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Dell Inspiron 17-3721 Optical Drive Replacement

Introduction

A broken optical drive will prohibit users from reading or loading anything from a disk onto their laptop. This guide will show the steps to replace the optical drive on this device.

What you need

  1. Dell Inspiron 17-3721 Optical Drive Replacement, Keyboard: step 1, image 1 of 2 Dell Inspiron 17-3721 Optical Drive Replacement, Keyboard: step 1, image 2 of 2

    • Use a plastic opening tool or a metal spudger to pry out the tabs on top of the keyboard.

    • After prying the tabs up, carefully pull the keyboard out of the laptop.

    • Use caution when prying the tabs up or lifting the keyboard up, as the plastic material and the strip on the keyboard can easily break.

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  2. Dell Inspiron 17-3721 Optical Drive Replacement: step 2, image 1 of 2 Dell Inspiron 17-3721 Optical Drive Replacement: step 2, image 2 of 2

    • Once the keyboard is lifted, locate the release tab.

    • Using a plastic opening tool or your finger, lift the tab so that it opens .

    • Once the tab is open, the strip on the keyboard can be removed.

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  4. Dell Inspiron 17-3721 Optical Drive Replacement, Optical Drive: step 3, image 1 of 3 Dell Inspiron 17-3721 Optical Drive Replacement, Optical Drive: step 3, image 2 of 3 Dell Inspiron 17-3721 Optical Drive Replacement, Optical Drive: step 3, image 3 of 3

    • Remove the four 6 mm PH1 Philips head screws under the keyboard.

    • Carefully pop off the cover using the plastic opening tools and your hands.

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  5. Dell Inspiron 17-3721 Optical Drive Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 3 Dell Inspiron 17-3721 Optical Drive Replacement: step 4, image 2 of 3 Dell Inspiron 17-3721 Optical Drive Replacement: step 4, image 3 of 3

    • Remove the 4 mm PH1 Philips head screw holding down the optical drive.

    • Use your hand to slide the drive out of the device.

    Edit
Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

One other person completed this guide.

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Kevin Prairie

Member since: 03/20/18

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UMass Dartmouth, Team S5-G3, Peak Spring 2018 Member of UMass Dartmouth, Team S5-G3, Peak Spring 2018

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