I got a refurb Studio 1735 from the Dell Outlet a few weeks ago, and I discovered that some of the keys on the number pad don't work reliably.  I emailed tech support and they sent me a replacement keyboard along with a link to some instructions on how to replace it.  Unfortunately, I'm stuck--I can't get the Center Control Cover off.

 

For reference, here is the service manual page on the subject:

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/1735/en/sm/centrcnt.htm

 

Specifically, I'm stuck on step 4: "Ease the center control cover up with a plastic scribe from the back of the computer."

 

The first thing that's got me confused is, step 3 said to open the display as far as it will go, and if I do that, I can't get to the seam between the center control cover and the base of the unit, since the bottom of the screen is in the way.

 

So I closed the screen most of the way, and pried at the seam with a putty knife (I don't have a "plastic scribe").  I can get it up a little bit, but it always snaps right back down.  Does anyone have any hints on (1) the location of whatever snaps are holding the cover on and (2) how to disengage them?

 

(Yes, I did remove the screw in the battery bay.)

 

Or even better, if anyone can point to a video showing this done... I've found several for other models of laptop, but none that resemble the Studio.