Dell Inspiron 17R-N7010 Palm Rest Replacement

Written By: Brandon Lopez (and 7 other contributors)

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Dell Inspiron 17R-N7010 Palm Rest Replacement

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

20 minutes

Introduction

This guide will cover how to replace the palm rest component of a Dell Inspiron 17R-N7010 computer as well as how to access the inner hardware of the laptop including but not limited to the motherboard, fans, and processors.

Before using this guide make sure that the computer is powered off and that you are in a clean and clear workspace where it will be easy to keep track of all parts.

This guide requires basic knowledge of how to use tools like a screwdriver and a spudger. Remember to take your time when using the spudger and to not rush. It may take longer but you will get the job done right if you take your time when attempting this guide.

Tools

Buy these tools

Spudger

$3.99

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Phillips #0 Screwdriver

$5.49

Buy

Parts

No parts specified.

Step 1 Battery

Power off the laptop before continuing disassembly.

Power off the laptop before continuing disassembly.
Flip the laptop over and locate the battery compartment.

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Step 2

To remove the battery, slide both locks away from the center of the battery.

To remove the battery, slide both locks away from the center of the battery.
After a click is heard, the battery can then be pulled out.
To reinstall the battery, slide the battery back into place in the same orientation you had removed it. Push it into place until you hear a click.

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Step 3 Palm Rest

Still looking at the back of the laptop, locate and unscrew the four screws highlighted in green.

Flip the laptop over and open it to view the face of the keyboard.

The keyboard is connected to the laptop by a thin wire marked in blue. To disconnect the keyboard from the laptop, lift up the latch holding the wire in place. This latch is marked in blue.

Still looking at the back of the laptop, locate and unscrew the four screws highlighted in green.
Flip the laptop over and open it to view the face of the keyboard.
The keyboard is connected to the laptop by a thin wire marked in blue. To disconnect the keyboard from the laptop, lift up the latch holding the wire in place. This latch is marked in blue.

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Step 4

Close the laptop and flip it over so that you are viewing the bottom of the laptop.

To remove the back cover, locate and unscrew the two screws marked in green.

Following this, slide the CD drive out in order to locate and access the final three screws, which are marked in red.

Close the laptop and flip it over so that you are viewing the bottom of the laptop.
To remove the back cover, locate and unscrew the two screws marked in green.
Following this, slide the CD drive out in order to locate and access the final three screws, which are marked in red.
Next, remove the three screws marked in red.

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Step 5

This step may be tricky, and might feel like you are breaking the laptop. Following these steps carefully will ensure a safe disassembly of the device without damaging the hardware.

This step may be tricky, and might feel like you are breaking the laptop. Following these steps carefully will ensure a safe disassembly of the device without damaging the hardware.
To safely remove the top cover, insert a spudger underneath the grey surface where the blue circle is shown. Pry upwards with the spudger in order to detach the locks.
Work clockwise starting from the indicated blue circle, inserting the spudger under the grey cover and lifting up in order to detach the locks.

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Step 6

Disconnect the wires circled in green before completely removing the top cover.

Remove the cover to access the inner hardware of the laptop including by not limited to the motherboard, fans, and processors.

Disconnect the wires circled in green before completely removing the top cover.
Remove the cover to access the inner hardware of the laptop including by not limited to the motherboard, fans, and processors.

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