How to Take Apart a Dell Inspiron 6000

Taking apart a Dell Inspiron 6000 is a multi-step process due to the several integral parts that must be disconnected, unscrewed and removed. This process requires a working knowledge of where these different parts are located on the Dell machine, and also where the associated screws and latches are located. However, with this information in hand, disassembly of the Inspiron is a manageable process as long as the right tools and safety procedures are taken into account before proceeding.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Anti-static bag
• 2.5mm Phillips screwdriver

1. Power off your Dell Inspiron laptop computer before proceeding.

2. Remove the battery from your Dell Inspiron 6000 before continuing, as a safety precaution. You can locate the outline of the battery on the bottom of the Inspiron laptop, towards the back. It is a horizontal outline, and directly below it is a battery latch. Slide the battery latch to the left and remove the battery.

3. Remove the hard drive. On the 6000 model, you will see the hard drive outline to the right of the battery, near the edge of the computer. Use your 2.5mm Philips screwdriver to remove the two M3x3mm screws that hold the hard drive in place. Then, gently push the hard drive out of the hard drive bay. Place it in an antistatic bag for safe keeping.

4. Find the screw on the bottom of the laptop that has a "lock" icon directly beside it. Remove this screw with your screwdriver. Once removed, it will reveal a metal slab. Push down on this slab while simultaneously pulling the optical drive to remove it.

5. Move the Inspiron screen all the way back so that it is parallel to the keyboard. There is an indentation on the right side of the palm rest, and it is from here that the hinge cover from the keyboard can be removed. Pry upward on this indentation using your screwdriver to pop it loose.

6. Remove the two screws that hold the keyboard to the base of the computer. These screws are M2.5x5mm in size and are revealed once the hinge cover has been removed. Once the screws are removed, grab the keyboard at its edge and gently lift it out until the keyboard cable is revealed, which runs into a cable slot at the base of the Inspiron. Unfasten the cable and then pull out the keyboard.

7. Remove the screen. You will see six plastic nubs arranged across the front of the Inspiron screen--four across the top and two at the bottom. Use your screwdriver to pop these nubs off. Beneath each nub is a screw. Remove each. Then pry the bezel off the LCD screen.

8. Locate the two metal brackets on each side of the screen, now that the bezel is removed. Each will have a couple more screws in them, so remove these. Then, gently pull the screen itself away from the back of the computer and lay it aside.

Resources

• Dell Inspiron 6000 Support