Isn't this laptop pretty old?

The PDF service-manual should show you how to remove/replace it.

Shut-Down and remove run-battery. While laptop is opened-up , maybe blow-it-out with some air . Remove card reader and after blowing it-out ... maybe use some PLASTIC-SAFE contact cleaner on the contacts inside?

Be careful opening old laptop. If you don't know what you are doing, it may never work again.

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@Tesla1856 wrote:

Isn't this laptop pretty old?

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Yes, but it is still useful. I've not been able to find anything that is as cost effective, I'm on a budget.

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@Tesla1856 wrote:

The PDF service-manual should show you how to remove/replace it.

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I don't have a copy of the service manual. Maybe I should have started this topic with the description "looking for service manual for M6800".

But I've just downloaded the owner's manual from the Dell M6800 support website, I didn't realise it had so much detailed service information in it. I thought when I looked before it only had very basic information in it.

Yes, I feel a bit stupid now.

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@Tesla1856 wrote:

Shut-Down and remove run-battery. While laptop is opened-up , maybe blow-it-out with some air . Remove card reader and after blowing it-out ... maybe use some PLASTIC-SAFE contact cleaner on the contacts inside?

Be careful opening old laptop. If you don't know what you are doing, it may never work again.

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Yes, you're right. I'm trying to be careful, which is why I was looking for a guide (or manual) as to how to do the job.

I'll have a good look through the owner's / service manual and have a go once I've found a suitable replacement part.

In addition to Dell's manual, you will find teardown/disassembly videos on-line. These ones seem useful to familiarize yourself with what you need to do:
https://youtu.be/C1ClNc4NdZE
https://youtu.be/4oaBVKXYV-M

Whenever touching components or working inside a computer, wear a grounded wrist strap, also called anti-static wrist strap, ESD wrist strap, or ground bracelet. I know many people do such work without this, but it's a cheap and sensible precaution. Rest the laptop on an anti-static mat or at least a reasonable alternative such as corrugated cardboard.

Hi,

Thanks to everyone who's replied. All comments make sense and are applicable, I think.

I have looked at some videos on YouTube but hadn't found one that covers the audio, I/O, SD card reader board. But now that I've found that that information is in the user manual (whereas I'd been looking for a separate service manual) then I should be OK.

I'm pretty happy working inside the laptop and in an ESD environment.

What I meant by saying that i was looking for a guide was more along the lines of remove this component first, then that component, you don't need to remove the other component. But your comments are valid.

Thanks again for all the help. I'll get a replacement part on order and have a go at swapping it out (after backing up!) and post anything that I find along the way.

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@drdl wrote:

 

0. Yes, but it is still useful. I've not been able to find anything that is as cost effective, I'm on a budget.

1. I'm pretty happy working inside the laptop and in an ESD environment.

2. Yes, I feel a bit stupid now.

3. What I meant by saying that i was looking for a guide was more along the lines of remove this component first, then that component, you don't need to remove the other component. But your comments are valid.

4. and have a go at swapping it out (after backing up!) and post anything that I find along the way.

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0. Yeah, still viable. We bought a new (similar) m6600 for my brother back in the day. 

1. Good

2. It's ok ... now you know.

3. IIRC, the pre-requisite-procedures or "disassembly work-flows" are also documented in the manual.

4. Good idea.