Organizing Computer Wires

Photo of the wires behind a computer desk.

Computer cords, cables or wires can become an unsightly mess behind you computer desk. Organizing the wires and keeping them from getting tangled can make it easy to swap in new components. This is a guide about organizing computer wires.

Solutions: Organizing Computer Wires

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Mark Computer Cords for Easy Set Up

I am by no means electronically gifted. And any time I have to unplug my computer, then plug it all back in again, I used to invariably have to holler for help! I finally came up with a simple solution.

I turned the tower around so I could get to the back easily. Then I took small pieces of paper and printed bold numbers on each one: 1, 2, 3, etc. I covered each paper with tape (front and back) and then taped a number to each cord close to where it plugs in at. Then on the tower itself, I took a medium-fine permanent magic marker and marked the corresponding number next to where each cord is plugged in.

Now if I replace a piece of equipment (get a new printer for instance) if I can't use the same cord, then I simply mark the new cord in the same way with the same number and plug it into the same place. If I get something new, I mark it the same way.

Or when I get the computer back from being repaired (believe me I threaten the repair shop with their LIVES if they remove my markings!), it only takes me a couple of minutes to hook everything back up! This method has saved me many hours of frustration, tears, and words that the fella down below would blush at!

By Cricketnc from Parkton, NC

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Color Coded Computer Cables

When you unplug your computer as you are revamping a room, or planning to use it in another room, here is a solution to tearing down and setting it back up.

I worked for computer companies and troubleshooting for the customers. Some were not as knowledgeable as others and so they would unplug everything and not know where the cables would go. My solution is to take cheap nail polish and before unplugging the wires color coat the cable and above the plug-in in back of computer with the same color. On the next cable use a different color.

This also is good for reminding you what end goes to computer and the one that goes to printer or fax machine by color coding. Also, if you live in your own home, use this on the plug that the phone system and computer share or fax. You will not have any more problems hooking your own computer up. I have helped several people, including workplaces, with this technique and they loved it!

By cj from Minot, ND

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Storing USB and Computer Cables

I always had cable cords draped over a door knob by my computer (closet). It looked unsightly so I put a hook, large enough to hold my 4 cords, in the closet which houses my computer/desk.

You can also put 1 on the side of your tower or desk by attaching a self stick hook or a Command hook which requires no holes if you don't want to put anything on your wall. Less clutter - less stress.

By Hilary from Yorktown, NY

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Questions

Here are questions related to Organizing Computer Wires.

Organizing Computer and Other Wires

Has anyone got an idea or solution for hiding wires from the computer, printer, phone, lamp, etc. at the computer desk?

By Mona A. from AL/GA Stateline/ Ft Benning, GA

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Most Recent Answer

By K.lee 10/18/2012

I needed this myself so started a board here with 4 ideas. Hope this helps. http://pinterest.com/blueribbonfair/why-did-i-not-think-of-that/

RE: Organizing Computer and Other Wires

Hiding Computer Cords

How do I hide black computer cords on a white desktop? I have them plugged in underneath the desk and hidden, but there are still lots of cords on the desk top plugged into my laptop that look messy. Any suggestions?

By Lois B.

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How can I organize my computer wires?

How can I organize my computer wires?

Debbie from Manchester, NH

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Most Recent Answer

By itzy 11/15/2010

I LOVE the phone cord idea! What a wonderful idea! I use the Velcro reusable ties for everything! For stuff that goes to the camera that I don't use often but need to know where they are. Hubby has a book case that I took over stocked flat box from post office (even a shoe box will work) and I used the lid to create 4 separate sections. Each section I put one cord; one for charger, one for usb and one for the actual camera, then one for the software. Then I slide it on a shelf with the box labeled on what it is. Works great for us.

Hugs and best of luck!

Hiding Computer Cords

By Lois B.

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Use Hair Clips to Organize Computer Wires

Most of us have loads of Computer wires to deal with. I also have a large collection of hair clips, some of which are too tight. So I came up with this idea and it worked. I clipped some of the hair clips around bunches of wires. This makes the wires more visible and less likely to get tangled.

Next up, the wires on my home theater!

If I don't use the hair clips, I may use bright chenille sticks (pipe cleaners).

By Linne Dodds

RE: Use Hair Clips to Organize Computer Wires

I use those "twisties" from bread bags to hold together wound-up computer wires. This is similar to Linne's idea to using pipe cleaners. (06/29/2005)

By Lily

Organizing Computer Cords

We just got a new computer desk and I have a terrible mess of computer cords from the existing computer. It looks like an out of control octopus. Does anyone have a simple way of getting the cables and cords behind the desk? I am worried about unplugging everything and then the computer not working again. I am a computer beginner. Thanks for any help or suggestions.

Mary from Redmond, WA

RE: Organizing Computer Cords

You can use "zip" ties to secure, you can buy then at Walmart. Or just regular string perhaps. They sell covers for the wires. It looks like a long tube. I tried it once but was frustrated because some cords were longer than others and it didn't seem to work right. (05/27/2008)

RE: Organizing Computer Cords

I use bread ties to hold cables next to each other coming out of the back of the computer and then also to roll up the extra so they are under control. (05/27/2008)

By junebug_000

RE: Organizing Computer Cords

Use an old curly phone handset cord. Cut the ends off and just wrap around all the wires together. (05/27/2008)

By Tammie

RE: Organizing Computer Cords

Thanks for the replies so far, but I need to clarify my question. Is there any way that anyone knows of to simplify unplugging and re-plugging in all the cords? The new computer desk is the tall kind with holes in the back wall for the cords. There is a slide out keyboard tray as well. Right now there is a giant mess of cords to the side of the desk and I need to feed those cords through the back and then I will be able to tie them back as you all have suggested. I just am not sure of how to go about setting it all up again and I am worried that it won't work right once I unplug everything. I was looking for some way of identifying the components and cords so I wouldn't get mixed up when it is all apart. There are so many smart people on this site that I thought someone might have a clever way of doing this. Thanks in advance for reading this. Mary (05/28/2008)

RE: Organizing Computer Cords

I use a section of PVC pipe to run the cords through. This keeps them all together and it's much easier to clean the floor around them by simply lifting up the pvc pipe. (05/28/2008)

By petlover

RE: Organizing Computer Cords

I think I know what you are getting at, and I don't think there is really any "simple" way of doing what you're wanting to do, other than maybe labeling them somehow as you unplug them. But, usually, computer cords all only plug into one place, so there really shouldn't be a problem of getting them mixed up. Hope that helps. Renee in TN (05/28/2008)

By firemanswife90

RE: Organizing Computer Cords

When I first started using the computer I had the same concerns you do and was very worried I would hook it up wrong if I unplugged it. So I did this. I got some masking tape and on each cord I put a letter starting with A. I then went to where that particular cord was plugged in on the back of the tower or component and put the corresponding letter where the cord plugged into. In other words...A to A...B to B etc. worked great and got it right every time. Just be sure you get the tape on so it doesn't fall off before you get it back to the right place. I know that Radio Shack sells label for this exact thing or they did, but tape works just fine. Masking tape is easy to remove also if and does no damage to the cords or the computer. Hope this helps. (05/28/2008)

By sunnysideup

RE: Organizing Computer Cords

Hi, I was very computer illiterate a few years ago. I'm still not great but you can look at the ends of the cords and then at the plugs on the computer and see where it goes. They are shaped differently and some are also labeled. You can do it! Just do this when you have a while and aren't rushed. God bless you. (05/28/2008)

By velsgal

RE: Organizing Computer Cords

I have used the cardboard tube from a roll of paper towels to organize cords from TVs, DVD players, game consoles, etc. Keeps them organized and from getting tangled. (07/26/2008)

By Kelly

RE: Organizing Computer Cords

Sunnyside up gave you the answer. Label the cord and the hole it goes into with masking tape using A to A, B to B, etc. method. (11/18/2008)

By PhilW395

Organizing Computer Cords

Like everyone above thirty I have aches and pains. Mine aren't common; I can barely get around after a bout of meningitis. My computer went down, and my friend came over (he's a computer engineer) and fixed it.

When the time came to put it back and boot it up, I took masking tape and marked each cord that went into the tower. Now if I have to move the tower (or clean it), I can easily tell what cord goes where. Computer buffs know what goes where, and so they don't have to think about it. But in tight quarters, it is so easy to re-connect or troubleshoot about what cord may be loose. It worked for this dummy!

By Damaged05170 from Dayton OH

RE: Organizing Computer Cords

Instead of using masking tape, I use the small square plastic stays that close the plastic bread bags. That way when I need to unplug only one chord, I just look for the labeled/color coded plastic tabs. (07/31/2009)

By AmnesiaWes

RE: Organizing Computer Cords

My suggestion does not make a way to organize your computer cords ( as the suggestion replied are great), but my suggestion if you become worried and concerned where the cables are attached, besides labeling them is also to take digital pictures of the cables and where the cables are attached. A picture is worth a thousand words. I take digital pictures of any item (s) that I will disassemble and the reassemble. Electronics, electrical connections, radio inputs and outputs, car parts etc. It sure makes it easier for me. Do all what has been suggested and you will do fine. (08/07/2009)

By Redbeard