Am I screwed (E-Wrecked get in here lol)?

So I have good news and I have badnews...

Good news... The bluetooh chip I ordered worked!

The bad news, I think I may have broke my motherboard in a way

As you know, in order to get to the chip you have to remove the media cover. What I didn't realize is that it was attached so very delicately to the motherboard. When I took it off (and it DOES require some force), I pulled it right off. When I looked at it, I didn't realize what I had done until I was putting it all back together.

I seemed to have pulled the connector right off of the effing motherboard. I didn't realize the wirestrip pulls out and that there were tabs until I looked back over the instructions.

I have no problem calling Gateway, but I think they may have to replace the motherboard which means I may lose this bluetooth chip I hunted for over 2 hours to find. Or they can resolder the points back on and problem solved. I guess I would have to rip this thing back apart again before I send it in.

Does Gateway have advanced RMA? Do I lose everything on my Hard Drive if I RMA it?

Any suggestions? It's not that big of a deal as I am using the laptop right now and the new bluetooth chip works fine . I just had to use a screwdriver and jump start the laptop.

EDIT: I'm just going to do a swap either at best buy under warranty or an advanced RMA via Gateway. Hell, maybe I'll even score a 7801 .

 

That is physical damage...no warranty will cover that unless you bought accidental from BB.

 

Although I will foot the bill if it isn't covered.
I have very clear documentation that the removal of the media cover when removing the keyboard is not CLEARLY documented in the keyboard removal instructions. It is a butchered version of the media cover removal instructions and that's not my fault.

I'm not very worried either way. If Gateway refuses to warranty it, and so does best buy, I'm sure my Amex warranty will work.

Like I said Gateway's own documentation is not clear at all about the tabs and the very light tug should not have pulled the solder out. And upon second look, it appears the only thing holding the pins on was flux not solder.

 

Gateway's documentation is not clear because you doing so voids your warranty.... Good luck with the bill though! (let us know if AMEX covers it)

 

superglue lol

 

How does it void the warranty if the instructions to remove the media cover are well... In the instructions?

 

Because you are not an authorized Gateway repair technician.

 

So by that logic doing anything internal should void your warranty.

 

Yeah, pretty much. Don't give me attitude dude I deal with this day in and day out, I'm trying to tell you what will happen before you get there instead of just listening you want to be a prick go ahead I just won't answer any of your questions.

 

Can you post what bluetooth module you bought and post a pic if you have one of what slot it goes in? I want bluetooth so bad in my 7811

 

Oh well, good thing Gateway is sending me a coffin and fixing my laptop for FREE under WARRANTY then huh?

 

I'll post pictures and make a tutorial when my fixed laptop comes back.

 

bg, see pm

oh..and I tend to agree with BigHops.. warranty covers unexpected failure, not accidental damage..that's what insurance is reserved for.