Installing New Memory: Safety First ............................................................
Memory is subject to damage from electrostatic sparks and from power
surges. Once in place within your machine, it’s mostly protected by the cir-
cuitry of the AC adapter, charger, and the battery; the moments of highest
risk come in the installation of memory. Here is the best procedure to follow
when installing new memory in a machine:- Place the laptop on a sturdy work surface that has good lighting.
- Completely discharge the power in the laptop before opening it.
Start by unplugging the power cord from the wall. Then remove the bat-
tery pack. - Make sure you have the proper tools to open the memory compartment.
On most machines you need a small Phillips-head screwdriver. A handful
of manufacturers are less friendly to do-it-yourselfers and close the com-
partment with Torx or other fasteners that require use of special tools;
you may have to visit a hardware store or computer retailer to obtain
proper tools in that situation. In Figure 6-3, I’m opening the panel on the
bottom of a modern laptop.
Figure 6-3:
Opening the
door to the
RAM com-
partment on
the bottom
of a laptop.94 Part II: Explaining What Could Possibly Go Wrong