HomeThis 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.
If you are looking for a new keyboard, you can search here.
In this Dell Mini 10v notebook there is a SATA hard drive installed. If your hard drive went bad, you can replace it with any other 2.5″ SATA hard drive.
ACCESSING THE MEMORY MODULE
Dell Mini 10v comes with only one memory module installed. Unfortunately, this memory module is hidden deep inside the laptop, under the motherboard. In order to access and replace/upgrade the memory module, it’s not enough to remove the keyboard. The whole motherboard has to be removed.
If your laptop came with 1GB memory module installed, you can remove it and replace with a 2GB memory module.
You can use DDR2 PC2-5300 (DDR2-677) or PC2-6400 (DDR2-800) SODIIM memory modules.
The following video explains how to assemble the same Dell Mini 10v (Mini 1011) notebook back together.
February 24th, 2010 at 11:36 am
Thanks for linking to this video tutorial. A few points: I think he should have removed the wireless card’s two antenna connectors using pliers, not prising up from beneath with a screwdriver.
He should have used a flat plastic tool to prise up the keyboard, not a screwdriver. Screwdrivers can be sharp and can leave marks, or even damage components that you are prising up. I use a Tupperware citrus peeler for opening laptop cases and removing components such as hinge covers, it is made from plastic and has a sharp end, but can’t damage other plastic.
But still a very useful video, thanks!
February 24th, 2010 at 11:41 am
Dan Sebrious,
Thank you for your comments.
Agree. I usually disconnect Wi-Fi antenna cables with fingernails.
As a case cracker I use a guitar pick. It’s made of plastic and strong enough but will not damage the laptop.
March 5th, 2010 at 3:43 pm
I had a big problem with mi mini and i couldnt save my info and i was getting nuts on opening the thing.
Thanks a lot for the video.
March 31st, 2010 at 6:28 am
Thx for the video!
April 7th, 2010 at 5:10 am
Thank you for explaining how to get to the memory, I was not sure how to do it and was becoming a little nervous at the thought of tearing the mini apart. Your video was very informative and has given me the ability to take on the task of installing new memory. Thank you again.
November 29th, 2010 at 12:39 pm
Life saver!!!!
January 15th, 2011 at 8:28 am
Hi there !
Thanks for posting the video.
I just have one question: can I save my data ? Actually my notebook dell mini 10v let me down when I turn on my computer the startup screen freezing, after the logo Dell appear nothing happen. So do you think it’s still possible to save my files or should I buy a new one ?
Please let me know.
Thank you!
January 16th, 2011 at 10:29 pm
Dood,
Yes, you can.
1. You remove the hard drive from the laptop as explained in the video.
2. You install this hard drive into an external USB enclosure and access your data from any other working computer. Read this tutorial: http://www.insidemylaptop.com/recover-files-from-broken-laptop/
January 22nd, 2011 at 11:22 am
Hi !
Thank you so much for the help, I really appreciate it.
I gonna try this.
Once again thank you, you just made my day !
March 10th, 2011 at 4:46 pm
Great.
But I need to replace the screen and he didn’t get to cover remove and replace the screen. I know, I know, he didn’t claim to be covering that ground, but that’s what I wanted to get at.
March 10th, 2011 at 5:48 pm
Alex,
Take a look at this Dell Inspiron 1011 service manual which is published on Dell website:
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins10v/en/sm/index.htm
You’ll find laptop disassembly instructions including LCD screen removal/replacement.
In order to replace the screen, you’ll have to separate the display panel from the laptop base and remove the screen bezel.
June 3rd, 2011 at 7:51 am
Thank you very much. So helpful!
July 19th, 2011 at 6:42 pm
Thanks for the walkthru… a friend came to me crying with her bsod Mini10v “unmountable boot volume”. The drive appears to have eaten itself (heads are shot I think). Going to load her up with an SSD so hopefully it wont do that again.
July 26th, 2011 at 12:24 am
Thank you !!!!
Made my day!!