Changing a display

support.dell.com, enter service tag, choose documentation. The entire service manual for your system is there.

I've replaced numerous displays.  Tips that come to mind:

• Use a Plastic scribe to pry apary the screen panel casing, be careful not to apply too much pressure to avoid breaking the clasps. Avoid using a screw driver to separate the Panel casing.
• Make sure you group the screws together so as not to mix them up.  I "group" them according to the page I'm on, I used to label them so as not to get them confused.
• I use the iGo miniature screwdriver to work on the Dell laptops.  It's amazing how much time it saves you, plus it doesn't strip the screws or over torque them.  You can find it at Radio shack and other stores.  You'll understand once you use it.  The bits are titanium, so they won't get chewed up. It comes with the smaller bit that you need for those smaller screw heads, and the bits store neatly away in the handle.  A "must have" for any pc tech, worth every penny of the $7 :smileyhappy:

Woochman - thanks for your tips.
To: ejn63 - I appreciate your advice, but unfortunately it's a no-go! I am in Australia; I bought the Inspiron 3500 from Dell here, but apparently it was supplied from Japan and machines in the Asia-Pacific area are issued with service tags which are neither recorded nor recognised by the Dell website where the service manuals are available. I had previously encountered this problem when calling Dell's worldwide telephone service. I don't know where the call centre was located, but the service technician could not locate my service tag through his system. My S/T is: T1YBP, Express Service Code: 488 000 05 and DP/N:0004408C-12961-8CT-0456. If you can suggest any way I can crack the system and get to download the manual I'd be very grateful. (BTW why would my 3500 be different from others?)

Message Edited by woochman on 04-22-2005 08:39 AM