Page 5
Step Three

Reorienting things just a tad.

last updated: <8/22/2003>


In order to clear the password on the chip, some of the laptop must be put back together. This is because the laptop will need to be powered on during the process. Seeing how easy it was to disassemble, this is not a difficult task.
This page shows how this part of the procedure is done, and the next page is where the real action of actually clearing the password takes place.


First the display screen must be put back on. This can easily be done by holding it in this manner and setting it into its slot.


Then it must be held in place with screws, one on each side as shown in this picture should be sufficient to hold it.


Up to this point we have something that looks like this:


Now the palmrest is be put back on.


The video connector is plugged back in.


And the palmrest connector is also plugged back in.


The keyboard is also reconnected.
The smaller Keyboard cable is slid back into its connector, and is held fast by closing the connector as shown is this picture. The larger cable is then gently pushed back onto its connector.


The keyboard is placed back in its seating, like this:


And finally, this one screw is used to hold the keyboard in place while the work of clearing the password is performed.


Now the laptop is ready to and there is free access to the password chip which is located on the bottom of the motherboard.

Now, you are probably thinking to yourself 'Wait a minute! I just put almost the entire laptop back together! The wascally wabbits that made this thing sure made it difficult to get to that chip!'

OK, so, you're probably not thinking the part about 'Wascally Wabbits'; but, yes, this is somewhat of a study in redundancy. The good news is that it's almost done. Nothing more has to be bought, soldered, or disassembled.


  1. First Page DIY for free.
  2. Introduction An explanation of what's going on with the laptop.
  3. Step One Taking it apart.
  4. Step Two Taking it apart continued.
  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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