M1530 - Can't remove Center Control Cover

Hi,

I've scratched mine up a bit and wouldn't mind ordering a replacement, but I wanted to try successfully removing it first before contacting Dell. I've removed the three screws as outlined in the manual, but it won't budge. Is there a particular way of pushing it out, or maybe I need to be more forceful?

Paul

 

From the guide in my Sig.

 

I scratched my keys a bit the first time I took mine off, bottom line use a plastic ruler or something, anyway...

Once you have the three screws at the back taken off, you need to prise up one of the corners on top. basically get something thin and pointed (I used a metal ruler I had) push it into the little gap above the delete key then lever the console up, it does take a bit of force and will snap off. Once you prise a little bit up, stick something under it and prise another bit up and so on and so on..

hope that helps.

 

I have done this a few times, the the way that works for me best, is:

• remove the 3 screws underneath the battery panel
• turn the laptop the right way up, move the screen as far back as it will go (almost a 180 degree angle)
• reach to the ack of the laptop (where the battery used to be) and start prising the cover off from there

It came off pretty easily for me using that method, seemed easier than trying to prise off the glossy black part of it, it just came off with ease whereas trying to prise it off from the keyboard side of things it felt like something was going to break...

When you put it back on give it a firm press all over just to make sure all the clips are home.

Good luck let us know how you get on

 

Thanks for the tips. Much appreciated!

So it's hooked onto the case, and that's why is doesn't come off easily? My concern was that I'd either snap something or tear the ribbon cable if I pushed any harder.

I should add I've only had this laptop a week. The Dell Media Center malfunctioned on the second day, causing the harddrive partition table to be wiped out. Couldn't access the internet to find a solution, so had to low level format just after spending hours setting up a clean install. I've noticed there's a couple of similar stories on here. Madness that this could happen just by using the software

 

Gave it another go today and removed it just fine. New panel is ordered. Thanks for your help

 

Requested a new control cover, but Dell have insisted on sending a whole new M1530. Why can't they just do the part

When the new one arives, I think I'll compare the screens and keep the best one and either swap the panel (old for new) or the hard drive (new for old).

 

i may have a extra control cover for the 1530. i will ahve to look when i get home. its the piece you remove to replace the keyboard right?

 

Hi,

It's the black touch strip with buttons behind the keyboard

 

i think thats what they gave me. from what i remeber the tech telling me is they give it always with a keyboard replacement

 

it is the center console