Page 3
Step One

Taking it apart

last updated: <8/22/2003>

This is the first step in the procedure; and demonstrates how the laptop is prepared for disassembly, and begin the actual disassembly process.

For this particular laptop, a size 0 Phillips™ screwdriver is recommended. Other models may require a different size or type.

*note: These photographs show the procedure being performed without any special devices or methods used to prevent or reduce the risk of either personal injury or damage to the device; such as safety goggles, electrostatic wrist bands.
It is not the purpose of this website to promote, assure, or condone this or any procedure as being safe or reasonable without the use of such devices or methods. Anyone performing this or any similar procedure is responsible for seeing to the safety needs of and resulting from such a procedure.

Furthermore, on the subject of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD,) and potential damage to computer chips or circuitry: During the past 5 years that I have worked as a computer technician, apart from volatile memory (SIMM / DIMM modules,) I have never needed to use ESD reducing devices, nor known any computer device to fail due to the effects of ESD from handling or use without ESD reducing equipment. This may, in part, be because I live in an area where the average humidity is around 70% - 80%. I understand that increased humidity tends to lower ESD effects, while lower humidity tends to increase this. Anyone deciding to perform this procedure must make their own decisions about the importance of ESD in their environment and the need for special devices or procedures.

(Remember that SIMM / DIMM memory modules / sticks are always extremely susceptible to ESD damage at any humidity, under any environmental conditions, and should always be handled with the utmost care and precaution against damage.)

The first thing that needs to be done, is the removable of any batteries, floppy drives, CD-ROMs, PCMCIA cards, or other removable / swappable components of the laptop. Also the power cord / adapter should be disconnected. One may, or may not want to remove the RAM, depending on personal preference.

If possible, the hard drive should be removed as well.

First the hard drive retaining screw is removed like this:

The hard drive caddy cover is pressed down (towards the bottom of the laptop,) unlocking it.

The hard drive caddy is pulled and slid outwards until it is free from the laptop assembly.

The next thing that needs to be done is the removing of the keyboard. (This particular model)

The keyboard is released from the rest of the assembly by the removal of 7 screws on the bottom of the laptop. These are indicated here by blue arrows:

They are also indicated on the bottom of the laptop by a circle with the letter 'K' inside of it next to the location of each screw.

The keyboard is then lifted upwards and out of the main laptop assembly, except for 2 thin connection cables. The keyboard can then be lain perpendicular to its original position so that these cable's connectors can be accessed.

The larger cable pictured here can be pulled straight up, disconnecting it from the main board.

The retention clip of the smaller cable must be pressed on both sides (in the direction of the cable) gently. It should not be forced, and when open, will still be attached to the main connector, but be moved approximately 1 - 2 mm from its original position.

The cable can then be pulled from the connector.

  1. First Page DIY for free.
  2. Introduction An explanation of what's going on with the laptop.
  3. Step Two Taking it apart, continued.
  4. Step Three Reorienting things just a tad.
  5. Culmination Actually doing the deed.
  6. Afterwards So, now you want your own password.
  7. Extraneous Some unnecessary information about the chip.

Disclaimer

This information is provided as an "At Your Own Risk" procedure. I can not absolutely assure that it is safe for any or all equipment, with any make of materials, or under any or all environmental or working conditions. If you perform this procedure on a product belonging to you or another person, you do so at your own risk and liability. Also you are responsible for taking any safety precautions that may be necessary to protect yourself and the equipment you may be working on, or which may subsequently be affected by this procedure. You are also responsible for any breach of law or contract which would occur by your decision to undertake this procedure.

This information and procedure are not sponsored, endorsed, authorized, or condoned by; and are probably criticized or condemned by any and all of the following: Dell; any of their affiliates; any other manufacturer of laptops, electronic devices or equipment, screwdrivers, or paperclips.

Also; I can not be held liable for any ill effects brought about from natural responses of humor resulting from reading of this site, or its content, regardless of the form of humorous reaction. This shall include but not be limited to: laughing, chuckling, giggling, or snorteling.

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