I have 2 identical older computers: they are 2 Dell Dimension 3000's with all original components. Over the weekend, I formatted the hard drive on one of the computers and thought I would go ahead and take the RAM from the other system and put it into the formatted computer. The computer was unplugged when I did this. When I plugged the computer back in and attempted to start it up, it briefly powered up, then powered back down, then powered back up. Windows did not start, and there was no hard drive activity - only power. I took the RAM out to see if maybe that was the problem, but the computer continued to do the same thing. I checked the ribbon and power cables...everything was intact.

The computer is still not functioning properly, and I have no idea where to go from here. Obviously the RAM was compatible, as it came from an identical system. And I don't understand why I'm still having problems when I remove the RAM. Does anyone have any ideas for me? Thank you in advance!!!

"I formatted the hard drive on one of the computers and thought I would go ahead and take the RAM from the other system and put it into the formatted computer. ........ Windows did not start."

So you reinstalled windows before the RAM swap? Normally, windows (and the bios) should just register the new RAM (capacity/amount) and continue.

I'm anticipating that both machines had 256MB of RAM and one open RAM slot for additional RAM, and you took a 256MB memory module from one machine to add it to the other machine to get more RAM in one machine. (From what I could find Dimension 3000's come with 256MB and two slots.)

"... and there was no hard drive activity - only power. ...... I checked the ribbon and power cables...everything was intact..."

If all connections are indeed secure (including RAM modules in the slots), then a hard failure must have occured. Damage to a component possibly caused by E.S.D. - Electro Static Discharge, power supply failure, CPU failure, motherboard failure. (Possible crack due to flexing from pressure inserting RAM etc.)

What do you get on the Diagnostic Lights?
http://support.dell.com/support/edoc....htm#wp1059100

Yes, I installed Windows before the RAM installation. And yes, they were both 256 RAM modules.

I am not too hopeful that this is going to work out well. Which is not good, because these are the only computers I have and I cannot afford a new one at the present. I probably wouldn't purchase any new components for such an old machine either. I am embarking on a music project, and my other system has sound card issues, so I cannot use that one. I have problems with both of these computers EVERY time I format. The other system did not recognize its sound card after I formatted last time. Which is another topic all together, but is that something you can help me figure out...?

I have not checked the diagnostic lights on my system. I am at work now, but will check that when I get home. Stay tuned! I'll be back with updates. Thank you so much for your help!!!

"I have problems with both of these computers EVERY time I format."

But you've been able (thus far) to overcome past problems on these machines?

"The other system did not recognize its sound card after I formatted last time. Which is another topic all together, but is that something you can help me figure out...?"

Yes. Here's the Chipset Drivers (which should be the first drivers loaded after a clean install);
http://support.dell.com/support/topi...pup&file=70069

Here's the drivers for your audio;
http://support.dell.com/support/topi...up&file=122481

Needless to say, the machine must be running (Windows) in order to install these drivers.

Post back with your results on the Diagnostic Lights.