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    I'm screwed.

    Discussion in 'Alienware M11x' started by Aaron95, Aug 28, 2011.

  1. Aaron95

    Aaron95 Notebook Consultant

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    Please pardon the bad pun :eek: Anyways, I was changing out the hard drive on my M11x when I stripped the last screw that holds the drive to the computer. I've tried using a multitude of different screwdrivers and have tried applying an immense amount of force, but the screw won't budge. What's the best way to get the screw out? Can Best Buy (or some place similar) fix it? Thanks for any help in advance!
     
    Aaron95, Aug 28, 2011
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  2. pmassey31545

    pmassey31545 Whats the mission sir?

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    Use a Dremel tool to cut a slot in the top for a flathead screwdriver. But, keep a vacuum close to where you are 'cutting' to keep metal shavings out of the housing. Unless you can get some needle nose pliers or such on it. A machine shop may be your best bet if you are not confident doing it yourself.

    But it'll cost I bet. Good luck!!!
     
    pmassey31545, Aug 28, 2011
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  3. qohelet

    qohelet Senior Member

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    Call dell tech support now. Ask for replacement screws. They'll send you new screws with overnight shipping Just tell them you stripped it because it was too tight.

    I suggest you wait for the screws to arrive before trying to loosen it. This way after you successfully loosen the strip screw you can replace it with new screw right away.

    The rubberband with superglue worked for me when one of my r3 screws got stripped. Good luck!
     
    qohelet, Aug 28, 2011
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  4. DrGoodvibes

    DrGoodvibes Notebook Deity

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    Just as well you wrote that.

    Your idea is much more elegant.

    I was going to suggest drilling the top of the screw off and then lifting the HDD free (Only if the HDD comes out by lifting straight up. Sliding back and forward removes this option) and then get pliers to remove the screw stub.

    I just built a car shed, so I'm thinking VERY industrial.
     
    DrGoodvibes, Aug 28, 2011
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  5. Aaron95

    Aaron95 Notebook Consultant

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    @qohelet By rubber band and super glue you mean...? I did try putting a rubber band between the screwdriver and the screw but it didn't work.
    Also, I almost stripped one of the other screws that connects the HDD and the laptop. As I'm probably gonna have to seal the laptop back up (I need it for school tomorrow), would it be okay to leave that one screw partially loosened? There are three screws on the hard drive, so I think if I leave it partially screwed in it wouldn't fall out of the socket and into the laptop...correct?
     
    Aaron95, Aug 28, 2011
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  6. ajslay

    ajslay Overclocker, PC Builder

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    i was also gonna suggest drilling the screw out with a very tiny drill bit, and to be careful with the amount of pressure you use. i had to do this with my m11x before.
     
    ajslay, Aug 28, 2011
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  7. GNandGS

    GNandGS Notebook Deity

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    Dremel cutting disks vary and some will throw out a LOT of debris. Very unlikely you can control it with a vac.

    If using cutting wheel/dremel I might suggest taping off the area so that only the area being worked is exposed. Having the vac handy is still useful in either case.
     
    GNandGS, Aug 29, 2011
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