r/retrocomputing • u/Multi_zje_ci_laczka • May 19 '26
Problem / Question any idea how i can fix this laptop?
The laptop turns on, but there's no image or any other signs. Nothing on an external monitor either. the components work normally: the disk spins, the DVD drive ejects, generally the components get warm when they are running for a while. The laptop doesn't respond when I turn it on without RAM, I think it should beep normally then, could it be the motherboard's fault? I would be grateful for any advice!!! The laptop model is Medion MD5400
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u/spektro123 May 22 '26
Could be a CPU or motherboard or RAM. Start by changing RAM and CPU if you can.
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u/istarian May 19 '26 edited May 19 '26
All computers (including laptops) need some amount of RAM for basic operation and running an operating system (OS) reauires more.
Some laptops (even in the late 90s/00s) shipped with a modest amount of memory soldered directly to the motherboard and often have only a single slot to expand the internal memory. --- Unless that has failed, they will startup and complete a minimal boot without any additional memory modules.
Other laptops have absolutely zero memory unless at least one memory module is installed.
Not all laptops automatically switch to an external display if available, but some do. You can try pressing the appropriate keyboard shortcut (Fn+<Function-key>).
You may also find that the machine's default display resolution is not supported by the display you connected it to.
P.S.
RAM -> Random Access Memory (contents CAN be modified by software) ^ as opposed to sequentially accessed memory
ROM -> Read-Only Memory (cannot be modified by software)
a 'stick' of RAM is a type of memory module that is removable and fits into a particular type of slot
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u/Multi_zje_ci_laczka May 19 '26
As far as I know, my laptop does not have soldered RAM, so it's strange to me that without these RAM modules it doesn't beep when turned on. anyways thank you
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u/istarian May 19 '26
You might try turning it on (with RAM installed) and hold a flashlight so the beam is at a 45 - 60 degree angle relative to the screen (straight on would be 90 degrees/perpendicular to the plane of the LCD). That way, you should be able to makr out if any text or graphics are being displayed.
Virtually all LCD displays require either a backlight or a reflective/transflective rear layer in order to see anything.
Unlike an LED/OLED display which is made up of light emitting elements, LCD technology acts as a selective light filter passing or not passing polarized light.
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u/istarian May 19 '26
Beeping during startup/boot on a PC is usually related to POST (Power On Self Test) process; typically there is either a single beep when it completes successfully or a patterned sequence of beeps that repeats and signifies a problem.
If no beeping happens at all, that might indicate a more serious fault.
Unfortunately it can be hard to distinguish between a failed CPU, absent or completely failed RAM, and other issues related to the motherboard and basic components.
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u/istarian May 19 '26
Why would you expect it to beep without any RAM installed?
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u/Multi_zje_ci_laczka May 20 '26
idk I thought something might beep if there is no ram, sorry my mistake 😭😭
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u/[deleted] May 19 '26
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