Fixing the USB port on a Laptop (Dell) and or PCMCIA port.

[The Stigenator]

I gave my gf a Dell CPi-R400GT laptop. It was running great but recently there has been a problem.

The USB port is kinda funky. If you look at your USB port you will see you got a Black peice on the inside. Along side of the black peice is 4 pins that provide power and stuff. Now here is the problem, teh peice fell off. She cant move the laptop because if she does the USB slides out. Its not contacting otherwise. ANyway to fix this. her UCSB computer repair place said they cant do it, referred Dell or Compusa. I dont think CompUSA can fix this too. I might have to tackle this with a soldering iron.

Here is the issue.. is there a way i can put a peice of plastic back in there?

The PCMCIA port is busted, it knows there is a card in there, but it wont turn on the card for some reason. Any idea what's going on? If this doesnt work i would have to get her a used laptop for cheap.

 

[islandtechengineers]

if your unluky in your fix... hit ebay for a parts laptop thats the same as your dell, and transfer over your hardware.

 

[The Stigenator]

i found the motherboard on ebay.. 5 bucks for the mobo, 60 bucks for shipping..

what a rip off!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=60267&item=6701260890&rd=1

and

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=60267&item=6701260892&rd=1

they state on the page that they ask high rate of shipping to offset costs.

 

[Abhi]

Get her a PCMCIA port USB card...

Easiest way out...

 

[vegetation]

Originally posted by: Abhi
Get her a PCMCIA port USB card...

Easiest way out...

Did you even read his post? His PCMCIA does not work.

 

[SJP0tato]

Originally posted by: The_good_guyThe PCMCIA port is busted, it knows there is a card in there, but it wont turn on the card for some reason. Any idea what's going on?

Can you visually inspect the pins for the PCMCIA port? I've noticed often when this problem occurs (card is seen by the OS, but can't be activated/installed/used) a few of the pins are bent enough to cause a problem with the operation (but not initial recognization) of the inserted card. Sometimes if you can get the case open and a clear shot at the pins you might be able to carefully straighten them back out and get a card installed for the USB.

 

[Abhi]

Originally posted by: vegetation

Originally posted by: Abhi
Get her a PCMCIA port USB card...

Easiest way out...

Did you even read his post? His PCMCIA does not work.

Hmm ... my bad.

 

[islandtechengineers]

Originally posted by: The_good_guy
i found the motherboard on ebay.. 5 bucks for the mobo, 60 bucks for shipping..

what a rip off!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=60267&item=6701260890&rd=1

and

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=60267&item=6701260892&rd=1

they state on the page that they ask high rate of shipping to offset costs.

yea thats one of the down sides to ebay. some people like to rip others off anyway they can.