A31 powers up only with 1 RAM stick

[Diveman]

Hi! 1st time here. Lot's of good knowledge.
I have 2 identical A31 (type 2652) 2x512 Mb RAM. The older one started problems-freezing after 5 min. I had to remove Batt. and ext. power to turn her off and to re-start. It got worse, would not start up at all. I started switching components with the other good machine. Literally everything which can be removed, incl. Hard drive. All components work fine on the younger A31.
Replaced CMOS Batt. with (tested 2032, 3V) new one.
Latest status: She will start up when I only instal ONE 512 Mb Ram Stick but the stick has to be in the front connector (facing the front of the laptop, when turned over) Everything is working fine. When I insert the 2nd one and push the ON button, all green lights come on for an instant, than only one (furthest right) stays on-nothing else happens. It lets me turn it off by pushing the pwr. button again. It is running Windows XP, Service pack 2.
Is it time to move the old faithful to "Thinkpad Heaven"? She served me well all these years and I am on a pension income.
Thanks in advance!

[ajkula66]

Welcome to the forum!

A bad (unsoldered) RAM slot is not uncommon on A31/p units.

Your best bet is to get a 1GB DIMM and stick it into the "healthy" slot.

Good luck.

[Diveman]

Good suggestion, makes sense, ajkula66! I will look for a 1G DIMM. Would it be safe to buy used, say on EBay? Looks like the cheapest new one is around $35.
Also, someone on this forum mentioned that updating the bios may solve some problems. Would that apply to my case?
Thank You!

[Cigarguy]

Update the BIOS and see for yourself. Only way to find out is to just do it with the specific hardware in hand.

Buying RAM on Ebay can work. It really depends on the seller. Beware of exorbitant shipping charges.

I bought a couple of sticks of 1 GB DDR RAM for a T40 recently (see link below). Since you are in Canada, I recommend this option too. If you wait until Wednesday, they usually have free shipping on Wednesday to a Canadian address. Fortunately for me they are only 5 min away. Also check out NCIX and Newegg.ca.

http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX7229

[Diveman]

Thank You again, All, for your very helpful input! I checked this site 'memoryexpress' they have the best prices. It's Wednesday and I will order a 1Gb stick from them and report back on the outcome.

[Diveman]

Just a short note to thank everybody for their good advise!!!
I just got around last night and bought a 1Gig DIMM from Canada Computers ($30.--) (MemoryExpress had the best price but was sold out) and installed it. Just like ajkula66 suggested, he was right on with his diagnosis, Thanks! It works perfectly in the one good slot, so it must be the other connector at fault. Problem solved!