A Problem With My Laptop? - Computer Advice Needed

There is a question I have regarding grounding oneself when taking a computer apart. I have heard that even when the computer is disconnected from the power supply, you have to be grounded. Our CD “drawer” is jammed, and we think we might be able to fix it ourselves.

If you look carefully at the "door" of the CD drive, if it's a laptop, or the front plate of the drive, if it's a desktop, you should see a tiny pin hole. This is the "emergency open" port. You need to straighten out a paper clip, inset it there, and you should be able to open the door.

Regarding static electric protection, yes, you should be grounded, as most computer equipment operated on well under 5 volt power, so a static discharge can cause problems, even if you don't see the "spark." And the problem with static discharge is that even a tiny one can degrade electronic components, leaving you with intermittent problems.

You can get an anti-static mat and grounding kit at most electronic supply houses. Radio Shack has them for about $25, and I've always had good luck with them. One other thing. Nearly every computer built has power going to the system board, even when powered off. So, before opening up your computer, you need to disconnect the power cable. Unfortunately, this means that the case is no longer grounded. But there's a solution (2 actually). The first is to make sure that the computer's plugged into a power strip, and then shut off the power at the power strip, leaving the power cable plugged in. However, you can't always do that at a client site, for one reason or another. Which I why I always carry one of these:

It's a 1' ground adapter, which goes between the computer's power supply and the power cable. It cuts off power, but allows the ground. It's only $2.00 from Cyberguys and they've got a 6' version for $2.50. This is especially useful if there's no good place to hook up your groundstrap: Simply use this adapter (or the first method I mentioned) and ground yourself right to the computer chassis.

Mark

So touch a metal object before handling your disconnected computer will eliminate static charges?

Not always. If neither you nor the object you touch is grounded, she shock you might see and feel is simply the transfer of electrons bringing the two of you into equilibrium. This could still leave you with a sizable electric charge, more than enough to "ZOT" the electronic components.

To ensure that you're at "ground potential," you need to be, and stay, grounded.

Mark

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