XPS 17 9700 - Removing Back

Bought a 2nd SSD for my new XPS 17. Took all the screws out but the back won't release. The seams are super tight. Have an iFixit tool kit but can't even find a spot to slide the pry tool in. It there a trick to getting the backs off these laptops? Any tips would be appreciated.

I've seen a video on youtube where it looks easy, but he did mention in the video that it was a pain the first time.

Kevin

 

Once all the screws are removed it should pop off. Sadly I haven't opened one myself but the previous XPS laptops were a little difficult the first time. Your ifixit guitar pick or an old gift/credit card should be able to find a small gap to help you pry from.

Let us know how it goes!

 

Tried the iFixit Guitar pick. There’s just no spot where there’s a gap at all. Removed 8 star screws. It is just the matte silver back that lifts off, leaving the shiny aluminum sides with the ports behind, correct. They must have some adhesive under there holding this thing on. Dell support was beyond worthless.

Made a second try today and no luck. Don’t want to scratch up the back. May just send the M.2 back and get an external SSD.

 

So weird, this video shows them opening it pretty easily (although he admits it's the second time):


It's at the 4 minute mark.

My guess is you're being too gentle with it, but I don't want you to scratch it up...

*on edit*
This one shows his initial opening at around the 9 minute mark:

 

Yeah I’ve probably watched that video 20 times. Even noticed that there’s a cut in the video between when he works the tool into the corner, and then lifts the cover off. Vents toward him when he uses the tool, vents aways a second later when he lifts the cover. He does mention the 1st time is a pain getting the cover off an XPS. I’m sure I’m being to gentle, but just don’t see any gaps to “force” a tool into. Wish there was a close up of where he’s prying.

 

I had exactly the same issue when I wanted to upgrade the SSD in my XPS13 9300. I even contacted Support. It would be so easy for them to manufacture it with a small cutout you can insert the pick into. I was about to try with a thin metal screwdriver but was very reluctant to scratch it. I eventually managed it with an iFix pick after about a total of 2 hours working at it! Just keep trying!

 

I guess there're many picks in the iFixit Toolkit. Which pick did you use? My XPS 17 is arriving tomorrow and iFixit toolkit arriving on Tuesday

 

I'm not sure if they have names but I used 3 different types. The guitar pick type was too soft although I used it after I had started to open it. The other two were the credit card and the long one with a flat end. I think it was the credit card one that eventually started to separate the back. I was worried about the long one bending under the pressure of trying to push it between the base and the computer.

 

I was able to fit the iFixit guitar picks into the two unhinged corners and slide them in towards the battery light. Then I was able to slide the Opening tool in and get the case open. Be careful with the screws. They're really soft. I ended up stripping one of them. They use a different size screw on the XPS 17 than on the 13 or 15. So, now I need to wait for someone to start selling replacement screws before I can replace the stripped one.

 

there's a small groove in the bottom center edge where you can stick the pry-tool in, right under the track pad. I used it to pry open my XPS 15.