Hey everybody. My PC is letting off a odor that smells like nail polish remover...more info:

Yesterday I opened my laptops case to replace a part. Yes, everything was exposed. I encountered a few complications due to it being my first time in there ( guess that made me a virgin, lol ). The only visable problem I can report is that I could not reconnect the ribbon cable for the onboard keyboard. It was a tight stretch in an acqward position. Yes, screws were dropped numerous times but I believe I recovered them all. There was some banging around with the case while I tried positioning it at various angles to reach things. Yes, there was some touching of the board ( not intentional ).

Since all I can really do now is speculate and troubleshoot, I'm looking for help. The computer seems to run fine, but as I say, there is an off/on nail polish smell that seems to get stronger the harder the PC runs.

Questions: How can I figure out if there is a short?

What precautions should I take when working with internal
parts other than trying not to touch them? Latex gloves?
What about grounding?

Anyone know of any good places to purchase ribbon
cable?

A lot, I know. I get worked up when I notice something weird is going on with my PC.

Was the AC power connected or the computer on when you were inside the computer chassis?

If yes, then you could have fried anything.

If no, then you might have pushed some wires next to the power supply or same other heat source.

Suggestion: turn off the computer and disconnect the AC plug.
Wait a minute before opening the computer chassis.
Look around for any burned or off colored wires or components.

Make sure all the connectors are properly seated.

Most computer components today can be touched without any real harm being done.
Older computer components would be static sensative and would require you ware a grounded wristband.

Since you were looking for ribbon cables I figured you should go to a Tigerdirect.com store or order one of these products.

Search Results for ribbon cables at TigerDirect.com

I had the power disconnected. I think the odor will have to remain a delimna for now. It comes and goes and isn't really that strong...but it is noticeable. I am pretty sure it's coming from the PC.

I think I need to take things one step at a time. Before I open this baby up again I want to be able to replace the Ribbon Cable. I'm having a hard time figuring where to get the replacement because it seems to be rare. The Laptop was manufactured in 2005.

The only ways I know to describe it are that it's flat ( obviously ). It is 4" long and 1" wide. It has 26 connection points on each end. It evidently is an IDE connector.

I looked at the ribbons at Tiger, but they were too long or had some form of connectors on the end.

Also, on a laptop, make sure you remove the battery as well
I would like to say it's a bad idea to open up laptops unless you know what you're doing but that would make me a bit of a Benedict Arnold as I did the same thing, so I won't. As for grounding, never work on carpet and always use an anti-static wrist band

With a laptop-- I'd be suspicious of any odor.
Nail polish remover often contains MeK
Methyl-Ketone-- that is not nice stuff.... it is also used in glues/coatings.
Please look a your fan vents-- very small on a laptop... and laptops are more susceptible to heat issues (because eveything's so cramped)-- be sure nothing is blocked/overheating.

OMG and a BIG Thank You for the info. I've been so preoccupied with why that I hadn't thought on possible side effects.

My current understanding is that MEK evaporates quickly and "shouldn't" be the source. But who knows? I'm no chemist. I'll have to error on the side of good judgment and agree that whatever it is cannot be good to absorb in any means.