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Laptop USB Ports not Working

Discussion in 'PC Hardware' started by deester, 2009/04/05.

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  1. 2009/04/05
    deester

    deester Inactive Alumni Thread Starter

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    I have a Dell Inspiron Laptop with 4 USB ports. Two of the ports will not work at all but the computer does send the message that they are malfunctioning. The others will work if you can get an adapter seated just right in them and it takes a lot of time and effort to get this done, any little movement will undo all your work. When I test the ports, the are working properly, it seems to be all in the connection. How difficult is this to repair. Can it be repaired without taking the computer apart, ( showing my ignorance)? Me nor my husband have never repaired a laptop before and know nothing about this. This is a backup computer so I don't want to invest a lot of money in it and would like to do it myself if possible. Will someone tell me what I'm getting into. These ports are important to me as I HAVE ( not a choice) to use an external mouse.
    Thanks,

    Dee
     
    deester,
    #1
  2. 2009/04/05
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Definitely not a DIY repair and probably the only repair solution is a replacement motherboard - the USB ports are soldered to the mobo.

    A workable solution is to use a PCMCIA USB card if you have a PCMCIA slot - I use one to increase the no of USB ports on my HP laptop from a miserly 2 up to 4.
     
    PeteC,
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  4. 2009/04/05
    deester

    deester Inactive Alumni Thread Starter

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    Thanks for responding Pete, I am glad it was you. I am having multiple problems between my 2 laptops and it has taken me a long time to reply. I cannot click on the link at this time and navigate to another site due to the slowness of my computers. I don't know whether I have one of those slots or not, I don't know what it. See my thread "System Alert Popup " under Malware and you will understand more about my primary computer. If you will explain to me what the slot is , I 'll see what I have. I can't surf the web.
    Thanks for your help.
    Dee
     
    deester,
    #3
  5. 2009/04/06
    deester

    deester Inactive Alumni Thread Starter

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    Pete, I do have one of those slots and this looks like the ideal fix for me. Thanks for the suggestion. I did have a DSL issue and it was repaired today and I can navigate again.

    Dee
     
    deester,
    #4
  6. 2009/04/06
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Good news - that solution works well for me and is inexpensive.
     
    PeteC,
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  7. 2009/04/06
    deester

    deester Inactive Alumni Thread Starter

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    Do I need to be concerned about size or installation?
     
    deester,
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  8. 2009/04/06
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    You should check in the manual which type of card is supported - my HP is 3 years old and supports types I, II & III.

    If drivers are needed, as they may be for the USB controllers in the card, then they would be supplied on CD.

    I plug my card in as and when required.
     
    PeteC,
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  9. 2009/04/06
    deester

    deester Inactive Alumni Thread Starter

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    I don't have a manual, I have to go on line, and I can't find this any where in the manual. Do you have to open the laptop to install this?
    Thanks,
    Dee
     
    deester,
    #8
  10. 2009/04/06
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    What's the model no of the Inspiron?
    No - there is either a flap at the side of the laptop or there may be a dummy card fitted. The card just slots in and can be inserted/removed at will......
     

    Attached Files:

    PeteC,
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  11. 2009/04/06
    deester

    deester Inactive Alumni Thread Starter

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    Inspiron 6400/E1505
     
    deester,
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  12. 2009/04/06
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    PeteC,
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  13. 2009/04/09
    deester

    deester Inactive Alumni Thread Starter

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    Pete, Have ordered the card, tried to find one locally, will let you know how it goes.
    Thanks for the help,

    Dee
     
    deester,
    #12
  14. 2009/04/09
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Hope it works out - keep us posted.
     
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  15. 2009/04/10
    deester

    deester Inactive Alumni Thread Starter

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    Pete, Got my card today and it is great. This solved a problem I've been dealing with for months. Thank you so much.

    Dee
     
    deester,
    #14
  16. 2009/04/15
    retiredlearner

    retiredlearner SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

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    Pete, FWIW I have a Compaq Presario which has an Ethernet Port/Modem Port/2 USB Ports which are in fact on a separate board which plugs into the laptop M/B and is therefore a renewable part. I downloaded the workshop manual and have pulled the unit completely apart and was quite impressed with how easy it was to do. Wouldn't attempt it without the correct info though. Cheers Neil.
     
    retiredlearner,
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  17. 2009/04/15
    deester

    deester Inactive Alumni Thread Starter

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    Pete. where can I find a connector for the end of my batterty/ac adapter. I went to new egg but apparently I don't know where to look.
    Thanks,
    Dee
     
    deester,
    #16
  18. 2009/04/15
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Neil

    Thanks for that info - interesting, but Dee has a Dell Inspiron and I've no idea if that would be the same.
     
    PeteC,
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  19. 2009/04/15
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Dee

    Glad to hear that the Express card worked out :)
    Which end? cable to laptop or cable to adaptor (if removable). Not the mains power (wall socket) end I assume.

    The plugs are generally moulded around the cable and are not replaceable.
     
    PeteC,
    #18
  20. 2009/04/15
    deester

    deester Inactive Alumni Thread Starter

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    It is the cable to laptop, it had been soldered but that is not working out so want to completely replace the connector.
     
    deester,
    #19
  21. 2009/04/16
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Dee

    Your best bet is to take the AC adaptor complete with cable to your local PC store and ask there. I can find no replacement cables/connectors at Newegg.

    You would most likely find the connector you require at an electronics store - RadioShack?
     
    PeteC,
    #20
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