Laptop rebooting and memory error on boot sometimes

I have a Dell Latitude C510/C610 Laptop. Just replaced the motherboard (I bought it for $50 because the IT shop I work at is understaffed, and they didn't want to spend $700 to fix it).

My first issue is when I am using it and move it, even slightly, it displays the dreaded bsod (error not up long enough to copy it). I've worked with laptops before, and have moved them while they were booted up and never seen this behavior. I've rechecked the hardware, and all looks fine. I'll be working on it fine for an hour or so, and if I gently lift it up, boom, the bsod. This happens when I'm on battery or AC or both.

My other issue is one having to do with the memory. When booting, I'll get a message that the system is reducing the memory, and the memory has changed. Then asks if I want to continue or go to setup. I have 2 128 sticks of memory. If I go to setup when this happens, it says I have 128mb of memory. When I continue to boot, then reboot at the login prompt, I get a message that the memory has changed again. I go to setup, and wahlah, it's back to 256mb of memory. Boot up and all is fine, until I try to move the laptop.

I've tried switching them, reseeding and even washed them with warm water and dishwashing liquid to clean them up, and still the same issue (Okay, I was kidding on the last one, but I bet it got your attention ). I really, really wish I could be more specific about the error messages, and when it happens again I'll try my very best to capture them and repost them in this thread, but until then, if any laptop guru's are out there that could shed some light on the situation, I would be greatly appreaciative.

Specs: Installed latest bios (a16), Win2k pro sp3, 256mb memory, 20gb harddrive, 1066ghz celeron, 3com 10/100 lan. 1 new 4460mAH rechargable battery, 1 new 3800mAH battery, CD drive (I interchange it with the 3800 battery, but most of the time use both batteries at the same time. Gives me 8 hours of battery time).

All assistance is greatly appreaciated, and any questions are welcome.

Thank you and happy holidays to all.

 

Hi

Not many of us here seem much into laptops (as you can see by the responses, like mine, eyes glaze over at the mention of "laptop" ). I think you have done well replacing the mobo, too fiddley for me.

It may all be related to the memory (RAM). If you can get that right, maybe it will ALL work. Have you tried each stick on their own? There is a memory diagnostics in my signature. Are there other clones of that laptop around? Try swapping sticks out with those.

Your "drip-dry" method may not be far off. Try cleaning the connectors with a soft pencil eraser.

The sticks of memory may be mismatched for that mobo. Check the motherboard manufacturer's (Dell's?) recommendations for memory. Is the mobo exactly the same model as previous?

If you do not get a flood of responses here, the Dell website has a forum.

Matt