I am so mad I can't install the ram I just bought.

I can send it back to Amazon and get a refund, but I want to add more memory to my 4 gigs. I have a stripped screw for the latch that's keeping the ram safe and sound. This screw won't budge. I've tried anything I can think of to unscrew it, but the more I try the more it seems to be tightening.

The screw is completely stripped to the point where I don't think a screw extractor will work. I don't have a drill anyway, so I wouldn't be able to use one. Do you guys have any suggestions at all? I could try to pry it open, but I will never do that to this laptop. It's not its fault that Dell put on some really cheap screws.

 

Try placing a rubber band, thick enough to cover the head of the screw, on the screw. Then try unscrewing with the right size screw driver applying some pressure. I heard and read that it works sometimes, worth a try.

 

Yea, that's how I would do it, the rubber band has a lot of friction so when it offers a lot of grip for your screwdriver on the screw.

 

I've tried that with an older rubber band. Idk, I guess I'll go buy some new ones. Just sick of buying stuff that doesn't work.

 

I am sure you have tried this but pry upwards on the cover while unscrewing as this may get it past the striped part and start the good thread. Works most of the time for me, if not its drill time.

 

screw that bro, if you paid 1500$+ for that m14x, get a dell tech or someone who knows what there doing in there man. Don't rush anything and end up breaking or damaging that machine.

I know from experience, I stripped some screws in my desktops mobo, and it was agonizing. I had no patience and ruined my computer.

That's why I really don't like working with laptops even though I've built desktop gaming computers from scratch anyway.

So yeah, I would get a tech, so if they mess it up atleast dell has to cover it etc.. especially if it's under the warranty still.

 

Another good thing to try that doesn't risk damaging anything by prying etc is to super glue a screwdriver to the head of the screw. Leave for 10 minutes and then unscrew. You will obviously need a replacement screw for the new RAM though. Have used this method successfully more than once. Good luck.

 

Just make sure you have a high quality super glue! Call Dell too and ask for screw replacement. They sent me couple of screws when I ask for it.

 

which part of the screw is stripped? from saying it feels like it's tightening makes me think you can still get a screwdriver in there.

 

Damn, I tried this when a screw was stripped in my motherboard in my gaming desktop.

Never worked, the screw would just loosen up and the glue wouldn't hold it.

I ended up getting glue all over my motherboard too, and I kept slipping and scratched the mobo up.

Disaster. Man, stripped screws suck, I just about went insane when that happened to me.

 

Get a tech in to do it, there fault.