There is nothing like having the service manual around...

[chrishansenhome]

I've been having trouble with the fan in my Dell Inspiron 8200 laptop. This is the one that I normally use when training, as it's one of those workhorses that usually just keeps on ticking, à la Timex. But the fan started to intermittently sound like a race car gunning its engines, and I discovered that this is endemic to this model. So, I got a new fan from eBay, and decided to install it myself. Here's a picture of someone else's disemboweling of their 8200. Pretty snazzy.

I am absolutely impressed to no end by Dell's service manual. The step-by-step instructions for disassembling and reassembling the computer included a placemat with all the screws indicated by little boxes. You just place the screws on the placemat in the area pertaining to them. Then, when reassembling, you can pick them right out. What a winning idea.

So, don't do this at home if you're still within warranty. However, if you're out of warranty, then go to it if you need to. Lots of fun, girls and boys!

Comments

[pyrzqxgl.livejournal.com]

I've been pleased to see detailed service manuals before, but that bit with the screws sounds really fantastic!

[chrishansenhome.livejournal.com]

I was very pleased with it. Just print out the page and put it on the table next to where you're disassembling the computer. I suppose that professionals have a box with compartments but this worked fine for me.

luvktv

[(Anonymous)]

wow... pretty pretty.. extremely pretty long since the last time i commented!!!

and, cool, your blog design has changed :)

as u may have read, i'm now using google reader to "check on" your blog.. and still figuring how to optimise its features. anyway, i was stunned and worried when you linked to the picture of disemboweling (I checked dictionary.com and realised it has a very serious definition.. and was surprised you used this word) the lappie. I was about to warn you that dismantling the lappie will cause you to lose the warranty.

Phew, then I read that you actually did not proceed =D

oh ya, I saw the millioncount site.. umm wonder what does it do..

Re: luvktv

[chrishansenhome.livejournal.com]

Yes, I took the laptop apart, replaced the fan, then put it back together. It works fine now, and the fans are noiseless.

"Disembowel" when used of inanimate objects, isn't as serious a word as when it's used for animals or people.

As for the warranty, it expired many months ago, if not years. So no warranty to invalidate.