A couple of questions

**nasanta** · 03-03-2005, 07:26 PM

and not sure where to go.

Anyway:

1. I think last month I posted about a problem I had with the usb port on one of my computers. I tried the suggestions given to me, but none work. I recently saw another user with the same problem, and once again, tried the suggestions. We both failed to get the usb port working. So, I thought about replacing it (it actually has 2 usb, 2 ps/2) with one from another computer (one that we no longer use). I just can't figure out how to remove it safely (in any way) from the computer.

I tried to search for instructions online, but either I'm using the wrong keywords, or they do not have it online.

2. How would one clean the inside of a dusty computer?

**Sarkast** · 03-03-2005, 07:32 PM

I am not sure how to answer question number 1 because i guess i dont understand what you want to take out of another PC and replace.

2) Best thing is compressed air in a can. You can get it for 3.99$ at walmart. Some people suggest to hold fans in place while you blow the air through them so they dont burn out. Never had this problem but why not follow the advice.

**nasanta** · 03-03-2005, 07:39 PM

If it helps, here is my originally thread concerning my usb port problem.

I basically want to take out the port from one of my older computers, and try to put it in the computer that has the problem.

batty_professor · 03-03-2005, 08:01 PM

I don't see a link here, but I did look at the "other' thread. You make mention of an "adapter"? Did all work fine up until the time of this "adapter" incident?. The so called adapter may have an issue, such as an internal short, which could blow a fuse on the motherboard, therefore leaving the USB ports unpowered. I.E. if you plug an optical USB mouse into the USB port, does any red light appear from the bottom of the mouse? If you have no light, you probably have no +5V on the USB ports. To remedy this, you have three options. One is to take the computer to a shop that can actually solder a surface mount fuse to a motherboard, AND get it RIGHT.

(good luck with that these days ) option 2, learn the skills needed to solder surface mount devices and do your own work. ( nope, I don't think you're up for a crash course in soldering ) but here's one that's perfectly workable, Shop at some major outlet ( I've personally seen this item at a Wall-Mart!! ) Buy yourself a USB expansion board for PCI connector. It's literally 'plug-n-play" and there should be illustrated instructions in the package. Likely $30.00 or less!

**nasanta** · 03-03-2005, 08:11 PM

Thanks, batty_professor. I forgot about the link. Sorry.

The USB adapter (for wireless) worked fine. My sister then did something by herself (plugging and unplugging adapter in order to plug in the usb hub so that she could use adapter, usb mouse, and ipod at the same time). That's all I know.

No light comes on for either the mouse or the usb adapter, so I kind of figured something was wrong on the other end. Especially since they work fine for my main computer.

Remedy 1: My father won't hear of it.

Remedy 2: You're right. I don't even know what all that soldering stuff meant.

I'd be willing to learn but by then, my sister will probably have gotten her laptop and wouldn't have need of the desktop. Well, I can still learn...once I've learned the basics first. One step at a time.... Ah, but there are so many steps!

Quote:

which could blow a fuse on the motherboard, therefore leaving the USB ports unpowered.

Even with this, the computer itself would work, right? Just the USB ports remain affected by this?

Quote:

Buy yourself a USB expansion board for PCI connector. It's literally 'plug-n-play" and there should be illustrated instructions in the package.

Sounds great! *runs for google to look up what a USB expansion board for PCI connector is*

Quote:

Likely $30.00 or less!

Sounds not that great. My sister will just have to use the slower, older computer until her laptop.

Once again, thanks, batty and sarkast for your helpful and immediate responses. I appreciate it.

**Sarkast** · 03-03-2005, 08:34 PM

Your welcome and i wish i could be of more help.

I just looked at my favourite retailers page for what batty mentioned so here is a link. I couldnt tell you which one to get because ive never had to use one but its something to possible consider....

I'm quite sure that they all work though.

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...alog=73&DEPA=0

**nasanta** · 03-03-2005, 08:45 PM

That link was much appreciated since I apparently used the wrong keywords to find out what it was -- and got nothing.

Thank you.

**Sarkast** · 03-03-2005, 08:54 PM

Not all of the cards in that category are what you could possibly be looking for but the first 2 for example are PCI USB cards that you plug into a free PCI slot and you are good to go. If you need more than 2 USB ports then you need to look at a card further down.

However with prices between 10-15$ including shipping i thought this might attract your interest.

03-03-2005, 07:26 PM	#1 (permalink)
nasanta Irritatingly Inquisitive Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: New York Posts: 105 OS: Windows XP	A couple of questions and not sure where to go. Anyway: 1. I think last month I posted about a problem I had with the usb port on one of my computers. I tried the suggestions given to me, but none work. I recently saw another user with the same problem, and once again, tried the suggestions. We both failed to get the usb port working. So, I thought about replacing it (it actually has 2 usb, 2 ps/2) with one from another computer (one that we no longer use). I just can't figure out how to remove it safely (in any way) from the computer. I tried to search for instructions online, but either I'm using the wrong keywords, or they do not have it online. 2. How would one clean the inside of a dusty computer?

03-03-2005, 07:32 PM	#2 (permalink)
Sarkast TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: NY Posts: 2,715 OS: WinXP	I am not sure how to answer question number 1 because i guess i dont understand what you want to take out of another PC and replace. 2) Best thing is compressed air in a can. You can get it for 3.99$ at walmart. Some people suggest to hold fans in place while you blow the air through them so they dont burn out. Never had this problem but why not follow the advice. __________________ P4 2.4@2.9 / XP-90 / Albatron PX865PE Pro V2.0 / Kingston Hyper-X 512MB Dual Channel CL2-2-2-5 / Geforce4 MX440x8 64MB / WD80GB 7200RPM 8MB / Thermaltake 420W PSU --> SEE IT ALL GLOW <-- MBM5 - SpeedFan - PSU Calculator - MemTest86 - ThrottleWatch

03-03-2005, 08:01 PM	#4 (permalink)
batty_professor Asst. Manager, Alternative Computing Forums Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Hooterville Il 45 mi. east of St. Louis mo Posts: 2,608 OS: Fedora Core 5 for now	I don't see a link here, but I did look at the "other' thread. You make mention of an "adapter"? Did all work fine up until the time of this "adapter" incident?. The so called adapter may have an issue, such as an internal short, which could blow a fuse on the motherboard, therefore leaving the USB ports unpowered. I.E. if you plug an optical USB mouse into the USB port, does any red light appear from the bottom of the mouse? If you have no light, you probably have no +5V on the USB ports. To remedy this, you have three options. One is to take the computer to a shop that can actually solder a surface mount fuse to a motherboard, AND get it RIGHT. (good luck with that these days ) option 2, learn the skills needed to solder surface mount devices and do your own work. ( nope, I don't think you're up for a crash course in soldering ) but here's one that's perfectly workable, Shop at some major outlet ( I've personally seen this item at a Wall-Mart!! ) Buy yourself a USB expansion board for PCI connector. It's literally 'plug-n-play" and there should be illustrated instructions in the package. Likely $30.00 or less! __________________ It's better to know me and not need me than to need me and not know me. B. While users are never under any obligation, if you feel the urge please feel free to visit our donation page. Every little bit helps. And we thank you for your support. Microsoft free Registered Linux user 397458

03-03-2005, 08:34 PM	#6 (permalink)
Sarkast TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: NY Posts: 2,715 OS: WinXP	Your welcome and i wish i could be of more help. I just looked at my favourite retailers page for what batty mentioned so here is a link. I couldnt tell you which one to get because ive never had to use one but its something to possible consider.... I'm quite sure that they all work though. http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...alog=73&DEPA=0 __________________ P4 2.4@2.9 / XP-90 / Albatron PX865PE Pro V2.0 / Kingston Hyper-X 512MB Dual Channel CL2-2-2-5 / Geforce4 MX440x8 64MB / WD80GB 7200RPM 8MB / Thermaltake 420W PSU --> SEE IT ALL GLOW <-- MBM5 - SpeedFan - PSU Calculator - MemTest86 - ThrottleWatch Last edited by Sarkast; 03-03-2005 at 08:36 PM.

03-03-2005, 08:54 PM	#8 (permalink)
Sarkast TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: NY Posts: 2,715 OS: WinXP	Not all of the cards in that category are what you could possibly be looking for but the first 2 for example are PCI USB cards that you plug into a free PCI slot and you are good to go. If you need more than 2 USB ports then you need to look at a card further down. However with prices between 10-15$ including shipping i thought this might attract your interest. __________________ P4 2.4@2.9 / XP-90 / Albatron PX865PE Pro V2.0 / Kingston Hyper-X 512MB Dual Channel CL2-2-2-5 / Geforce4 MX440x8 64MB / WD80GB 7200RPM 8MB / Thermaltake 420W PSU --> SEE IT ALL GLOW <-- MBM5 - SpeedFan - PSU Calculator - MemTest86 - ThrottleWatch

03-03-2005, 07:39 PM	#3 (permalink)
nasanta Irritatingly Inquisitive Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: New York Posts: 105 OS: Windows XP	If it helps, here is my originally thread concerning my usb port problem. I basically want to take out the port from one of my older computers, and try to put it in the computer that has the problem.

03-03-2005, 08:45 PM	#7 (permalink)
nasanta Irritatingly Inquisitive Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: New York Posts: 105 OS: Windows XP	That link was much appreciated since I apparently used the wrong keywords to find out what it was -- and got nothing. Thank you.