I have a hp desktop computer, it hasn't been working well so I opened it up and there was a P4 connector that wasn't connected. Is it supposed to be?

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/product?cc=us&lc=en&dlc=en&product=3771771

1) Computer off, computer unplugged from power, open the computer case,

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01176770&tmp_task=useCategory&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&product=3771771

FOLLOW Anti-Static Precautions:

2) Anti-Static Precautions:
Your body carries Static electricity. Static WILL fry out (Short Circuit) the delicate hardware components inside a computer.

Computer on a table, computer unplugged from power, computer case open.
TOUCH an unpainted surface, of the metal frame of the open computer case.
This action will relieve your body of Static.

Should you leave your computer in the middle of working on it, be SURE to Touch the metal frame again upon your return.

3) Remove the Front Cover,

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01176823&tmp_task=useCategory&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&product=3771771

4) Removing and replacing a CD/DVD drive,

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01176843&tmp_task=useCategory&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&product=3771771

The HP Pavilion Elite M9300t Desktop PC, is supposed to come with a SATA type of DVD R/W optical drive, and a SATA type of DVD drive, (Unless you have Bluetooth types of optical drives, of course),

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01492741&tmp_task=prodinfoCategory&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&product=3771771

This means they use a SATA power cable,

http://www.playtool.com/pages/psuconnectors/connectors.html#sata

Note the L-shaped opening. Lines up with the L-shape on the optical drive power connector.

Note that there may be a small lock tab on top, that you depress on the SATA power cable's connector, in order to remove it from the optical drive.
(Some SATA cable connectors have it, some do not. Referring to power cable, and data cable)

The SATA power cable has 15 contact pins. Between it, and the SATA data cable, it has the longer connector.

This is a general example of a SATA data cable's connector.
7 contact pins,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:SATA_ports.jpg

(Top photo)
Here you can see the L-shaped opening more clearly.

When you are finished make SURE all cables are connected in tightly, on the inside of the computer. Sometimes when replacing hardware they get bumped loose.

Also make sure the Ram Memory module/s ('Stick'), are plugged in tightly. They also get bumped. Doesn't hurt to push down on them/it in the ram memory slot. Also make sure the Locks on each end of the Ram Memory module is locked in towards the Ram Memory module.

When the Locks are engaged, the Ram Memory module is properly seated.

For additional questions please post in a Comment.
Have questions about anything in the HP links, post in a Comment.

Regards,
joecoolvette

using a multi-purpose duster spray can seems to have solved this for me. i dusted the keyboard and a few other areas(carefully) with a q-tip. i wasn't able to fully open my laptop but i sprayed and q-tipped a little on the inside(i couldn't get to the fan which supposedly gathers the most dust) and when i feel the computer getting too warm,i'll spray the keyboard and the back of the computer and my computer ,which was shutting down **** near constantly, hasn't spontaneously shut down since,and i took out the battery. if your problem is dust,this might be at least a partial solution. if you need to take your laptop apart,there are videos on youtube,although like i say i wasn't able to take my p35-s611 all the way apart without possibly damaging the machine.

Try opening the case and ensure all the power cables from the fans to the motherboard are securely connected.

There are IDE to SATA adapters and cables, such as this one linked below. IDE to SATA Adapter
You would simply plug this adapter into the available IDE connection on your motherboard, then use the SATA data and power cable to connect from the adapter to the CD/DVD drive. You can look around online for similar products, but they should get the job done!

Dear andyp3223,

Can you take a picture of your motheboard and also for the black wire,
so I can assist you further. Upload your picture Here

THERE IS ONLY TOW WAYS TO TIE A POWER SUPPLY TO THE MOTHER BOARD BOTH ARE PLUG
INS TO THE BOARD

this is the guide to replace the cpu

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=bph07139&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&lang=en&os=228&product=362754


it appears there were two different motherboards used in that computer so you need to open the case and read the model number....

not all cpu's will work... you need the motherboard manual to see if the p4 cpu is compatable

Robert

Check the cables connection first.

Check if the power supply fan and cpu fan are working
If not you need to replace your power supply.


Let me know how it is going!

This will fix your problem.
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Thank you for using FIXYA!
Have a great day!
Pablo :-)

Open the case and check the connection between the case power button and the motherboard. unplug that connection and short out the pins on the mb. The computer should start up. If it doesn't, there is something wrong with the mobo. If it does, there is something wrong with the switch, or the connector wasn't tight.