opening Compaq Presario 5441 case

[ehawk]

Hi,

I have a refurbished Compaq Presario 5441. I would like to add RAM to it. There is a large, molded plastic front end gripping the case. There are also screws securing the case in the back. Looking at it, I am not sure how to open the case, because of this front end. Will it simply slide forward when the rear screws are removed?

Thanks for your help.

[mdwatts]

The problem with Compaqs is that most of their cases for their models are all different. At least the newer ones (EVO's) we are getting at work are a little simplier to open.

Search for the documentation for your Presario model at the Compaq/HP site and you should find instructions on how to open the case.

[ehawk]

I tried to wade through their website...community forums, faqs, even "contact us"...I don't have the serial number in front of me now (at a different computer)..and as it is refurbished and not directly from Compaq/HP, I doubt they would offer any help...even to direct me to an online manual. I also looked under google for many variations of "opening case Compaq Presario 5441" with no luck.

Thanks for your time. I guess it won't hurt to loosen the back screws and see if things become obvious after that.

[ehawk]

I was finally able to post a question at an official Compaq forum. Thanks for your help.

[mdwatts]

I meant in the documentation (manuals - troubleshooting guides etc.)

http://www.compaq.com/athome/support/index.html

[drummerboy195]

just keeps taking screws out untill it falls apart. has always worked for me! :D

[mdwatts]

Originally posted by drummerboy195
just keeps taking screws out untill it falls apart. has always worked for me! :D

Bet you always have lots of extra pieces after you've put it back together. :p

[drummerboy195]

Bet you always have lots of extra pieces after you've put it back together.
the only time when that ever had the potential to cause a problem was when i had to replace a clutch in a 62 international loadstar. when you do that and come up with extra parts, it tends to be rather worrisome!

[sharth]

hehe. I just remember taking apart part of my comp, and then switching cases. then i wondered why my psu wouldn't fit. eventually, we brought it down to a computer guy. I put it in upside down. :D

might be screws on the bottom of the case?

[ehawk]

Thanks for all you help...I did go to the webpage you mentioned...but my queries brought up no hits.....

A person from the online forum at Compaq gave me the following link

http://www.compaq.com/athome/support/msgs/5423-5465/bdcpnts.html

Which is just what I was looking for...nice pictures and everything....

Again...thanks for your help...

[mdwatts]

Glad we could help.

There was nothing at http://www29.compaq.com/falco/doc_result.asp?Model=1378&Os=0 to help?

[ehawk]

But when I go there and attempt to download the user's guide or service and maintenance guide (which sounds like it should have given me the same information), a very small window opens up in the corner of my screen for just a split second and then closes...to quick to even see if it's saying anything....there is a button to download them as pdf files...and I was able to open up a schematic...but somehow am not able to download the pdf files....a specific description of the file only lists it as being 100 bytes long....seems way too short....

[mdwatts]

That's strange as I've never had that happen at Compaq's site.

The window did open and close for a second, but then the pdf downloaded and opened in my browser (Mozilla) and now I'm looking at page 39 Removal and Replacement - Front Bezel.

As long as you got what you needed.

[ehawk]

Ah...I was trying in Galeon, and had problems downloading and opening the pdf file...then I tried Mozilla, and had the same problem....

What seems to be the problem is that I have to DOUBLE CLICK that button to download....that's strange...for any other link, a single click will do....double clicking works in either browser.

thanks again for yet another link.....can see, download, and print it without trouble now...

[ehawk]

The link you gave me goes to the same place provided in the Compaq forum (makes sense)...all the pictures and descriptions are extremely helpful....

[sharth]

and remember, if you can't get it open, we can always supply saws and hammers! :D