I have a Dell Latitude e6400 that I've been running on linux for the last 2 years.

Today, I took the back off to get the RAM part number so I can get a new stick of memory.

When I put it back together, it won't power up. The fan spins up for about 1 sec, then everything goes dead.

I was very careful with ESD (I had my shoes off), I didn't touch anything or screw around while in there. I popped the ram out, snapped a pic & put it back together.

A Dell forum mentioned "flea power," (hold power button down for 30 secs with no a/c no batt). I did that. No help.

When I plug the brick in, the charge light comes on for 1 sec, then goes off & the CAPS Lock light comes on. That's before I hit the power button.

Any idea how to fix? It's running Linux Mint 18.2, when it runs.

It's almost certainly a hardware issue, given the circumstances. If it were me, I'd take it to a reputable local computer doctor.

reseat the ram

Ever heard of esd gear

I use something like this
http://media.rs-online.com/t_large/F2983884-01.jpg

and esd wrist band

https://i.pinimg.com/736x/7c/d3/9b/7...-strap-tia.jpg

I use my wristband on the last part of my leg. So i have free movement of my hands.


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Considering you do not know about esd I'd also recommend that you go to a professional. And not to a fake professional who just replaces iphone screens.

I know a few guys who have some proper education but still do not manage to know what a battery looks like, or how to properly screw together a laptop.

It needs talent, knowledge and patience. And interests of course in the stuff you try to fix or to do maintenance on

Stuff happens sometimes. Check for bent pins in the socket. Peeling on blade contacts of ram stick.Try Another stick of ram. Pencil eraser to clean ram contacts.

Best scenario. You screwed the old ram stick somehow. Try Another good stick will fix this.

I have extra hardware for bad scenarios like this. I rob Peter to get Paul up and going again.

This. If it worked without issue before, you took precautions to avoid static discharge, and it won't POST after, it's almost definitely that you didn't properly reseat the ram in my experience (having done exactly that a few hundred times in my life).

After the 3rd time reseating, it worked.

I bought an identical laptop on ebay for $50, no HDD. I'll have a backup if it ever goes out lol...