Computer refuses to boot - plug came loose from the mainboard

Hi everybody,

At home I have a computer which, as of now, is unable to start. This
particular computer has a rather annoying power button, it's not a
standard on/off button but more like a reset button - you have to press
and release it to start the computer. The thing is, you have to press it
just right, otherwise it gets stuck in the pressed position and the
computer refuses to start. Thank you very much, wannabe-design cases...

Anyway, this evening I tried to start the computer but it wouldn't start.
After pressing the button several times and trying several times, I gave
up and finally decided to change the switch to something else that would
work from the first try.

I opened the case, took off the front, but the button was sealed inside
the front. So far for replacing it. Then I got the brilliant idea to cut
the cable, and add a button somewhere else.

Unfortunately, while doing so, I pulled a little bit too hard on the
cable and the plug came loose from the mainboard. One plug, two holes,
and too much pins to guess which ones match. I've tried the most obvious
combination, but guessing for further combinations will inevitably let
the magic smoke out at one point, I fear...

The result of this stupid mistake is that I have absolutely no idea where
to put the plug back on the mainboard - on which there is no indication
of the types of plugs that need to go there.

To cut a long story short: I've really made a mess of my latest DIY
effort - is there anybody out there who has any suggestions as to what I
might do from here? Failing any great ideas, I see no other option than
to return it to the shop tomorrow and have them repair it for me...

It's an ASUS mainboard, but I can't seem to find the type anywhere on the
board itself - if I could find out the type, I could look up most of the
information on the internet. Is there any specific stuff I need to look
for on the board itself?

Thanks in advance,

Ikke

Just look at any Asus manual. The front panel connector header is
configured the same on all of their motherboards.

On Fri, 29 May 2009 20:30:59 GMT, Ikke wrote:

Hi everybody,

At home I have a computer which, as of now, is unable to start. This
particular computer has a rather annoying power button, it's not a
standard on/off button but more like a reset button - you have to press
and release it to start the computer. The thing is, you have to press it
just right, otherwise it gets stuck in the pressed position and the
computer refuses to start. Thank you very much, wannabe-design cases...

Anyway, this evening I tried to start the computer but it wouldn't start.
After pressing the button several times and trying several times, I gave
up and finally decided to change the switch to something else that would
work from the first try.

I opened the case, took off the front, but the button was sealed inside
the front. So far for replacing it. Then I got the brilliant idea to cut
the cable, and add a button somewhere else.

Unfortunately, while doing so, I pulled a little bit too hard on the
cable and the plug came loose from the mainboard. One plug, two holes,
and too much pins to guess which ones match. I've tried the most obvious
combination, but guessing for further combinations will inevitably let
the magic smoke out at one point, I fear...

The result of this stupid mistake is that I have absolutely no idea where
to put the plug back on the mainboard - on which there is no indication
of the types of plugs that need to go there.

To cut a long story short: I've really made a mess of my latest DIY
effort - is there anybody out there who has any suggestions as to what I
might do from here? Failing any great ideas, I see no other option than
to return it to the shop tomorrow and have them repair it for me...

It's an ASUS mainboard, but I can't seem to find the type anywhere on the
board itself - if I could find out the type, I could look up most of the
information on the internet. Is there any specific stuff I need to look
for on the board itself?

Thanks in advance,

Ikke

Ikke wrote:
Hi everybody,

At home I have a computer which, as of now, is unable to start. This
particular computer has a rather annoying power button, it's not a
standard on/off button but more like a reset button - you have to press
and release it to start the computer. The thing is, you have to press it
just right, otherwise it gets stuck in the pressed position and the
computer refuses to start. Thank you very much, wannabe-design cases...

Anyway, this evening I tried to start the computer but it wouldn't start.
After pressing the button several times and trying several times, I gave
up and finally decided to change the switch to something else that would
work from the first try.

I opened the case, took off the front, but the button was sealed inside
the front. So far for replacing it. Then I got the brilliant idea to cut
the cable, and add a button somewhere else.

Unfortunately, while doing so, I pulled a little bit too hard on the
cable and the plug came loose from the mainboard. One plug, two holes,
and too much pins to guess which ones match. I've tried the most obvious
combination, but guessing for further combinations will inevitably let
the magic smoke out at one point, I fear...

The result of this stupid mistake is that I have absolutely no idea where
to put the plug back on the mainboard - on which there is no indication
of the types of plugs that need to go there.

To cut a long story short: I've really made a mess of my latest DIY
effort - is there anybody out there who has any suggestions as to what I
might do from here? Failing any great ideas, I see no other option than
to return it to the shop tomorrow and have them repair it for me...

It's an ASUS mainboard, but I can't seem to find the type anywhere on the
board itself - if I could find out the type, I could look up most of the
information on the internet. Is there any specific stuff I need to look
for on the board itself?

Thanks in advance,

Ikke

When a computer store builds a computer for you, using a retail
Asus motherboard, they should give you the box the motherboard
came in. It would include a manual, and the motherboard driver
CD, as well as any "spare" cables, adapters and the like, which
came with the board. These are essential things to have and to
keep, when there are problems with the computer.

If the company building your computer for you, kept all those
materials, that is an unfortunate loss for you.

The motherboard model number, on a retail board, is printed
on the board surface. You can see a picture here, of an
older motherboard name.

http://rma.asus.de/support/FAQ/faq07...ium_III_CU.htm

In this example, the motherboard name is between the white
PCI connector and the blue PCI Express connector. It says
"P5E3 Deluxe". The name will be printed in white lettering,
and the model name always uses larger text.

http://ae.asus.com/999/images/products/1875/1875_l.jpg

Once you have a name, you can go to the download page, and
get the motherboard manual. Enter the name into
the search box, and then a list of downloads will be
shown. Click the "manual" entry, and more than one
language of manual will be offered for download.

http://support.asus.com.tw/download/...Language=en-us

If you have no Internet access, and cannot get to the manual,
there is a second alternative.

A legend may be printed next to the PANEL header pins. In
this example, there are two rows of abbrevations, printed
next to the header. PWR would be the red colored pair, on
the upper side of the PANEL header. If a color scheme is
used, that can help identify which pins have active functions.
Sometimes, there isn't room to put the text right next to
the pins, which can make it harder to identify which pin
is which.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/A...es/headers.jpg

The switch type you want, is called "momentary contact". The
switch provides a zero ohm path (short circuit) only for a
second when you press the button. There is no need for the
contact to remained closed for longer than that. So when replacing
the switch, replace it with a momentary contact switch, one
which is normally open most of the time, and only closes
the contacts when the button is pushed. When the button is
released, the contacts should be open again.

SPST 0.5-Amp Momentary Switch (2-Pack) (normally-open momentary switches)
http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=2062546

Paul

"Ikke" wrote in message
...
Hi everybody,

At home I have a computer which, as of now, is unable to start. This
particular computer has a rather annoying power button, it's not a
standard on/off button but more like a reset button - you have to press
and release it to start the computer. The thing is, you have to press it
just right, otherwise it gets stuck in the pressed position and the
computer refuses to start. Thank you very much, wannabe-design cases...

Anyway, this evening I tried to start the computer but it wouldn't start.
After pressing the button several times and trying several times, I gave
up and finally decided to change the switch to something else that would
work from the first try.

I opened the case, took off the front, but the button was sealed inside
the front. So far for replacing it. Then I got the brilliant idea to cut
the cable, and add a button somewhere else.

Unfortunately, while doing so, I pulled a little bit too hard on the
cable and the plug came loose from the mainboard. One plug, two holes,
and too much pins to guess which ones match. I've tried the most obvious
combination, but guessing for further combinations will inevitably let
the magic smoke out at one point, I fear...

The result of this stupid mistake is that I have absolutely no idea where
to put the plug back on the mainboard - on which there is no indication
of the types of plugs that need to go there.

To cut a long story short: I've really made a mess of my latest DIY
effort - is there anybody out there who has any suggestions as to what I
might do from here? Failing any great ideas, I see no other option than
to return it to the shop tomorrow and have them repair it for me...

It's an ASUS mainboard, but I can't seem to find the type anywhere on the
board itself - if I could find out the type, I could look up most of the
information on the internet. Is there any specific stuff I need to look
for on the board itself?

Thanks in advance,

Ikke

First of all, the momentary push button contact is the ATX
standard. I assume the power switch connector is the only
one that detached from the motherboard. The front panel
to motherboard connection layout is also standardized.
From your description, you know which is the front panel
connector on the motherboard. It consists of two rows of
ten pins - some missing. On the bottom row of the pins,
the farthest right pair is the Reset button connection.
The third pin from the right is empty, and the two pins to
the left of that are the Power switch pins. All connectors
are oriented with the labelled side down. For the power
button, the right pin is the ground. When you replace
the switch, use a normally open, momentary contact push
button.

Paul wrote in
:

snip
When a computer store builds a computer for you, using a retail
Asus motherboard, they should give you the box the motherboard
came in. It would include a manual, and the motherboard driver
CD, as well as any "spare" cables, adapters and the like, which
came with the board. These are essential things to have and to
keep, when there are problems with the computer.

Didn't think of those - by now I've located them, but it's already too
late, I know the particular model now

snip
A legend may be printed next to the PANEL header pins. In
this example, there are two rows of abbrevations, printed
next to the header. PWR would be the red colored pair, on
the upper side of the PANEL header. If a color scheme is
used, that can help identify which pins have active functions.
Sometimes, there isn't room to put the text right next to
the pins, which can make it harder to identify which pin
is which.
snip

I've been able to locate the correct pins, and have reattached the cable.
So far so good, but...

The switch type you want, is called "momentary contact". The
switch provides a zero ohm path (short circuit) only for a
second when you press the button. There is no need for the
contact to remained closed for longer than that. So when replacing
the switch, replace it with a momentary contact switch, one
which is normally open most of the time, and only closes
the contacts when the button is pushed. When the button is
released, the contacts should be open again.

.... I've grabbed a switch (like you described) from my stash and I've
connected it to the cable. Alas, when I try to turn on the computer, it
refuses to do anything.

Meanwhile, I already took it to my shop, hopefully they can figure out
what's wrong with it.

Is it possible that a dead battery (the one to keep the CMOS settings
memorized) can stop a computer from booting?

Anyway, thanks for your reply, you've been very helpful, as have Andy and
Ian D!

Best regards,

Ikke

Ikke wrote:
Paul wrote in
:

snip
When a computer store builds a computer for you, using a retail
Asus motherboard, they should give you the box the motherboard
came in. It would include a manual, and the motherboard driver
CD, as well as any "spare" cables, adapters and the like, which
came with the board. These are essential things to have and to
keep, when there are problems with the computer.

Didn't think of those - by now I've located them, but it's already too
late, I know the particular model now

snip
A legend may be printed next to the PANEL header pins. In
this example, there are two rows of abbrevations, printed
next to the header. PWR would be the red colored pair, on
the upper side of the PANEL header. If a color scheme is
used, that can help identify which pins have active functions.
Sometimes, there isn't room to put the text right next to
the pins, which can make it harder to identify which pin
is which.
snip

I've been able to locate the correct pins, and have reattached the cable.
So far so good, but...

The switch type you want, is called "momentary contact". The
switch provides a zero ohm path (short circuit) only for a
second when you press the button. There is no need for the
contact to remained closed for longer than that. So when replacing
the switch, replace it with a momentary contact switch, one
which is normally open most of the time, and only closes
the contacts when the button is pushed. When the button is
released, the contacts should be open again.

... I've grabbed a switch (like you described) from my stash and I've
connected it to the cable. Alas, when I try to turn on the computer, it
refuses to do anything.

Meanwhile, I already took it to my shop, hopefully they can figure out
what's wrong with it.

Is it possible that a dead battery (the one to keep the CMOS settings
memorized) can stop a computer from booting?

Anyway, thanks for your reply, you've been very helpful, as have Andy and
Ian D!

Best regards,

Ikke

I've never had it happen to me, but I have heard of cases where
the CMOS battery is at fault.

Paul