Compaq Computer dead -install HD wrong way

[Wdyorchid]

My computer stops loading the operating system and will not boot because I'd
decided to install my hard drive's power supply in reverse polarity. The hard
drive is fried. But I'd like to find an alternative way to boot my computer
with a fresh hard drive. You're wondering how in the world can I reverse
polarity on my Maxtor 20G. Easy, the tab that's supposed to prevent reverse
polarity broke off. Fumbling in the dark, it's an accident waiting to happen.
Price of Computer $1,200 Compaq Presario 2256. HD Maxtor $100. Monitor not
included. I'd assume people don't diagnose motherboards, do they just replace
the board? What's an alternative way to boot unless it can be fixed?
-Wd

 

[Steve Reinis]

Are you talking the IDE ribbon cable, or the four wire power lead? The four
wire power lead is trapezoid shaped and doesn't have a "tab" to break off.
It would take a LOT of forcing to get it to fit reversed. But the IDE
ribbon cable does have a simple "tab" to "key" it so it fits only one way.

-Steve

 

[DaveW]

If at first you don't succeed.......
Get a bigger hammer.

I know a few people that have managed to get the power connector on in
reverse.

 

[Wdyorchid]

I'm talking about the four wires with trapezoid lead. The tab that broke off is
on the hard drive. Correct me; the tab is nothing but the base of the
trapezoid. Assuming a trapezoid without a base would eventually allow the lead
to go in any direction. The male prong inside the trapezoid on the hard drive
is flexible and will bend slightly to become devilish.

After putting it back to it's correct power voltage (before it had been 12V
into 5V and 5V into 12V) I'd notice the hard drive acted strange as the data
pickup arm jerk back and forth like a tail of a fish out of water. I'm still
wondering what would happen if I had instead reverse the ribbon cable instead
of the power cable.
-Wd

 

[Sam Goldwasser]

If at first you don't succeed.......
Get a bigger hammer.

I know a few people that have managed to get the power connector on in
reverse.

And one where a Y adapter from a major parts supplier was wired backwards.

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[Don]

I don't know which version of windows you use, but
you should visit a friend with
the same system, and create a
boot disk floppy that can start
your computer. Newer computers
can boot off of the windows
installation disk in the CD player if the CMOS setup allows it.