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    Broken speaker grillz---help!

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by ECKS, May 8, 2011.

  1. ECKS

    ECKS Notebook Prophet

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    Hey all,

    Already posted this in my replacement thread, but it's a bit urgent as I want to return the danged replacement R3 already...

    Does anyone know how to I can dismantle the front of the computer, where the speaker/grills are? As you can see in the picture, I just noticed this today, that my grills are broken, probably due to the fact that the horizontal bar/brace thingamabobber is flexible and can smash in the flimsy grill. I'd like to swap out these grills for the one from the replacement R3.
    (I already looked in the downloadable manual, but couldn't find anything).

    TYIA!
     
    ECKS, May 8, 2011
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  2. Mechanized Menace

    Mechanized Menace Lost in the MYST

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    Replace the palm rest only way.
     
    Mechanized Menace, May 8, 2011
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  3. ECKS

    ECKS Notebook Prophet

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    Ah, okay found it. Soooo many things to remove before getting to the speakers lolz. Tough decision to make now: keep this one with broken grills or actually keep the messed up replacement one. Damn.
     
    ECKS, May 8, 2011
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  4. Mechanized Menace

    Mechanized Menace Lost in the MYST

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    Mechanized Menace, May 8, 2011
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  5. remedy1978

    remedy1978 Notebook Evangelist

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    Dookie, if according to the other NBR members all you need to do is remove the palmrest, that should be pretty easy if you follow the service manual. I swapped my lids/displays and it took about an hour and a half going slow and methodical.
     
    remedy1978, May 8, 2011
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  6. Typecast

    Typecast NBR's Tamed Zombie

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    Aah. I had this issue also from my first r3, A dell tech guy replaced the palmrest. And also the one he replaced has the same issue. Dell/AW is notorious for this issue for the r3's.
     
    Typecast, May 9, 2011
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  7. ECKS

    ECKS Notebook Prophet

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    Man, there's so many steps to rip this thing apart. The display is included in the disassembly lolz. I'll take a look at the replacement unit tomorrow (it's at my gf's house collecting dust). If the other one has broken grills as well, then I guess I'll just leave it be...

    Thx for the link and suggestions fellas, you're the bestest! :)
     
    ECKS, May 9, 2011
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  8. LVNeptune

    LVNeptune Notebook Virtuoso

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    You are having horrible luck. I would recommend in this case to have them come out and replace it but that's jsut me.
     
    LVNeptune, May 9, 2011
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  9. ECKS

    ECKS Notebook Prophet

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    They can do this any time, right? Even if it's cosmetic?

    Coincidentally, the speakers seemed to have gotten quieter ever since the upgrade to SP1 (I uinstalled SP1 yesterday and it's still quieter). So I guess this might qualify for a swticharoo/replacement of speakers?
     
    ECKS, May 9, 2011
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  10. Typecast

    Typecast NBR's Tamed Zombie

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    Windows 7 SP1?
     
    Typecast, May 9, 2011
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  11. simonmpoulton

    simonmpoulton Notebook Deity

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    Whilst is does seem like a lot it is fairly simple to break this system down to that level. I had to do so to install a blu ray burner in mine! If you follow the instructions in the service manual you shouldnt have any issues!
     
    simonmpoulton, May 9, 2011
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  12. BatBoy

    BatBoy Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Not sure what the problem is here as the solution seems rather clear. You mentioned this is a replacement - you have warranty... Call Support and have them deal with it before you make the situation worse. If you conduct any warranty replacement work (i.e. obtain the part from support under warranty and insist on doing the work yourself) and damage is caused, they will not support you any further.

    Bottom line is this -

    There will always be 'horror' stories of on-site repairs going awry... one thing to remember however is that if the on-site tech does in fact cause damage to the system or botches the job, Dell WILL warrant it and resolve it to your satisfaction. Your system is under warranty, use it.

    Call support. Talk to them.

    http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m17x/571959-replacement-r3-coming-tomorrow-what-do.html
     
    BatBoy, May 9, 2011
    #12