Broken USB Port on rear of R40e

[Pookster]

Hey Guys,

I have an IBM Thinkpad R40e that I have had now since 2002 and still use as my main computer, the other week one of my friends inserted an MP3 player into the rear USB port to copy some research doucments I had been working on and accidently nocked the MP3 player when it was in the back of my laptop.

Once the stick was removed I looked at the USB port and one of the four pickups is missing from the black lug within the USB port. I found the pin in the USB connector on the MP3 player, it is completely crushed and theres no way of bending it back into shape.

Is there anything I can do about this or do I just have to make do with one USB port on my Thinkpad from now on.

I have upgraded it quite considerably over the years and don't really want to shell out on a new motherboard for it.


Is it possible for me to de-solder the USB port and solder on a new one. If so can someone point me in the right direction for a supplier that will deliver to the UK.

The USB port will power up devices but will not send any data to them.

Many thanks,

Warren

IBM Thinkper R40e 2684-HVG
Intel Celeron M 2GHz
1GB RAM
120GB 5400 HDD
DVD/CD-RW Combo Drive
Cisco Aero-Net a/b/g wifi card
Brand New 6600Mah Battery (4 hours life)
Microsoft Windows XP Home/SP3

Replacment parts include screen enclosure (with antennas), palm rest, 2x fan assembly's, 1x Power Pack.

[RealBlackStuff]

It may be cheaper (and easier to find) if you try and get a spare (faulty) motherboard, that uses the same USB ports as yours.
If you could take some pictures of the USB connectors (top and bottom of the mobo) and posts the links to them here, we can see which board uses the same USB connectors.

[jronald]

I dont know diddle about the pound, but this seems cheap
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/IBM-THINKPAD-lapt ... 4a9c310de0

Ron

[Pookster]

Hey guys,

I managed to replace the USB port and it's all sorted, well and truly crapped myself when soldering on the new port. But it's all working now.

Thanks for the hint about buying a duff motherboard on the net did the trick.

All the best guys.

Warren