unable to reinstall processor

I have a first-gen. Inspiron XPS laptop which usually requires two cleanings per year to keep it running optimally. This year I decided to remove the thermal-cooling assembly to make it easier to clean out those heatsinks. In the manual, it says to loosen the four captive screws to remove the assembly and leave the processor in place. However, my processor is glued to the assembly so they both came out together when I pulled up. When I went to reinstall the processor into the ZIF socket, I made sure the ZIF-socket cam screw was in the unlocked position. But since the processor is attached to the cooling assembly, there is no room to lock the ZIF socket with both the processor and assembly in place. Will I have to send my computer to dell or does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks.