I was messing around with the start up processes of my dell laptop with ccleaner and dissabled a whole lot of things. After that, i shut down my laptop. But when i tried to turn on the laptop, i got 2 beeps to signify that RAM was not detected. Could this be because of ccleaner? And if so, how could i fix this. Thank you in advance
beeps when starting the PC at the POST stage (Power On Self Test) are almost always either the video card or memory modules not being detected.
and a very common reason for that is dust build-up.
since it's a laptop, there isn't much you can do about the video card, but the memory can be taken out, cleaned with a brush, wipe the contacts, and re-seated.
that will provide you the best chance of success.
At the worst, the only thing you did by disabling an item in system startup is that you prevented an application from starting along with Windows. Your computer would still start. And this is easily remedied by re-enabling the item. (You ARE talking about the startup manager settings within Windows (also accessed using CCleaner) and NOT the BIOS settings, right? Because that's an entirely different thing.)
Usually beep codes related to system RAM mean one of four things: 1.) RAM is not installed 2.) RAM is not fully seated in the slot 3.) The wrong type of RAM is installed 4.) RAM has failed. Follow mta's advice, clean the contacts on the RAM itself and use canned air to blow any dust out of the slot. Handle the RAM module by the edges only, try not to touch the chips themselves. Then re-install the RAM making sure it is seated properly. If you still have problems, there is the possibility your RAM has failed.
Also, I remember years ago that Dell used fasteners that were unique to Dell. This was to keep people from opening the case, changing components like RAM or hard drives, and using components that were not certified by Dell. I don't know what is used nowadays, just take a good look at the screw heads before proceeding.
Follow up: I went to Dells' support website. 2 beeps= No RAM detected: 4 beeps= Memory has failed. Follow mta's advice, get things cleaned up and re-install the RAM module. Sounds like a bad connection is the cause.
I would like to start a new topic about duplicate file cleanup in CCleaner? How do I do that? I am new here.
Hello Lantakik and welcome to the forum. Start by selecting 'CCleaner Discussion', scroll down the screen a bit, and look for the black button on the right side marked 'Start New Topic'. And just a forewarning about duplicate file deletion - I wouldn't recommend using it. A lot of program files are duplicated in the program(x64) folder and the x86 folder, and deleting any of them could lead to disaster. I also take a hands-off approach concerning system files. One rule I always go by: If you're not absolutely sure about what you're doing, don't do it. But feel free to post your question anyway. One of the more knowledgeable members could probably offer better advice than I can.
I had tried to remove the ram chip and clean it as specified, i even got a new ram chip of the same size as the stock one that came with it, but i still get the two beeps
a few things to consider/clarify.
have you tried reseating the original chip?
the laptop may have two memory slots, if you put it back in one of those and it 'beeped', did you try the other slot?
i assume the laptop only has the one ram module?
now, when you say 'new ram chip of the same size' are you referring to the physical size? if so, you may still have a problem.
physical size is obviously important but so is matching the clock speed of the memory.
on the old chip there will be some numbers like DDR2 PC5300 (or similar).
ideally the new chip should be the same speed. doesn't always have to be as higher speeds are often still compatible - but not always.
depends on the motherboard on the laptop as to what ram chips it supports.
going for a higher speed may be problematic, but sticking to the same speed will have a greater success rate.
but again, not always, sometimes, certain makes/models just clash with the current hardware.
changing brands may help.
when buying laptop memory, i always find it best to change it over in the shop as you buy it to check it's going to be compatible.
so you may just have been unlucky and the new chip is not compatible - hence it beeps still.
of course, it may also be the slot you are using - so try the other one if possible.