Mangled USB ports - what do you do with yours?

[speckytecky]

One of our little dears has managed to rip out the plastic separator tabs on a front facing USB port of a Fijitsu Siemens. Not only have they done that but they then went on to bend the various now exposed contacts shorting the PC out so it won't boot. It looks likely to be a bit of an ongoing problem. I have straightened the contacts out but what to do as a permanent solution. Anyone else had this issue and found a good workaround?

[arwen]

If its the ports at the front then you can normally disconnect them to stop it shorting the pc. Unless they really need the USB ports then I leave the pc like this unless the department/school want to pay for the part to fix it.

 

We have found though that if they do need a USB port, running a usb extension from a back port gets less damage than replacing the front ports...

[FN-GM]

In some Dell desktop machines the front USB ports a quick part to replace. Not sure about yours might be worth a look.

 

I would disconnect the USB from the motherboard. That way if they become bent again it wont stop the machine from booting.

[K.C.Leblanc]

We've had this with Stone computers, replacment part was about £10.

 

If you don't need access to USB ports these might be worth a look.

 

USB Port Blocker - Pack of 4, Colour Code: Blue | USB Light, Fan & Security Locks | USB & FireWire | LINDY UK

[speckytecky]

Thanks for the terrifically useful answers as usual. Unplugging the USB from the motherboard worked a treat and I'll certainly be exploring those port blockers.

[teejay]

Thanks for the terrifically useful answers as usual. Unplugging the USB from the motherboard worked a treat and I'll certainly be exploring those port blockers.

 

Rewire the front USB to that special mains circuit which has a faulty trip switch.....

[glennda]

i just unplug inside the machine.

[CyberNerd]

I've re soldered new ones onto motherboards in the past.

[6Foot2]

In some Dell desktop machines the front USB ports a quick part to replace. Not sure about yours might be worth a look.

 

I would disconnect the USB from the motherboard. That way if they become bent again it wont stop the machine from booting.

 

Not sure about other makes but with Dell I think this might cause even more trouble. With the Dells we have here if you disconnect the I/O board you also disconnect the on/off switch. The only way to turn the machine on then is from the mains.