Acer Aspire 2026 WLMi Memory Slots

[MikeH]

Hi, just been given an Acer Aspire 2026 WLMi laptop but the RAM compartment is empty. Want to get 2GB of RAM because all the info about this laptop claims it has 2 memory slots.Well one must have fallen out of this laptop as upon removal of the cover, I can see only one slot. Anyone got one of these laptops who can tell me if theirs has one or two slots please.
Thanks.

 

[EvanDavis]

The RAM sits one above the other. Here's a quick disassembly video to give you an idea

You will see the RAM removal in the first 30 seconds or so

 

[MikeH]

Hi, thanks for reply. Thing is, my 2026 is not like the laptop in the video. On my 2026 the RAM compartment is separate and is the size of the RAM stick. Just taken the lid off this compartment again and I can only see one slot.There's only room for one RAM stick.......yet the manuals keep on saying 2 slots! Surely the other RAM slot wouldn't be under the underside casing?
Mike

 

[EvanDavis]

Can you take a pic of the ram compartment and post it here ?

 

[MikeH]

How do I upload pics?

 

[EvanDavis]

Take a look at the pic below

 

[MikeH]

Thanks, here's some pics.

 

[EvanDavis]

Ah ok. I think I know what it may be. Had the same on an old Acer.
One RAM module is on the base of the laptop, but to access the other you have to remove the keyboard, as that's where the second module is located.

 

[MikeH]

Oh right. Why doesn't it tell me that in the manual? Frustrating.....do they do it on purpose I wonder??? Thanks. Just have to find how to remove the keyboard. Think I downloaded a service manual earlier, I'll check that.
Thanks again.

 

[Gandalf_the_Grey]

Check this site for what memory your laptop will need...
http://www.crucial.com/

 

[Gandalf_the_Grey]

This may help you with the removal of your keyboard even if it's not the same model.

Good Luck

 

[MikeH]

Thanks, I can go to a max of 2GB. Should be enough for what I want to use it for.
Mike

 

[MikeH]

Thanks I'll try taking keyboard off tomorrow - too tired tonight. Body's willing but mind isn't!
Mike

 

[MikeH]

Found the RAM under the keyboard - thanks for advice.
Having problems with the laptop. Having replaced the hinges, the screen just stays black while the laptop whirs away, so plugged a monitor onto it, re-booted, and got the message CMOS ERROR. It offered me the chance of starting in safe mode or normal mode, but whatever I selected, lots of lines of info appeared on the screen then it froze. Been advised it could be the internal battery drained. Will be looking for that soon......You have to be Indiana Jones to find things on this laptop!!!!! How can you tell if the screen or the inverter has failed? Is there a way of testing both?
Mike

 

[EvanDavis]

There are a number of reasons for CMOS errors, but normally is that battery as you have been advised.
As for the screen not working, are you sure you reseated the screen ribbon/cable properly after replacing the hinges ?
And as for all the lines of info when booting into safe mode, that is normal, although the freezing isn't
Try replacing the battery when you find it's location, and then see what happens.

 

[MikeH]

I checked the cabling to the screen and it all seems ok, but I'll check continuity with a meter later. Must find battery compartment first. Thanks.

 

[MikeH]

Just found the internal battery and it's soldered onto the motherboard. It will mean a total dis-assemble to get the motherboard out to even determine if I can unsolder the old and re-solder the new - it's a very small battery, about 12mm diameter.......assuming new solderable batteries are available. Why do they do this? I found one forum where someone had the same problem as me and decided he had to throw the motherboard away. If this is the case, these Acer laptops only have a life expectancy of approx 5 to 7 years, ie. the internal battery life!!! Anyone experienced replacing one of these batteries???
Mike
Disillusioned.....so disillusioned!!!!!

 

[Anon_F]

Take it to a local independent acer repairer?