Some common problems associated with reassembling a PC

Some common problems associated with reassembling a PC

The following are some common problems associated with reassembling a PC:

l Motherboard power connector(s) not installed: This error is by far the most disastrous and can result in a damaged motherboard or an exploded power supply.

l Motherboard solderside contacts touching the case: On the backside of any circuit board (called its solderside) are the clipped contacts (cut pins) of the electronic components installed on the circuitside of the board. If these contacts touch the metal case lining, some or all of the board may short out.

l Reversed data and control cables: This error can damage a device and changes how the computer operates--if it operates at all. Align the colored edge to pin 1.

l Drive power connectors not installed: This one isn't so bad; it usually just gets you a boot error beep code or disk boot failure.

l Speaker, keylock, and battery connectors not installed: A very minor problem that comes under the heading of "What a nuisance."

l Hard drive, video display, and other peripheral failures: The adapter card may not be seated properly, may not be anchored with a mounting screw, or may be installed in an incorrect architecture slot.

l Floppy drive failure: The ribbon cable may not be connected properly. The first floppy disk drive (A) should be connected after the twist, or at the end of the cable.

l Keyboard failure: The keyboard connector may not be installed or not pushed on all the way. Also, if the PC has a PS/2 mouse and its connector is not installed properly, the keyboard may not function.

l No lights, no action: Did you plug it in?

Shocking Information Always be sure that the power supply is switched off before changing any power supply or signal cable connections.