Is it possible to replace a USB port?

Question

The usb port that I plug things such as my printer/mouse into is really touchy. I have 2 ports so I am using the other one right now, but it seems like the other one doesn't work and I have to jiggle my cord a certain way to even get it to connect and then it doesn't remain connected. I have no idea how to go about this but is it possbile to go buy another port and replace it or do I have to have a professional look into it? I have a Dell Inspiron 8500 laptop and have had it for about 3 1/2 years now. Thanks!

Answer 1

WIth the Inspiron, the USB ports are build right into the system board. You would have to replace the entire system board ($300-400) to replace the port. Not worth it on a 3 1/2 year old laptop (assuming you could even FIND a system board for it).



Consider investing $30-40 in a USB hub instead. It plugs into your one good port and then has a small box with additional ports (usually four) on it. Come in a lot of shapes and sizes. But it will give you back multiple ports for a cheap price. (In fact, more ports that you started with)

Answer 2

If you are talking about a front-side port, yes you can just get a new part that will plug into the motherboard.

If it's on the back (or side toward the rear) of the computer, then probably not, or at least it wouldn't be worth it.

In either case, It would be easier (and cheaper) to get a hub and USE THE AC ADAPTER! :-)

Too many people don't. If you do, the things you plug in will run off wall current. If you don't, they will draw off your computer's power supply (they are limited).

Answer 3

Typically, with these USB ports, they're integrated onto the motherboard. However, there is definitely ways to add new USB ports to your computer. One way, which will require you to install a new card inside of your computer, is by purchasing an internal USB PCI card. Another way is to buy a USB HUB.



The USB Hub sort of "splits" one USB port into several via a little box. Please check out the links at the bottom...



GOod luck!

Answer 4

Not really, they are usually hooked directly to the motherboard, and repairing them isn't really feasible.



What you can do is use the other port that is working well, and get yourself a USB hub, that will allow you to plug more than one item in at a time, and you can just stop using the bad port.

Answer 5

It is possible to replace USB ports, but on a laptop, they may be built directly onto the motherboard. You should be able to find a PCMCIA card that you can plug into the laptop with USB connections, I'm assuming.

Answer 6

i don't think it's the USB port but more likely the cord of the mouse that is broken. i've experienced this twice with a mouse.

you say you have to jiggle the cord in order to get the mouse connected - this is a very likely sign the cord is broken.

Answer 7

If your on a desktop you can replace the USB ports or buy a muti USB hub to connect in . but if its on a laptop then you wont be able to as , it built on the motherboard , so you would technically have to replace the whole motherboard

Answer 8

You could get a USB hub. That would plug into one of your USB ports (the one works ok). A USB hub can convert 1 USB connector to 4 or more. Here is a picture of one:



http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817201020

Answer 9

go to radio shack or compusa and buy a 4 for 1 usb hub

plug 1 cable in get 4 usb ports

Answer 10

The actual connector itself is very inexpensive. About $4.00. The laptop has to be disassembled, and the new connector soldered onto the motherboard. Not an easy task unless you know what you're doing. So, the majority of the cost is going to be for labor. The total bill should be no more than about $85 to $95.00.

Answer 11

If your good with a soldering pen/gun you can do it yourself, otherwise, a local computer repair shop or a friend is your best bet. Contact Dell for availability of replacement parts, they may fix it for a small fee, or for free, depending on warrantee, but you will most likely have to pay shipping, and be without you computer for weeks/months. It also may just be loose, in which case, it just needs to be resoldered... Hope I helped...

Answer 12

Your PC Repair Shop can put in a New Part for you

Had mine done about 3 Weeks ago cost me £30

Answer 13

maybe just plug in one thing to the port that does work then plug the other thing into its USB port

Answer 14

Yes it is. In order to do it you have to uninstall the driver from your computer, then diconnect it from th inside. You may want to have a professional do it for you. Not only for the hard work it involves, but to also save you the headache. It's harder to do on laptops than it is on pc's.

Answer 15

hi

u can buy a "USB Hub" it takes 1 usb port and converts it to 4 port "info: a single USB port can support up to 127 port!!"

or

u can buy something called "PCMCIA" to USB card...



goood luck

Answer 16

radio shack or any on line computer parts manufacture ( some are even solder free - but it is easy to solder ) CHECK to see if it's part of the board before you get discouraged mine wasn't ( the terminals were but snip and solder worked fine )

Answer 17

hmm, if ur a PC hardware novice, then i would take it in to get it fixed. That said you can buy a device that acts as a "USB Hub" (google it). basically it will provide extra (external) USB ports from your one good one.

Answer 18

You might be able to buy a usb pcmia card



http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B000F8SVHG/ref=dp_bb_a/104-5253332-6429565?ie=UTF8&tag2=dealtime-ce-mpfeed-20&redirect=true&condition=new%2F

Answer 19

Use a hub.