Help! Memory module went in crooked!

So I decided to test my ram for the first time with memtest86+... I tested first module with 4 passes without any errors. I took out the second module so I could put in the other module in its place. However, while doing so, it slid in crooked and now I can't get it out to put it in correctly! I feel like such a ditz.

I'm afraid to apply too much pressure or use anything to try to pry it out since I don't know how sensitive that area is... what do you guys suggest?

Thanks in advance!

 

Sorry, I forgot to mention I have a T60P.

 

I don't know what else you could do besides yank it out (as gently as possible). You could always take it to a local shop to have them pull it out.

 

Thank you for the quick reply. How "gentle" do I need to be? Can it stand a little pressure? Is this a really sensitive area? The problem is that part of it is in, and the other part isn't...

 

Well probably less sensitive than you think, but its sensitive. Just wiggle back and forth a little bit as you progressively pull harder to get it out.

I mean... it has to come out somehow even if it causes damage. The best you can do is pull on it with a little wiggle until it comes out.

It should be OK, but if you do damage the RAM module or the motherboard I would plead ignorance with Lenovo or The RAM manufacturer. You most likely have a lifetime warranty with the RAM and the laptop is under warranty. They probably won't cover this type of damage though. So you'll have to tell them that is the way it was when you bought it. Hopefull, it won't get to that point.

Good Luck!

 

It is crooked? But roughly at a 45deg angle right?

If it isn't at an angle compared to the laptop, you might have gotten one of the two metal clasps to look on the module. Make sure both of them are released. If it is at an angle, it should be a little easier.

Wiggle gently, don't pull too hard. If you are worried you are going to break something, that is a good sign that you are almost putting too much pressure on it. Use common sense - it isn't invincible.

I would definitely say if you need to play with it for a while to get it loose, go barefoot on a hard floor surface. A small shock from static electricity could very well kill the memory chips.

 

When I put it in at the 45 degree angle and pushed down on it to lock/push it in, that's when it slipped and one side went in crooked. I managed to get it uncrooked, but the module won't pop back up. So basically it won't let me push it into its proper place. I can move it around a little, but it won't give enough room for me to pick it out... ;(

 

I took a picture (sorry, it's low quality) since it's hard to explain the problem... see attachment

 

looks like it's stuck under the two metal clasps that normally release the memory. I would try pushing them sideways away from the memory and try to lift up the memory module with something.

 

That doesn't look bad Are you sure that clip on the left side isn't holding on a little? I think you should just take it to a local shop. I could imagine they would charge much if anything at all.

 

Well the metal clamps are definitely in the way... but so are some other things, like part of the metal clamp for the module that goes on top, plus the opening isn't big enough to have the whole module to come up flat without putting it at an angle (which is harder than you think!). So somehow I need to get that thing at an angle and take it out while holding all the clamps open :\

Yeah, if I can't somehow manage to get it out using a second person to help hold all the clamps open (hubby is first candidate as soon as he gets off work, which isn't for a few more hours ;( ) I suppose I'll have to take it to a local shop. I'm just worried because I do not have any money to spare (I'm a student).

Thank you all for your help! If you have any other suggestions, please post them.

 

Looks like it just needs to be seated into the socket. Have you tried pushing it in? It's probably stuck because it got pushed down without being fully engaged in the socket, and the metal clips on the sides are now engaged in the wrong spots.

 

Yes, I've tried pushing it in... several times It just doesn't want to, I guess.

Thank you, though

 

it does look that bad me just look one side not in all way if you push on side it wound problay pop in or remove and reinstall it it does.nt look broken

unless missing something in picture

 

If you have to I would even consider getting a pair of pliers or something to cut and break the memory card off as gently as you can. Be sure to were an ESD strap. The memory is at most $100. No small loss but if you break the motherboard or the teeth on the board holding the memory card, the loss is very significant. Dont do it yet. I will let the experts guide you but your overriding concern is not the memory.

 

Ack, pliers? I cringed just reading that, but I do see your point. There must be a way to dislodge without mangling the chip. I'd be afraid of damaging the socket or the clips while trying to wrench it out. I'm going to have another look at the picture, maybe I will think of something.

 

Does it move backwards (away from the socket) at all? Maybe since it's already not seated properly you could move it away and disengage the clips. If not, I'd suggest opening one of the clips as far as it will travel and give it a good look to see where it's getting held up on the memory card itself.

 

My advice would be to grab both corners gently and while gently moving the RAM up and down move it from side to side as well.

Hopefully this will be enough for it to budge.

 

have a friend hold both clips open while you yank it out. The area can withstand some pressure. If anything breaks, play the stupid game with lenovo.

 

Sorry about the delay in response, guys! I appreciate all of your suggestions. Hubby somehow managed to get it out on his own that night... I *did* see him take some tools when he went to go attempt to fix it, which made me nervous so I tried not to watch, but so far everything is working fine. I ran the memtest86+ on the module we had problems with (as far as getting stuck and all), and it ran 40 passes without any errors. So, hopefully, nothing was damaged!

Thanks again!

 

Cheese and rice! "40 passes"... I'd say the RAM is stable. I usually do 4 to 8 passes.

 

awesome..when i first got a 15in thinkpad, the very same thing happened to me..it kind of went in an angle and went in crooked. it was hard to get it back in or take it out....but it still worked so i just left it there. I then went ahead and ordered a 14in thinkpad (i wasn't satisfied with the 15 in..too big IMO) and I went back in to take out my memory before returning it...

Still would not come out and i just used some pliers with a sponge (wrapped the sponge around the memory before taking a hold of it with the pliers) and after a firm pull it came out. I subsequently installed that ram on my sisters notebook and it ran without problems

In regards to static shock...i did this on carpet with socks on...static shock is not that big of a deal IMO when dealing with RAM..they are pretty sturdy

when it comes to motherboards, that is a diff story