This excellent video tutorial created by jRin.net explains how to disassemble a Dell Mini 10v (aka Mini 1011) notebook. With this guide you’ll be able to remove and replace the keyboard, hard drive, internal memory module and even motherboard.

ACCESSING THE HARD DRIVE

In this model the hard drive cannot be accessed through the door on the bottom. The hard drive is mounted under the keyboard. In order to access the replace the hard drive, the keyboard has to be removed first. While removing the keyboard, be very careful with the connector on the motherboard. Instead of using a small screwdriver as the author did, I would suggest using your fingernails.

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In this guide I explain how to disassemble an HP Pavilion dv7 notebook.

To be precise, I’m taking apart an HP Pavilion dv7t-1000 notebook but you should be able to use these instructions for all models in the Pavilion dv7 line.

The guide will show how to access both memory modules and hard drives if you are upgrading the notebook, remove most internal components, access and clean the cooling fan.

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In this post I explain how to remove and replace damaged keyboard in an HP Pavilion dv3500 (dv3000 series) notebook. It’s not difficult and if you are careful enough, you can swap the keyboard in about 10-15 minutes.

It’s possible that my guide fits some other HP Pavilion models in the dv3000 line. If the guide works for you, please mention the notebook model in comments after the post.

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In the following guide I explain how to disassemble HP Pavilion dv6500, dv6600, dv6700, dv6800 notebooks. In this particular case I’m taking apart an HP Pavilion dv6700 notebook.

I believe this guide will work for some other models in the Pavilion dv6000 line.

You can use these instructions for removing and replacing all main notebook components.

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This video has step by step instructions for upgrading memory and hard drive in a Dell XPS M1530 laptop.

Instead of upgrading memory to 2GB (two 1GB modules), I would suggest upgrading it to 4GB (two 2GB modules), it’s the maximum amount of memory you can install into a Dell XPS M1530 laptop.

Both memory slots can be accessed if you remove one cover on the bottom. Dell recommends using DDR2 667MHz PC2-5300 SODIMM memory modules.

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In the following guide I remove the motherboard from a Compaq Presario CQ50 laptop. Also this guide should work for Compaq Presario CQ 60/CQ70 and HP G50/G60/G70 laptops.

If you need replacement parts, you can find them here. Just search by the part name and laptop model.

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In the following guide I explain how to disassemble a Sony Vaio VGN-BX series laptop. In my case, I’m working with a Sony Vaio VGN-BX760 laptop.

You can use this guide for one of the following projects:
1. Removing and replacing the keyboard.
2. Removing and replacing the cooling fan.
3. Removing and replacing the CMOS battery.
4. Removing, replacing or upgrading memory modules in the internal or external slots.
4. Removing and replacing the hard drive and CD/DVD optical drive.

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In this guide I will be taking apart a Sony Vaio VGN-SZ series laptop. In my case I’m working with a Sony Vaio VGN-SZ330p laptop but the guide should work for the entire VGN-SZ line.

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In the following guide I will remove and replace the power board in an Acer TravelMate 3260 series laptop. Most likely my guide will work for some other Acer TravelMate laptops but I don’t know all models. If this guide fits your laptop, please mention the model number in comments after the post.

In Acer TravelMate 3260 laptop power from AC adapter goes to the motherboard through the power board. When the power board goes bad, the laptop stops working at all and appears to be dead. In order to get access and replace the power board we’ll have to disassemble the entire laptop.

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In this guide I remove the motherboard and repair the DC power jack in a Dell Inspiron B130 laptop. You can use same instructions for Dell Inspiron 1300 and Inspiron B120 laptops. All three models have same type of body.

In my case the power jack started failing intermittently. The laptop started switching from AC to battery power on its own. In order to switch it back to the AC power I had to fiddle with the adapter plug and find the right position. I tested the laptop with another adapter and it failed exactly the same way. I came to a conclusion that the DC power jack is not making good contact with the motherboard and has to be repaired.

In Dell Inspiron 1300/B120/B130 laptop the DC power jack is soldered to the motherboard. If the jack is broken, you’ll have to unsolder it and replace with a new jack.

Let’s start removing the motherboard.

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