start button kaput

[Nooyawkah]

The start button on one of my computers has stopped working. It's a Dell case and under the front bezel is a tiny square thingy that's supposed to have an even tinier round thing inside that serves as the contact point. The little circle broke off and the machine no longer starts. Also, it's just out of warranty (naturally).

Dell told me I'd have to replace the plastic front bezel and the entire metal plate that's just behind it. It's not my main computer so I won't put much money into it.
1. Is there another way to make the computer turn on and off? (It has no rear toggle switch).
2. I could replace the entire case for less than the front bezel. Is that possible?
3. If it is, I've never looked for a Pentium case. Is that the same as an ATX case I would use for an AMD system?
4. Any other suggestions. Thanks.

[mjc]

Answer

1. Yes, almost any momentary contact pushbutton switch should do it.

2. Yes....

3. Yes, but with a warning.....Dell is known for using non-standard power connections, so you would have to transfer the power supply too.

4. PM me........

[saphalline]

I seem to remember a keylock device for hot-swappable hard drives, where the key was used to lock the drive into place and to power it up (I think). The device flopped, but someone found an alternative use for it by hot-wiring their power connector wires to the keylock. This lets only the user(s) with a key turn on/off the computer, which is a nice touch, and the device was only like $15 or so. Can't remember the name, tho...

Does thing ring a bell with anyone else?

[Whyzman]

Is this it Saph?

http://www.kingli.com/upgrade_PC.asp?p=CASidmrk

[saphalline]

Hmmm... Looks close enough, Whyzman! :D Yep, item #2 on that list has the "power control keylock". Only $13, too. At that price, it's gotta be one of the cheapest do-it-yourself PC security devices around!

So, Nooyawkah, all you'd have to do is re-wire the power keylock to the power switch cable that attaches to the mobo. A simple cutting & soldering will do, maybe stagger the connections so they don't accidentally touch eachother. And as long as you don't connect a power lead to the device, the fan won't power-up (to keep it quiet).

[JUAN DOS]

saphalline,
The "hotswap" bays are available from computergeeks.com for $7-8.

I use several, but these switches are not momentary, as required for ATX power switch. Maybe you were remembering way back to AT days.

A $1.99 residential doorbell button would suffice re cheap replacement ATX power switch.

Just thought how the keylock could be used as you said. Wire the keylock in series with a working power button.

NYer
If a zero cost solution is required, just connect the "reset" button wiring to the motherboard where the power switch connector was located. Will be no working reset on the PC, but it is the cheapest way to go.

[Whyzman]

I think as mjc mentioned earlier, that a momentary contact switch would do the trick....I see RadioShack in your future! Hehe

Take the broken one out and bring it in for a match....

[saphalline]

You know, you could always just leave the wires exposed and "touch" them everytime you want to turn on your PC! :p That way, you wouldn't have to worry about any more broken switches. :D