USB port Fubarred

The_Minister

Basically, both USB ports on my PC are borked, and their teeth are broken. I am under warrenty, so I phoed Dell support to get help. They said that they would tell me how to uninstall the faulty component, and send me a new one to install. I know nothing about computer harware, to the point that during her instructions I was ther like "Ribbon wire? What's a ribbon wire?" and "the motherboard is the big flat green thing right?". Eventually I gave up, but I was wondering:

1. Is it normal that they would ask you to start removing components when you don't have a clue?
2. Is removing the USB and inserting a new one really that easy?

Cuddlesworth

The_Minister wrote: »

1. Is it normal that they would ask you to start removing components when you don't have a clue?
2. Is removing the USB and inserting a new one really that easy?

1:yes, but
2: Depends on where it is.

You don't have to do it though. You are within your rights to refuse to open the case or do anything inside it.

The_Minister

Cuddlesworth wrote: »

1:yes, but
2: Depends on where it is.

You don't have to do it though. You are within your rights to refuse to open the case or do anything inside it.

Its at the front of the computer.

And, I need to get this fixed, so refusing to co-operate isn't productive.

ethernet

You could add a PCI card to give you more USB ports at the back of the PC, assuming you have a spare slot for such a card (like here). A PCI slot looks like this:

Overheal

your pc make and model will have a user manual available from the Dell.com/ie website. Inside the manual should be step by step, illustrated instructions on how to remove specific PC components and replace them with new ones.

At least thats the case with my HP laptop.

Similar to this: http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim3000/en/SM/parts.htm#wp1043338

If you google "Dell Manual [YOUR COMPUTER MODEL]" It should come right up

PS the manual I link to doesnt show how to replace USB parts so I assume it is not your model..

Capt'n Midnight

The_Minister wrote: »

Basically, both USB ports on my PC are borked, and their teeth are broken. I am under warrenty, ?

wow Dell are covering physical damage now !

Cuddlesworth

You don't have to do it though. You are within your rights to refuse to open the case or do anything inside it.[/quote]If the ports arrived damaged then it's up to Dell to sort out.

If you broke them then they don't have to cover it unless there was a obvious manufacturing fault and by now there would be a class action in the US

it sounds like the one on the front of the machine and the cable replaces the one already there - take a picture first if not sure you can put back in the same way

Cuddlesworth

The_Minister wrote: »

And, I need to get this fixed, so refusing to co-operate isn't productive.

Most warranties state that you are required to do troubleshooting in order to fix the problem. Troubleshooting does not mean that you have to replace the part yourself.

You can say that you don't feel comfortable replacing the part yourself and that they are putting you in that position. Which would seem to be the truth.

Cuddlesworth

Capt'n Midnight wrote: »

wow Dell are covering physical damage now !

Sounds like its a known issue if they are quick to replace the part. Dell like most company's would prefer to head problems off before the class action suits.