laboye

Soldering would be quite a tough job, for the reasons hwm suggested. I would also try the cable before attemting any serious hardware alterations.

1stladytech

The cable that attatches the hdd to the motherboard is a known issue with this model laptop. Hopefully the new cable will fix the problem, but if the connector is broken (the little brown flap) then you will have problems. It would take replacing the motherboard to fix that - you may want to try to make sure the cable is fully seated and then secure it into place with a piece of tape to make sure that it makes connection.

1stladytech

Lend-Fish

1st lady,
Thank you.

Here is more info, brown flap is not broken, but the ide connector itself the little edges are broken on one side where the brown flap is supposed to snap onto is broken. This was never a problem until recently so hopefully the cable just went bad.

Any more info on the 200ARC with this being a known problem?

Just waiting to here back from Gateway as out of warranty items are reply only from Gateway. Next computer will most def NOT be a gateway

1stladytech

The socket that the cable goes into uses the brown flap to insure that the cable makes good connections. If it is not being able to hold the cable in place, you will get problems with the hard drive. The replacement motherboard - part number BA92-02643A - would be the next option, it is generally available for about $200 parts cost. Labor to install would depend on who / where you get it repaired. Trying to replace the socket would not be a good idea - even if you could find just the socket.

I wouldn't go to the motherboard route unless you cannot get the cable to maintain contact with the socket. Let me know how it works / doesn't work and I'll see if I can come up with a different solution. What you don't want to do however, is to put anything on the connector that will cause pressure to be applied to the board when the covers are put back in place. That will definately cause the board to develop a crack in it.

1stladytech

JORGE ALCALA

OK Guys and girls i have the same exact problem with my laptop and its also a gateway! i had a friend work on mine,when he opened it he said the ide wire was stretched to the max and he said it dont relly reach to make a good connection, i've been trying to find one but no luck yet..my computer is barley 1 yr old !

gambling

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