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.