Comments on: How to take apart Dell Inspiron 1720 or Dell Vostro 1700 laptop

By: Laptop Tech

Laptop Tech — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:11:25 +0000

@ LE,

So I’m asking what size of screwdriver do you use on the keyboard screws? Is it a standard Philips or what?

Most of the time I’m using regular Philips screwdrivers made by Wiha (Germany). Best screwdrivers ever!
I mentioned them here: http://www.insidemylaptop.com/laptop-repair-tools/
I’m using 261/PH1x60 (last one on the picture) about 95% of the time fixing laptops.

By: LE

LE — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:34:33 +0000

I’ll try this again. Your pictures and info look great. I’ve got corrupted memory according to error codes and diagnostics. Using the info from the online Dell Service manual I’ve gotten to the point of removing the keyboard. HOWEVER of the four “M2″ screws the two end ones will not turn. The manual says use a Philips screwdriver BUT does not say what size of Philips screwdriver to use. So I went hunting on the internet in hopes of finding out because if I mess with the one screw too much more it will be toast. I have two computer tool kits from 15+ years ago that supposedly have a 0 and 1 in it and a precision set with a 0 and 1 (labeled) and the ones from the tool kits don’t match the precision ones and none seem to be right. The precision ones are a bit worn. So I’m asking what size of screwdriver do you use on the keyboard screws? Is it a standard Philips or what? (do they make metric ones?). Or are these the other screws that look like Philips but aren’t. Thanks.

By: al

al — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 23:59:24 +0000

i forgot my bios password for dell inspirion 1720 how do i retrive it #4lgszd1-595b

By: Mr.G

Mr.G — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 04:49:47 +0000

I upgraded the memory module under the keyboard (go into BIOS on restart to confirm the upgrade).
On restarting the laptop the 2,w,s,x keys would not work so I removed the keyboard, holding the keyboard on its side I gave those keys a tap, replaced the keyboard and the keys started working OK, but now the 0,-,p,[,;,’,# keys had stopped working.
I had to do the same procedure a couple of times and tap slightly harder to get these keys working.
It seems the keyboard membrame is susceptible to dust ingress, but at least I didn’t have to fork out for a new keyboard.

By: Stuart

Stuart — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 14:17:20 +0000

Superb guide and very easy too follow..i would add a note about the wwan wlan wires..spent ages thinking id forgotten too hook something up on motherboard..then thought..”ohh wwan and lan..duh”.

But great guide and extremely helpfull.

By: Taco Boy

Taco Boy — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 01:33:48 +0000

I have an Inspiron 1720 that had a noisy cooling fan. I purchased a new fan, and following the pictures and captions on this site, it was REALLY EASY to take things apart properly, and to backtrack and put things back together. You saved me the cost of paying someone to install the new fan, and I really appreciate that. Thanks a ton!

By: Relativityboy

Relativityboy — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 02:54:07 +0000

Thanks! T9300 installed!

By: KR

KR — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 05:40:42 +0000

I appreciate the images & instructions. I have a Dell Inspiron 1720 laptop (same as what you depicted). It’s 4 yrs old, running Vista. Apparently I got a virus 2 days ago, because it won’t recognize my passwords (2 password protected accounts). Somone told me to look at my BIOS, and ignorant me, set up a BIOS password. I KNOW the password, but my PC won’t recognize it. So, I’m told to find the J1, J2, J3, J4 pins on the motherboard and move them around to unlock the BIOS password. Disconnecting the CMOS battery didn’t help. My questions is: Must I remove everything you’ve just shown me, to get to these J pins? Thank you, I really miss my PC.

By: KZero

KZero — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 20:17:42 +0000

I was wondering, is it possible to transfer data from a hard drive in the second slot to a hard drive in the first slot? If so, is it possible to do so when the second slot drive has been damaged/stopped working properly (which is why I’m getting the other drive)?

By: Will

Will — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 10:41:39 +0000

Hi, thanks for the great guide. The only Problem I have is that after Putting the laPtoP back together several of the keys no loner work! Is this common ? Could I have damaged the keyboard? thanks!