with chips.

    I would take it to a repair shop or were you bought it, I would have someone who knows install it if I didn’t know how to, but if you know, then there’s no problem, i think.

  7. By Jake on Nov 14, 2008 | Reply

    Whoever touched it may have been staticly charged, if that is the case then you problly need a new one.

  8. By Lauren on Nov 17, 2008 | Reply

    Just touching it shouldn’t make a difference. Check to see if it’s seated firmly & correctly in the slot. Make sure the slot is clean & free of dust.

  9. By Peter on Nov 17, 2008 | Reply

    Ouch. Leaving memory on the table or anywhere outside of the computer is a BAD idea. What most likely happened is since it was out in the open and people were touching it, it got fried by static. When you put the ram back in the computer wasn’t booting because it’s dead and the computer can’t boot without it. Sadly, there is no remedy to fix the ram. Your going to have to buy some more.

    NOTE: ALWAYS TOUCH AN UNPAINTED METAL SURFACE BEFORE HANDLING COMPUTER PARTS. This will discharge all static from your body.

    If you need any additional help (like what new ram to choose), feel free to e-mail me at

    Good luck!
    ~Peter

    EDIT: Yeah, the stove would do it. Sorry bud! But your not alone, I’ve fried memory before it’s no biggy. Memory is the easiest component to fry as well, that’s why you have to be very careful with it.

  10. By efecan on Nov 17, 2008 | Reply

    You can remove and replace your bios battery and it resets your hardware configuration and redetermine them by right.

    If memory stick was not made brake or damaged it’s not problem to touch it.

  11. By Joe M on Nov 18, 2008 | Reply

    It’s very possible that you shorted it out with static electricity. It is also possible that the chip isn’t seated properly in the slot. Try pulling the chip out, and reseating it.

  12. By JianGi on Nov 20, 2008 | Reply

    There is static electric power on the memory and in some case if you touch it it destroys some parts of it.I’m afraid i cannot be fixed.But try and wrap it with tinfoil for a few secs and then place it again…

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