Rearranging the RAM
When booting an Inspiron or Latitude laptop, the following error might appear: Non-ECC memory detected in slot X. Press F1 to shut down. Rearranging and reseating the Random Access Memory (RAM) may correct the error.
Precautionary Measures
Caution: Before you perform any of the procedures in this document, read the following caution for your personal safety and to prevent damage to the computer from electrostatic discharge (ESD).
For Your Personal Safety and Protection of the Equipment.
- Turn off your computer and all devices.
- Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface at the back of the computer before touching anything inside your computer.
- While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface on the computer to dissipate any static electricity that might harm internal components.
- Disconnect the power cable to your computer, and then press the power button to ground the system board.
- Disconnect any devices that are connected to the computer, including the monitor, from their electrical outlets to reduce the potential for personal injury or shock. Also, disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.
After you remove or replace parts in the computer, observe the following notice to prevent damage to the computer:
Note: Ensure that all other computer cables are connected before connecting the computer to its electrical outlet.
- Remove the RAM module from the slot that is listed in the error and reboot.
If the error does not occur, upgrade the BIOS to the latest version.
Note: For information about how to upgrade the BIOS, see the following article:
Dell BIOS Updates
-
Replace the RAM and reboot the computer.
-
If the error occurs, swap out the RAM modules.
If there is only one RAM module in the computer, swap the RAM slots.
-
If the error still occurs, replace the RAM.
-
If the error occurs on both RAM modules after upgrading the BIOS, replace the motherboard.
Back to Top