[Ham-Computers] Removing Hard Drive Ribbon Cable Somewhat Easily??

[Frank]

Jim Hill wrote:
> My EIDE ribbon cable connector that connects to the "master" hard 
> drive is becoming intermittent due to repeated connections.  The 
> connector that connects to the mother board has never been removed and 
> is really tight. It's time to replace the cable, but I don't have the 
> strength to disconnect by grasping the connector by squeezing the ends 
> of the connector between thumb and adjacent finger and pulling 
> straight up. There's a chance I could remove the connector by grasping 
> the ends, plus gentle rocking, but I doubt it.  The next choice is to 
> grip the connector with one hand, the ribbon cable with the other, 
> rock gently, and pull.  Another choice is to pull on the ribbon cable 
> with one hand and hold the mother board down with the other to avoid 
> any damage to the mother board due to flexing.  I've learned about the 
> problems caused by rocking the connector too much; pins bend and need 
> to be straightened with needle nose pliers.
>
> Computer is a Dell OptiPlex P3-933mhz desktop,
I would consider that a fairly 'new' computer.  I am still using a bunch 
of 266mhz processors because they seem to work fine.

If you are nto strong enough to change the cables, get some help.  The 
help does not have to be knowlegeable, just strong.  I would invite my 
kids to dinner and ask them to do me a favor.

I would also make sure I had replacement cables ready before starting 
anything.

That is my two cents worth.

Regards,
Frank Kamp