Upgrading...need ideas for keeping track of screw lengths on M17x r3

Planning to install memory in the slots under the keyboard, and upgrade the WiFi card this weekend.

It is my understanding that I will encounter a variety of screw lengths in the process of disassembling the machine to get under the keyboard.

I'd like to hear from others who have dealt with this and your technique for keeping track of the different lengths of screws.

Thanks in advance

 

The first few times I took apart a laptop I drew sketches as I went along and taped each screw to the proper location on the sketch. This may not be necessary in your case, with the computers that I've worked on, removing the keyboard or accessing the wifi card did not require much dissassembly. Note that I've never worked on any AW machines so there is a very good chance I have no idea what I'm talking about.

 

As a general rule for any disassembly, whether it be computers, or cars, or anything else, I keep the screws, bolts, or whatever near the part that it held on. In ziploc bags if things get crazy.

 

I do the same, but I'm concerned that a part might be held on by numerous screws of differing lengths. So it may not be enough to keep various length screws together if I don't know exactly which hole it goes into.

 

That sounds like a pretty good idea.

 

It's not a big deal, the only difference is:

1. 5 screws that hold the keyboard frame a little longer;

2. 5 screws that hold the keyboard in place are very tiny;

3. All the other screws are the same size, so does not matter if you mix them up. I have opened all types of alienware systems before... If you get nervous, remember what others told you, draw a small sketch and write down what goes where...

When you open the first time, please be careful with the keyboard frame, it's a bit tide and even when you place it back, on the right down corner (that should be the first time you affix it to the system back), there is an edge glued to the frame. Make sure that goes inside the palmrest and not by mistake leave it sticking out; later on, thinking if you press it down will be okay; it will not, that extra piece of plastic glued to the frame, will open up and start getting damage and the frame will be lifted up from the right / down side (I am not talking about the buttons area, please do not mix them up).

Please be careful and good luck!

 

Thanks for the tip. The RAM delivery has been delayed until Monday, so I'm going to wait until it arrives to open the system up rather than do it twice.