5 beeps and a red light on my computer.

[timetron]

When I turn the computer on, it beeps 5 times and blinks a red light. I've read that it was a RAM problem. I recently have been trying to build a new computer, so I put the ram from my compaq into the new computer, which didn't want to work. So I put the ram back into my Compaq Pro so I could use it in the meantime and then it started beeping and flashing the red light. Could I have ruined the ram stick by putting it in a different motherboard that may be incompatible? 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Yes, you are correct.

It is a memory issue of some kind.

The first thing I would try would be to firmly reseat the memory.

Sometimes you think it is in there good, but it really isn't.

See the service manual below, appendix C, page 257 to fully troubleshoot the 5 beep code error.

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c04224518

[timetron]

 I have taken it out and put it back in multiple times.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Then it must have gone bad somehow.

[timetron]

Do you think buying another ram stick will make it work?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

That's a good question.

Was that the only memory stick in the PC?

If not, you can swap it out with one of the other sticks and if it still beeps, then you can probably replace it with a new one of the same spec.

[timetron]

There were two, and i've tried swapping them. I'm wondering if I messed up the ram stick or maybe the connector is broken. I'd think i might've messed it up trying to put it in an incompatible motherboard or while i was swapping them I broke them.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

It is pretty hard to put incompatible memory in a PC, because the notches are cut in different places for DDR, DDR2 and DDR3 memory chips.  They wouldn't physically fit in the slot.

If the other memory chip goes in the slot OK, then the memory you removed must have been damaged somehow.

I guess the only way you will know is to buy another chip and see if it works.

[timetron]

Maybe the motherboard fried my ram or something? Or I wasn't handling it properly and it got damaged.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Yes, that is very possible.

I have heard of folks frying the memory because of static discharge.