I'm about to open up my laptop for the first time...

Ubiquitous · Post by **Ubiquitous** » 2005-09-10 01:59pm

I've had my laptop for a couple of years now and have resisted temptation to open it up and have a look inside. Recently however it has been struggling with new software, so I think it may be upgrade time.

Now, I have never opened up a laptop before. What precautions should I take when doing it? Does the battery need taking out or anything? Should I not do it at all?

Seggybop · Post by **Seggybop** » 2005-09-10 02:23pm

Laptops generally have rather intricate and counterintuitive assembly sequences. I would attempt to get a repair manual/chart of some kind before trying it. Otherwise, it may never go back together exactly like it was again.

Glocksman · Post by **Glocksman** » 2005-09-10 02:44pm

Recent model Dells are actually pretty easy to do because Dell has assembly guides available for download.
I upgraded the processor, hard drive, RAM, and CD ROM in my old Inspiron 1100 without any problems.

As far as other machines go, upgrading the RAM or hard drive can either be pretty easy (if the HD is in a caddy and the RAM is accessable from the bottom) or a pain in the ass (if you have to take out the keyboard and/or display to access them).