buying male IDE motherboard connector

Hi,

I recently purchased an old Relisys RWT200EM (aka TR3331) thin client. All this machine would do at startup is to show a Windows CE remote desktop client. I am interested to install Windows/Linux on it. However, first thing I need to do is to install the hard disk.

I read **broken link removed** which says that the motherboard can boot from the hard disk, just that a 40-pin IDE male connector has to be soldered onto the motherboard. My local store do not provide it. I checked ebay to no avail. Does anyone know where I can purchase online (free shipping is good) and ship to Singapore?

Also, from the pictures on the website the holes on the motherboard where the IDE header is meant to be placed are free, e.g. soldering can be done easily. However, on my unit, all holes are blocked with a thin layer of solder. Does this indicate anything or can I just remove the blocking solder layer and proceed?

Finally, any soldering advice on the motherboard? So far I only have experience in soldering home-made PCBs for simple electronics and RF circuits such as FM transmitters.

Thanks in advance for any help.

**broken link removed**

The picture is for a connector of the same range but less pins. The description says 40 pins.

You should remove the solder with a solder sucker or braid. It should be quite easy, and the soldering will be easier than with a home made board. Make sure you don't leave any solder bridges.

Thanks for the advice. I will try to get the pin header strip, solder it and see if it works