how to remove the base assembly of e6500

the Dell say to remove battery which I did. Then to loosen the M2.5 x 5 mm captured screw (what is that?) Is that the thing that is on right side and is in the "cutout" of the media bay and ejects when pushed (not the media bay). When upside I see a hole on the right side and about half way up. And the last step is to slide the cover away (I am assuming that I remove 5 screws on the cover itself (the 4 on the left and one in the center).

 

You got that information from the service manual right?

1 - captured screw
2 - Rubber feet
3 - Bottom base assembly

 

Theres only one screw to get the base off, the one smack in the middle.

The four hdd screws can stay done up, the base plate has holes so you can see them, but they don't actually hold the base plate down.

You don't need to touch the rubber feet.

The screw near the CD tray is optional, and you can fit one if you'd prefer (like I do) for the CD-ROM to be non-removable. The screw just locks the latch in place.

 

M2.5 is the diameter of the screw, 5mm means the legth

 

One thing to keep in mind is that you have to push the cover down a bit before you push it out. This will unclick the clips.

 

After removing the screw I push my thumb nails into the joint at the back edge of the cover (of the E6400, but similar). This is enough to get it starting to move forwards.

John