Disassembling computers????

**brandondere** · 01-06-2001, 02:05 PM

Can someone help me out, I just recently recieved a Hewlett Packard Vectra VL pentium 2 cpu and I can't figure out how to take it apart. There are no screws, but there is a lock with a key and I dont know what it does. Can someone help me out??

**katnip** · 01-07-2001, 12:59 PM

hmm... Can you post the exact model number of your VL? I am guessing since there are no screws that it is on of the desktop vectras (not a tower). Look on the top edge of the front panel. There might be two lever-like things that you can push down to release the front panel (tilt it forward from the top). Then you can remove the cover by sliding it back a few inches till it stops, then just lift it off. Be carefull when putting the front panel back on. The plastic tabs that secure it are easily mangled.

good luck!
kate

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[This message has been edited by katnip (edited 01-07-2001).]

**jjohnson** · 01-07-2001, 02:05 PM

HP is notorious for this type of system... The only way to open the case is to unlock the lock, which allows the case to slide apart.

I had a few of these systems I needed to do work on before and I didn't have the key to one of them -- so I had to drill out the lock! Bummer because when you do that little bits of metal get all over inside the case; if you decide to take this approach, you need to be sure to clean EVERYTHING before you try to power the computer up. Take all the parts out and blow them off (an air compressor or air-in-a-can works well) Otherwise smoke and flame and other bad things may happen.

--Jason

**dos4who?** · 01-08-2001, 02:41 AM

Did ya get it yet?

I've opened 600 of these. Very sore fingers...

~m

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**Aaron Cake** · 01-08-2001, 09:49 AM

Yeah, I've had to open a bunch of those. There are two latches at the front that must be disengaged, and the case must be unlocked. After that, pull the back up and towards you. It may take some effort, but it will unhitch and slide off.

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