SATA and IDE ports can't work at same time in Aspire T140

[bordoni]

Dear friends,
I've got an Aspire T140 that I bought from a friend. It came with an IDE HDD in Primary IDE port, and a CDROM drive that was disconnected. When I try to connect the CDROM in secondary IDE port, the computer simply doesn't start. After reading the user's manual I discovered it only had one IDE port (although it has 2 IDE connectors).
So I decided to buy a SATA HDD in order to leave the IDE port free for the CDROM. That is not working, because no matter port I use, whenever I plug CDROM drive the computer doesnt start.
Does anyone have any idea of what it could be?
Resuming:
IDE HD on PIDE: ok!
SATA HD + CDROM on PIDE: no starting
IDE HD on PIDE + CDROM on SIDE: no starting
SATA HD + CDROM on SIDE: no starting
IDE HD + CDROM on PIDE: no starting

thanks for the help!

 

[bordoni]

Maybe something to do with using 20-pin ATX connector instead of 24-pin. I'm gonna test it tomorrow.

 

[jackhicks1211]

Here’s a structured approach to troubleshoot the issue:

1. Verify IDE and SATA Configuration:

• Check BIOS/UEFI Settings: Enter your system’s BIOS/UEFI setup and make sure both the IDE and SATA controllers are enabled. Verify that the correct mode (IDE, AHCI) is set for the SATA controller.
• Update BIOS/UEFI: Ensure that your BIOS/UEFI firmware is up-to-date, as updates may improve hardware compatibility.

2. Examine IDE Configuration:

• Master/Slave Settings: For IDE devices, you must set the jumpers correctly on the devices. If you have an IDE HDD and CD-ROM on the same IDE cable, one must be set as "Master" and the other as "Slave." Check the jumpers on both devices and ensure they are correctly set.
• Check IDE Cables: Make sure the IDE cables are properly connected and not damaged. Sometimes a faulty or improperly connected cable can cause issues.

3. Test Components Individually:

• Test the CD-ROM Drive Alone: Connect only the CD-ROM drive to the IDE channel and see if the system starts. This can help determine if the issue is with the CD-ROM drive itself.
• Test Different IDE Ports: Try connecting the CD-ROM drive to different IDE ports (if available) and see if the issue persists.

4. Check Power Supply:

• Power Connections: Ensure that the CD-ROM drive has a proper power connection. Sometimes insufficient power supply can cause the system not to boot.

5. SATA Drive Installation:

• SATA Compatibility: Ensure that the SATA hard drive is properly connected and detected by the BIOS/UEFI. Verify that the SATA cables are securely connected.
• Test SATA Drive Alone: If possible, test the SATA drive alone without the CD-ROM drive connected to see if the issue is with the drive or the combination of drives.

6. Look for Hardware Conflicts:

• Conflicting Devices: Ensure there are no hardware conflicts or issues with other components. Sometimes a faulty component can prevent the system from starting.

Summary of Your Scenarios:

• IDE HDD on Primary IDE (PIDE): Working fine.
• SATA HDD + CD-ROM on Primary IDE (PIDE): No start.
• IDE HDD on PIDE + CD-ROM on Secondary IDE (SIDE): No start.
• SATA HDD + CD-ROM on SIDE: No start.
• IDE HDD + CD-ROM on PIDE: No start.

Potential Solutions:

• Reconfigure the IDE Setup: Correct the master/slave jumpers on the IDE devices.
• Update BIOS/UEFI: Check for and install any available updates.
• Test Components Individually: Isolate each component to find the faulty one.

If you follow these steps and still encounter problems, consider seeking assistance from a professional technician, as the issue might be more complex and involve hardware-specific troubleshooting.