In most cases, the only time you really need to use the reset switch on your computer is if it freezes or perhaps fails to boot into Windows. If your PC has a shorted reset switch, the machine may start and restart continuously even if you do not press any buttons on the front of the case. Often, simply shutting off the PC and removing the power cord for a couple of minutes will fix continuous reset problems. However, if the problem persists, the most likely culprit is a defective or shorted reset cable or jumper leading from the switch button on the case to the motherboard.
Instructions
1. Power off the computer and remove the power cord. Disconnect all other cables and devices attached to the PC. Move the computer to a table or other flat work surface.
2. Use the Phillips screwdriver to remove the side or top panel access cover from the computer case. Remove the case panel and set it aside. Slide the antistatic wrist strap on to your arm and clip the other end to a bare metal surface inside the computer case.
3. Locate the wiring harness or group of wires that runs from the front panel on the case to the motherboard. Locate the jumper block on the motherboard where the wire harness or group of wires terminates. Locate the small black jumper pin with the "Reset" label. Disconnect the Reset jumper from the jumper block on the motherboard.
4. Move the computer back to its original location, but do not replace the access panel. Plug in the power cord, keyboard and monitor only. Turn on the computer and attempt to boot into Windows. If the computer boots successfully, the problem is a shorted reset-switch wire or motherboard jumper.
5. Power off the computer and disconnect all cables. Move the computer back to the worktable.
6. Remove the two to four screws securing the power and reset button assembly to the front panel of the case. Remove all wiring jumpers that lead to the front panel of the case from the jumper block on the motherboard. Note the locations where jumpers connect on the jumper block so that you can reconnect them easily after you fix the shorted reset-switch wire.
7. Inspect the entire length of the wire attached to the jumper labeled "Reset." If the wire has any nicks or fraying, this is probably the cause of the shorted reset switch.
8. Use the scissors to cut the wire at a point just before the first nick or fray in the Reset wire. Alternatively, use a desoldering tool to remove the entire length of wire from the reset button assembly.
9. Cut or desolder a like piece of wiring with a jumper from an unused computer. Ideally, you should use a wire and jumper labeled "Reset." However, if the label is not the same, it does not really matter - a wire labeled "HDD LED" or "Power" works as well. If you do use a wire and jumper with a different label, ensure that you remember it in case you need to remove it later.
10. Use the wire strippers to strip the end of the wire you removed from the old PC and the wiring that leads to the reset button assembly. Splice the colored pieces of wire together and use electrical tape to secure the connection. Likewise, splice together the two white wires and secure them with electrical tape. Alternatively, solder the wire from the old PC to the reset button assembly on the machine you want to repair.
11. Align the power and reset button assembly back into its slot on the front panel of the computer. Secure it with the screws you removed earlier. Reconnect all of the wires from the front panel to the jumper block on the motherboard.
12. Replace the side or top panel cover and secure with the retaining screws. Move the computer back to its original location.
13. Connect the power cord and all peripherals. Start the computer and use as you normally would.
Tags: button assembly, front panel, jumper block, reset button, reset button assembly, block motherboard