Old Laptop Memory Module Error (Plus Monitor issues)

[Elv02]

Hey Tech Support,

I have a 4-5 year old HP laptop that's been giving me trouble lately. Apart from the display that has multi-colour lines flicker across the bottom of the monitor (which I think isn't the screen but the probably the video chipset coming loose or something), it's not decided to occasionally stop booting.

What happens is when I turn it on, the caps lock and num lock lights blink three times, stop, blink three times etc.

After some googling, I figured out this is an indicator for a memory module error. I can temporarily fix it by popping off the back and pressing the ram in (Although it never seems to be actually "loose").

So my question is, could the ram be going and should I buy some new ram?

Also, if you have any thoughts on the monitor issue, I'd be welcome to hearing that too :D

Many thanks,

[404 Not Found]

If the chipset itself isn't failing from being old (and put together by HP) then it's probably a loosened plug/ribbon cable.

Use [url=http://www.memtest.org/download/4.20/memtest86+-4.20.usb.installer.zip]Memtest86+[/url] to see if the modules are actually faulty, the link leads to the automatic USB stick installer. You'll be able to boot off of it and it will go to work.

Do it with both first, then one at a time if it fails with both. I have some laptop DDR2 somewhere if you end up needing cheap replacements,

[Elv02]

[QUOTE=AugustBurnsRed;39809937]If the chipset itself isn't failing from being old (and put together by HP) then it's probably a loosened plug/ribbon cable.

Use [url=http://www.memtest.org/download/4.20/memtest86+-4.20.usb.installer.zip]Memtest86+[/url] to see if the modules are actually faulty, the link leads to the automatic USB stick installer. You'll be able to boot off of it and it will go to work.

Do it with both first, then one at a time if it fails with both. I have some laptop DDR2 somewhere if you end up needing cheap replacements,[/QUOTE]

Thanks, I'll be doing the Memtest on it today.

For the video chipset though, would it be a fair guess that it's loose? I guess I'd just have to open 'er up and check? Too bad there's no easy access panel for the video card -_-

Maybe I'll have to pay a tech to look at it. I've worked with desktops before but laptops seem a [I]bit[/I] more difficult

[1solidsnake2]

Only high end laptops have dedicated video cards, most laptops use onboard graphics where the graphics chip is soldered directly to the motherboard, or built into the processor (Intel HD graphics and AMD APU), the age of your laptop suggests the former is more likely.

The most likely culprit behind the screen issue is the video cable, especially around the hinge area.

[Elv02]

[QUOTE=1solidsnake2;39819832]Only high end laptops have dedicated video cards, most laptops use onboard graphics where the graphics chip is soldered directly to the motherboard, or built into the processor (Intel HD graphics and AMD APU), the age of your laptop suggests the former is more likely.

The most likely culprit behind the screen issue is the video cable, especially around the hinge area.[/QUOTE]

Right, I misread the post above >_<

That's preferable though, right? The fix would then be to open it up and check the ribbon? Any guides online for that?

I appreciate your help! :)

[Elv02]

Update:

Did the memTest86, it came up with no errors :S So now I'm really confused... Is it possible the memory is not the issue? Is there anything else that can cause a memory module error?