I have a laptop that when plugged up will power up for about 2 seconds. I was in the process of opening it (friend's laptop bty) and I cannot find the RAM. And the slot where it should be is empty. I mean, I am pretty darn sure that the RAM is MIA. I am trying to call him and find out who had his laptop before it stopped working but in the meantime... could this be the problem I am having? It doesn't seem characteristic because usually it would startup and beep and wouldn't be able to move further. So, I am coming to 2 conclusions, possibly a bad battery? Atx? 2nd, the RAM is gone thus preventing anything from happening... This is a Toshiba Satellite laptop (PA3383U)
I think I have stumbled across a whole slew of problems! Anyone with any insight about the whole RAM issue (prevent a powerup?)

-downtownpbrowne

So, I am coming to 2 conclusions, possibly a bad battery?
Possibly or other power subsytem issue.


atx?
ATX is a desktop motherboard format.


2nd, the RAM is gone thus preventing anything from happening...
Perhaps.


This is a Toshiba Satellite laptop (PA3383U)
Go to Toshiba's web site. Locate the User Manual, Service Reference Guide, or other technical literature for the laptop model. Determine A) RAM configuration - whether the laptop has a fixed amount of default RAM and the slot you're seeing is for additional RAM, B) BIOS beep codes or other indications for memory related POST errors, and C) typical battery/power supply adapter voltage to test for.