Computer Woes, Part II

[jenepherre]

Posting from Mom's computer tonight.

It is truly sad when I know more than Dell tech support. I shouldn't be surprised - it's happened before. But what good are they if I've already tried every idea they have?

Got a new Western Digital HD to install. They come with some fucked up connector they call "Secure Connect" which blocks the serial ATA power connection, but does not supply power to the HD. So you're supposed to use the old type of legacy power connector. But whoever built the Dell Dimension 8400 provided only serial ATA power connections for use with hard drives. I think I can use the power connector that was intended for the optional zip drive, but still... WTF?

So I'm done for tonight. Hopefully ::fingers crossed:: I'll maybe at least have Windows installed on the new hard drive by tomorrow night. ::sigh::

Thanks to everyone who commented on yesterday's post. And earlier posts. Quick shout-outs:
amelialourdes - now that the show is over, I find someone who lives near me... isn't that always the way... we'll have to talk more when I'm back on my own computer.
darksylvia - you're a lifesaver!! The pineapple kind, cause that's my favorite. ;-)
larissa_j - you're getting all my tech questions from now on... any idea what I need to do to make sure the computer sees the new HD as the one to boot from and the old HD as the secondary? Apparently SATA drives don't use those master/slave jumper thingies.
viola69 = marry me! Um, as long as you're willing to continue providing those things you provide so well. ;-D
And to drkcherry, who is always there for me.
Hugs to many many others too. I am severely internet addicted, and the withdrawals are BAD... very very BAD.

G'nite all.

Comments

[larissa-j.livejournal.com]

Here's a question for you though... can you confirm that the P6 power connector - intended for the optional zip drive - is the same as the P3 and P5 power connectors used for the CD-Rom drives? They appear to be the same. If they are, I can just use that power connector. Although I think I'll still just go out and buy a standard serial ATA data connector that doesn't block the serial ATA power connection. ::sigh::

I think you have the right connector it's just got funny colored wiring and their specs are weird. OEMs don't like customers dinking in their boxes. Wait, that came out wrong.

If you check the voltage, they are the same. The power connectors are setup so that you can't plug these into the wrong drives. If you were to buy a new power supply, you would not see a difference in the plugs. They would all look the same. No specs at all - just SATA, standard and floppy power, in addition to your MOBO plug and all surrounded by insulation. Oooh pretty! (Sorry, got all starry eyed for a sec)

I've connected a PCIe video card and other devices to random p connectors in Dell boxes (Precision 370) and been fine. However, if you want to be safe - buy the splitter and go off the DVD R/W or other HDD power.

JMHO

[larissa-j.livejournal.com]

not the splitter, I meant the cable. Oops :)