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eric_cartman_16

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Replaced RAM without removing battery -- damage?

Hi,

I recently bought a new Dell laptop, and I've done two things to it which are advised against in the manual. I haven't noticed any problems, but I'd like to know if it's possible that I have caused any damage:

1) I replaced the 1GB RAM module with a 2GB module. I was careful to ground myself first, however I forgot to remove the battery. The system was powered off, not connected to AC, but the battery was intact. I touched nothing except the RAM and there was no ESD. The manual says that it's important to remove the battery before touching anything to prevent damage to the mainboard.

2) I accidentally removed the battery while the system was on and connected to AC power. The manual advises against this.


What I'd like to know first and foremost, is how exactly these two things can cause damage. Secondly, does the fact that I am not _noticing_ any problems mean that I got lucky and didn't cause any damage?

I still have the option to return this system and buy a new one -- I'd only lose $150 on shipping costs. So if it's quite likely I've damaged it I may do that.

Thanks in advance!
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eric_cartman_16

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@thinkpads_user: That's good news! I don't think I could've shorted anything (didn't touch anything except the memory itself), so I guess I got lucky on that one.

@aboo_s: Can you explain what you mean by killing the charging circuit? If it has reduced the life of the battery I do not particularly mind. Or has it affected the computer's ability to charge batteries?
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@rettif9 - In my experience (many, many years), PC's have had power failures over time with no damage. An experienced, but unmeasured guess puts power problems at less than 20% of outages. So one or two do not perturb me at all. ... Thinkpads_User
Yes, certainly I'd think that the main issue with power outages is the system losing power before it can sync and unmount the filesystem (i.e. no actual hardware damage).

All the information has been helpful. I'm not sure if I will return the laptop or not. After what OriNetworks said It seems like I could have damaged the mainboard but it's just not showing symptoms (yet).

I'm going to bed. I'll decide who to award points to tomorrow.
quote:" @aboo_s: Can you explain what you mean by killing the charging circuit? If it has reduced the life of the battery I do not particularly mind. Or has it affected the computer's ability to charge batteries?
"
I didn't say you have killed the circuit I just said that there is a chance of doing that if you try removing the battery in the same way again. But I'm sure you won't. Anyway if your system is functioning ok then I really don't think that a harm has been done! S o I wouldn't advise you return your laptop only because of that!!!  
@ thinkpads_user - I don't dispute your point that power failure is often inconsequential. Thats not always the case however. Here's a dated but informative article you may find interesting; http://www.realworldtech.com/page.cfm?ArticleID=RWT110100000000&p=1 
In my experience (a few years) I've replaced a lot of power supplies (they seem to come in spurts, I don't know why) and found OS problems after replacement in some cases. I guess that validates your estimate of 20%. My primary concern in this case was changing the memory with a connected battery. That seems like an undesireable risk to me even if Eric was grounded.

rettif9
@eric_cartman "After what OriNetworks said It seems like I could have damaged the mainboard but it's just not showing symptoms (yet)."

I didn't mean to have scared you into wanting to possibly returning the laptop, just wanted to share the things that can happen. Since you dont see any symptoms of failure, which you would most likely have noticed immediately, it should be perfectly find to keep. I would save the $150 becuase it doesnt sound like anything is wrong.