How to Take a Dell 5100 Apart
- 1). Before embarking on a repair or upgrade job on your own, make sure you have backed up all important files and programs. You want to envision the worst-case scenario (something like spilling Coke all over the exposed motherboard). Of course, that won't happen, because you will be using a clean, static-free workspace. Right?
- 2). Turn off the computer and unplug the power supply and all accessories. Take out the battery as well. You can do this by releasing the battery latch on the bottom of the computer and sliding out the battery. Discharge any static electricity you may be carrying by touching a metallic surface (not the computer!).
- 3). Remove the keyboard. Insert the flat-blade screwdriver under the hinge notches below the display and pull up to remove the hinge cover. Remove the screws. Pull the keyboard out slowly and disconnect the flex cable from the system board.
- 4). Remove the EMI shield (the big metal piece under the keyboard). Remove the one screw that's holding in the EMI shield and gently pull it out of the computer base.
- 5). The video card, fan/heat-sink assembly, processor, etc. are now exposed and can be removed by unscrewing the components and disconnecting power cables from the system board. Follow the link in Resources for pictures and component-specific instructions.
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